North Pole Science Lab

Ciara McNearly

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

North Pole Science Lab

Explore states of matter and temperature changes

In this lesson, students will conduct simple science experiments related to winter and the North Pole, fostering curiosity and scientific inquiry. They'll learn about states of matter and temperature changes through hands-on activities. This lesson is important as it encourages scientific thinking and helps students understand fundamental concepts of physical science in a fun and engaging way.

Audience

Achievers (Ages 9-10)

Time

1 hour

Approach

Explore states of matter and temperature changes

Materials

Ice cubes, Salt, Thermometers, Bowls, Spoons, Worksheet: North Pole Science Experiments, and Discussion: States of Matter and Temperature

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion about the North Pole and its cold environment.
Ask students what they know about ice and snow.
Introduce the concept of states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and temperature changes.

Step 2

Experiment 1: Melting Ice

15 mins

Provide each student with a bowl of ice cubes and a thermometer.
Ask them to observe and record the temperature of the ice.
Sprinkle salt on the ice and observe what happens.
Discuss how salt affects the melting point of ice.

Step 3

Experiment 2: Freezing Water

15 mins

Fill a bowl with water and place it in a freezer or outside if it's cold enough.
Predict what will happen to the water over time.
Discuss the process of freezing and how temperature affects it.

Step 4

Discussion and Reflection

10 mins

Use the discussion questions to reflect on the experiments.
Discuss how these experiments relate to the North Pole environment.
Encourage students to share their observations and thoughts.

Step 5

Closure

10 mins

Summarize the key concepts learned about states of matter and temperature changes.
Ask students to complete the worksheet to reinforce their learning.
End with a fun fact about the North Pole or a related topic.

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Worksheet

North Pole Science Experiments Worksheet

This worksheet will help students record their observations and reinforce their understanding of the experiments conducted during the lesson.

What happened to the ice when you added salt?

Think about how the ice changed.

What did you observe about the temperature of the ice before and after adding salt?

Describe what happened to the water when it was placed in the freezer.

How do these experiments relate to the North Pole environment?

Discussion

States of Matter and Temperature

This discussion will help students reflect on the experiments and understand the concepts of states of matter and temperature changes.

What are the three states of matter?

Guide students to identify solid, liquid, and gas.

How does temperature affect the state of matter?

Discuss how heating and cooling can change matter from one state to another.

Why do you think salt makes ice melt faster?

Explore the concept of freezing point depression.

How do these experiments help us understand the North Pole environment?

Relate the experiments to real-world conditions in cold environments.