Title: Eureka! Causal Thinking about Molecules an

This article presents a unit designed to help students to visualize a rather complex process, that of how things mix based on molecular motion at the nano-scale. Much of the article referenc... See More

This article presents a unit designed to help students to visualize a rather complex process, that of how things mix based on molecular motion at the nano-scale. Much of the article references online resources available at the Science Scope site http://www.nsta.org/middleschool/connections.aspx . The article makes assumptions concerning the ability of students to interact politely as "scientists" at the time this lesson is presented, and if that is something in which the students in a class still need additional training, anticipate this unit lasting a little longer than described. For classes that are already familiar with acting like a scientific community and with CER, this article has all the information to allow you to apply it. For those who are just starting out, leave time in your schedule to teach those concepts and consider teaching this unit because this is an excellent lesson combining digital simulations to student hands-on experiences and conversations!