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Hi Cecilia,

I was wondering what grade level you are working with. If it is 5th grade which is where the standards would deal with mixtures I have lots of ideas. I will wait to hear back from you.

Kathy

Ms. Renfrew, 

I am working with third grade and the standard for my lesson is 'The student is expected to explore and recognize that a mixture is created when two materials are combined such as gravel and sand and metal and plastic paper clips.'

Cecilia

Here is my full lesson plan rough draft:

Attachments

Cecilia_Gutierrez_5E_Lesson_Plan.docx (0.03 Mb)

If your students are hikers and have had previous experience eating trail mix snacks, then reading a book about hiking for engagement could lead to a discussion about mixtures. But unless you know this about the class, an engagement more directly about a mixture could be more effective. Also—does your school allow food, other than student lunches, to be used in teaching?

How will you elicit students’ prior knowledge?

What mixtures are common in your students’ everyday life? A loose change jar, breakfast cereal, or a bag of hair clips and ties?

If no student has allergies to nuts, students could observe and sort a spoonful of a bird seed mixture as you read a short book about birds such as Collard and Brickman’s book, Beaks!

The paper clip activity will build on the engagement by giving them the opportunity to see how a tool makes the process of separation much easier.

I look forward to Kathy Renfrew’s ideas and those of other student teachers and preservice teachers!

Best wishes, Peggy

Ms. Ashbrook,

For my engagement, I read a book about hiking and afterwards ask students about what snacks people may take during a hike. This is used to gear the conversation towards trail mix and making their own. During Elaborate students complete a second activity in which they create a mixture using plastic and metal paper clips. Then they are supposed to find a way to separate their mixture (they will be given a magnet). 

Thank you,
Cecilia