Rationale for Science Demonstration

Context

I completed this project in partial fulfillment of my science methods class during my block II semester at Appalachian State University for Dr. Goodman.  For the project I was required choose a demonstration, research the science behind the demonstration, and perform the demonstration in front a group of students.  I chose a demonstration called invisible ink which dealt with chemical changes.  The demonstration was designed specifically for second grade and questions were developed to be asked during the demonstration.  I performed the demonstration in front  of my science methods class and made adjustments based on their comments.  Once I adjusted the demonstration, on March 21, 2006, I performed the demonstration in front of a group of ESL students who were part of the Fifth Dimension after school program at Appalachian State University. 

Impact

Through the demonstration the students were exposed to physical science first hand in a fun activity.  The students were asked critical thinking questions to encourage their comprehension of chemical changes.  The students also built an understanding of changes in properties by watching the chemical change occur when heat was applied to the paper causing the ink to appear (S 3.02).

Alignment

Standard 3, indicator 2 - I met this indicator by incorporating changes in matter into the demonstration to give examples of chemical and physical changes.  Through the demonstration students also learned that different factors can cause chemical reactions, in the case of the invisible ink, heat was the factor causing the change.

Standard 10- I met this standard by questioning the students during the presentation of the demonstration.  Students were asked questions which required them to make predictions and synthesize  to help develop the concept of a chemical change.

Standard 17, indicator 4- I met this indicator by modeling how to safely apply heat and watching the students proximity to the iron during my demonstration.