The Cool World of Science

I remember how I learned science when I was in 5th grade. Lots of worksheets and on occasion the class would watch a science film that was checked out from the library. How can I forget that film projector? I was the official "film helper" in my class. And of course, let's not forget the annual dose of science through the school-wide science fair. We really didn't do a whole lot of "hands-on" activities to reinforce scientific concepts back then.

Not so at the Utah State Office of Education. They have developed an online textbook to teach science in 5th grade. And on that site they have posted "Change is happening", an excellent activity to teach physical change. Students are challenged with the following question, "Do you think it is possible to walk through a hole that you cut in a 3X5 card?"

This webpage has a breakdown of what materials are needed and the step-by-step procedure with great photos to reproduce this activity with your 5th grade students. There is even a video of a scientist walking through the 3X5 card. There is even some great prompts to have students reflect what happened with this activity by writing in their science journals.

What a great way to learn about the cool world of science!

Do you teach in Georgia? Well here is the standard and element for this activity to align to the Georgia Performance Standards for 5th grade science:

S5P2 Students will explain the difference between a physical change and a chemical change.
a. Investigate physical changes by separating mixtures and manipulating (cutting, tearing, folding) paper to demonstrate examples of physical change.