The Science Challenge Series Part 2: You Vs. Science
In this on-going, semester class, students explore a new scientific concept each week by attempting a variety of interactive, hands-on STEM experiments, activities or games.
Michael Barr, M.Ed
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(300)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
*Please look under the "Supply List" tab below to find the materials each week. *Feel free to message me with any questions! Schedule: Week of January 23: Carnival Challenges Week of January 30: Surface Tension Week of February 6: Refraction Week of February 13: States of Matter Week of February 20: Adhesion and Cohesion Week of February 27: Solubility Week of March 6: Density Week of March 13: Periodic Table of Elements Week of March 20: Chemical Reactions Week of April 3: Static Electricity Week of April 10: Magnetism Week of April 17: Engineering Challenges *This on-going class is a series of 12 Challenge classes. Each week, we will explore a different scientific topic together, followed by challenges (experiments, activities or mini-games) designed to reinforce the concepts taught in that lesson. *Students who have not completed Part 1 of the Challenge Series are welcome to enroll in this class (Part 2) first. *Students do not need to have attended the prior week's class to participate and understand the topic in the next class. *I ask students to raise their hand on camera or hit the raise hand button on Zoom to talk to the class. At that time, I will open up the student's microphone. I do this in an effort to keep down background noises and to ensure equal talk time and interaction with students. Class Structure: *Please check out the "Learner Supply List" before each class for a full list of needed materials. *In each class, I will begin by greeting each student. We will then begin to explore the concept for that class meeting (see below for a description of these class meetings). I connect with the students' prior knowledge through the use of real-life examples, images and video clips. *Following this, I will explain a series of interactive challenges (experiments, activities or mini-games) designed to reinforce the students' understanding of the concept being studied. Students will complete challenges in a variety of situations using different tools and materials. All classes have a different set of challenges which immediately follow our initial exploration and discussion. *In addition, I will share additional "bonus" challenges and encourage students to attempt these alone or with their family after class ends. Please note, our class will run long depending on student participation and questions during class. If this happens, I will explain the bonus challenges before class ends. If a learner needs to leave class before these explanations, I will send written directions to complete the bonus challenges on their own. As always, send me a message with any questions about challenge directions. *Each student will receive a copy of the directions for all completed challenges (as well as the "bonus" challenges) after each class. *Finally, you are able to withdraw your learner from this on-going class at any time. Please note, that I cannot guarantee to hold a spot to re-enroll your learner. I may have another learner on a waiting list for that class/day/time. This class will cover the following topics (please note the schedule at the top for the week each of these topics will be taught): You vs. Carnivals We will explore the science behind games of chance at carnivals and fairs (basketball shoot-out, ring toss, bottle knock-down, etc.). We will discuss if the games are fair and possible strategies to help customers win the game and a prize. After this, we will attempt game of chance challenges (activities, experiments or games) together, followed by a discussion about how to win each challenge. You vs. Surface Tension We will explore the structure of water molecules and how water molecules create surface tension. We will also discuss real-life examples of surface tension. After this, we will attempt a series of challenges (activities, experiments or games) together, followed by a discussion of the effect of surface tension on the challenges. You vs. Refraction We will explore refraction and discuss real-life examples (sound and light through different mediums). After this, we will attempt a series of challenges (activities, experiments or games) together, followed by a discussion of the effect of refraction on the challenges. You vs. States of Matter We will explore 5 states of matter and discuss real-life examples (quicksand, lightning, stars, etc). After this, we will attempt a series of challenges (activities, experiments or games) together, followed by a discussion of the effect of variables on the challenges. You vs. Adhesion/Cohesion We will explore adhesion and cohesion in different types of matter and discuss real-life examples of each. After this, we will attempt a series of challenges (activities, experiments or games) together, followed by a discussion of the effect of adhesion and cohesion on the challenges. You vs. Solubility We will explore solubility of different types of matter and discuss real-life examples. After this, we will attempt a series of challenges (activities, experiments or games) together, followed by a discussion of the effect of solubility on the challenges. You vs. Density We will explore density and how different variables (temperature, states of matter) effect the density of matter. We will also discuss real-life examples. After this, we will attempt a series of challenges (activities, experiments or games) together, followed by a discussion of the effect of density on the challenges. You vs. The Periodic Table We will discuss the organization of the periodic table of elements. We will also explore real-life examples of elements found in the table. Following this, we will attempt a series of challenges (activities, experiments or games) together discussing the elements used in each challenge and their location on the table. You vs. Chemical Reactions We will explore chemical reactions and discuss real-life examples. After this, we will attempt a series of challenges (activities, experiments or games) together, followed by a discussion of the end results for each reaction attempted in the challenges. You vs. Static Electricity We will explore electricity (current vs. static) and discuss real-life examples. After this, we will attempt a series of challenges (activities, experiments or games) together, followed by a discussion of the effect of static on the challenges. You vs. Magnetism We will explore magnetism, how it works and discuss real-life examples. After this, we will attempt a series of challenges (activities, experiments or games) together, followed by a discussion of the effect of magnetism on the challenges. You vs. Engineering Challenges We will discuss the science of engineering and explore real-life examples of engineering feats. In our challenges, students will be asked to complete an engineering task/challenge using typical household materials. We will discuss the ideas students used after each challenge is complete. *Feel free to message me on Outschool with any questions!
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of scientific concepts through interactive experiments and discussion, while focusing on the role each concept plays in our lives.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students will be using materials for our challenges such as scissors and items found in the kitchen such as salt, corn starch, baking soda and vinegar.
Supply List
You vs. Carnivals (Games of Chance): -3 feet (1 meter) of string -tape -9 cups -small ball (or balled up socks or large paper ball or small stuffed animal) -3 plastic bottles (heavier work better) or 3 cans -large mouth container (yogurt-type tub, empty plastic food container, large mouthed cup) that allows your ball to barely fit through the opening of the container You vs. Water (Surface Tension): -water -2 to 3 feet (1 meter) of string -eye dropper (or medicine dropper or small spoon) -a penny (or other similarly sized coin) -liquid measuring cup with a spout -a cup -a bowl -liquid dish soap You vs. Refraction: -a piece of clear plastic about 3 inches x 3 inches (6cm x 6cm) - (plastic wrap or plastic baggie (sandwich or snack size) or cut a square piece out of a disposable water bottle) -2 pieces of paper -pencil or pen or markers -clear cup (glass or plastic as long as it is transparent) -a non-transparent cup -a coin -water -a flashlight (a stronger light beam works best) -250ml of milk (whole milk or 2% works best) You vs. Quicksand (States of Matter): -cornstarch (1/2 cup or about 250 ml) -water -a cup (to gather the water needed in several challenges) -a spoon -3 to 4 ice cubes -one foot of string (30 cm) -1/4 cup of salt -a small bowl (to hold the ice and some water) -a dry erase marker (EXPO or other brand) -a glass container (or plate or beverage glass) -a 500 ml plastic bottle of clean water (for a bonus challenge not done in class) -2 cups (500ml) of cooking oil (bonus challenge) -food coloring (bonus challenge) -one Alka Seltzer (fizzy aspirin) - this is for a bonus challenge You vs. Adhesion and Cohesion: -2 to 3 snack or sandwich size "Ziploc" style bags -2 or more very sharpened pencils -7 clear cups or glasses -6 paper towel strips (cut a normal sized paper towel piece into 3 strips - the long way and then repeat for 6 strips) -red, yellow and blue food dye -water -white liquid glue (like Elmer's glue) -table salt (1/8 of a cup or about 50 ml) -Bonus Challenge materials (for after class): 2-3 coffee filters, water soluble markers (black and one/two other colors), bowl or cup, water You vs. Solubility: -about 10 pieces of a candy that has a candy coating (like M&M's, Skittles, Jelly Beans, Reese's Pieces, etc.) -1/4 cup or about 50 ml of cooking oil -water -2 clear cups or glasses -a plate that is deep enough to hold about 1/2 inch or 2 cm of water -We will make a mystery mixture from 5 substances and a partner (not the student) will be allowed to use anything they find (salt or sugar or water or oil or flour or ketchup or mustard or anything else). -Bonus Challenge materials (for after class): cotton candy, coffee filter, spoonful of salt/pepper You vs. Density: -half cup (250ml) of cooking oil -an ice cube or two -3 clear cups or glasses -food coloring -water (we'll need very cold and very warm water) -half cup (250 ml) of sugar -spoon or plastic medicine syringe -Bonus Challenges for after class: honey, corn syrup, maple syrup, whole milk, dish soap, water, vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol (ask your adult to help with the rubbing alcohol), diet soda and its regular soda partner (like Coke and Diet Coke) You vs. The Periodic Table: -apple (sliced into 6 to 8 slices) -a plate -3 chemicals from the kitchen (non-toxic)... student's choice (such as vinegar, baking soda, milk, soda, juice, lemon juice, ketchup, etc.) -a bowl -food coloring -dish soap (about 5 drops) -one cup (about 400ml) of milk (not skim) room temperature or warmed up (in a microwave) -one tablespoon (50ml) of vinegar -Bonus Challenge for after class: a highlighter, small needle nose pliers or something similar, clear cup/glass of water You vs. Chemical Reactions: -a raw egg -2 cups or glasses (clear is preferred but necessary) -a cup (250 ml) of vinegar -food coloring -a can of soda -1/4 cup of salt (75 ml) -1/2 cup of Hydrogen Peroxide (125 ml) -1/4 cup of dish soap (liquid) (75 ml) -1 tablespoon of yeast (15 ml) -goggles and rubber/latex gloves if available Bonus Challenge that can be done after class: one cup of sugar (250 ml), 6 tablespoons of butter (90 ml), 1/2 cup (125 ml) of cream or high fat milk, pinch of salt, pot, stove AND 2 cups (500 ml) of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of baking soda (30 ml), pot, stove You vs. Static Electricity: -a balloon (filled up with CO2 from your lungs) and tied (you can also substitute a piece of plastic like a ruler or PVC pipe instead of the balloon) -two pieces of paper -a plastic bag (a grocery bag or plastic wrap or sandwich bag) -scissors -tape -a piece of wool (or cotton towel) like a hat, scarf, etc. - we will try to use our hair to charge the balloon first, but the wool or cotton are good back-ups -Bonus Challenge that can be done after class: filled balloon, dish soap, plate, water, straw, empty soda can, aluminum foil, empty/dry disposable water bottle, couple of pinches of salt and pepper You vs. Magnetism: -magnets of any size - stronger ones will work better if you have them (you can also combine same-sized magnets to make them stronger) -2 paper clips (small will work better) -a piece of paper -scissors -2 grapes (you can substitute with 2 apples or 2 kiwis or other fruit types) -a stick that will connect the two grapes or fruit (a rigid straw, a toothpick, a double sharpened pencil or a shish kabob skewer, etc.) -thread or string (2 feet or 1/2 a meter) Bonus Challenge that can be done after class: -2 empty soda cans (or substitute 2 objects of similar height) -a ruler (or you can substitute a small pack of Post-it type notes or a small stack of index cards) -4 or more coins that are attracted to a magnet (many Canadian coins or some British coins are) - you can substitute large paper clips You vs. Engineering Challenges: -3 raw eggs -paper (printer style paper (5 to 10 sheets)) -various items to do some engineering (such as plastic bags, paper towel, wash cloths, foam padding, straws, legos, toothpicks, aluminum foil, etc.) - you will have time to gather these before the challenge, but you can have a supply ready ahead of time if you wish -larger Ziploc style bag (quart or gallon size, but sandwich size may work if that is all you have available) -disposable gloves (not necessary, but these will make one challenge less messy) -tape -small coins (pennies will work) - at least 20 to 30 Bonus Challenge that can be done after class: -A box of straws and stronger tape (painter tape will work)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
5.0
300reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University
I used these challenges throughout my teaching career to teach a variety of scientific concepts. The students were excited to do the challenges and this helped them to retain these concepts.Reviews
Live Group Class
$16
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 79 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-11
2-8 learners per class
