In the past, we learned that all living things are made of cells and observed animal and plant cells under microscopes. This week, we will focus on how all living and nonliving things are made of matter (background knowledge). The building blocks of matter are called atoms. Later in the spring when we focus on living things, we will connect this learning back to cells. :)
The ultimate goal of the "flipped classroom" homework was for the children to learn and extend the lessons to the point that they were ready to "flip teaching"! It happened already! A challenge was posted on the "Interactive Learning" page. :) Enjoy!
Check for understanding and learning at home:
(I gave you some answers in case it is deep in your background knowledge. ;) )
??? How is the Periodic Table of Elements organized? (in vertical groups based on the properties/ ex: noble gases are the far right hand column and the alkali metals are the far left hand column - - - No, your child does not know all of that but he/she does know it is in vertical groups ;) )
??? Which side shows the elements that are most reactive? (far left vertical columns) least reactive? (far right vertical columns)
??? What is the atomic symbol/element for . . .
H (hydrogen), He (helium), C (carbon), N (nitrogen), O (oxygen), Ne (neon), Na (sodium), Al (aluminum), Si (silicon), P (phosphorus), S (sulfur), Cl (chlorine), Ca (calcium), Ti (titanium), Fe (iron), Ni (nickel), Cu (copper), Ag (silver), Au (gold), Cf (Californium :) ), Es (Einsteinium ;) )
??? What is that number in the top corner of each atomic symbol on the table of elements? What does it tell you? (atomic number = number of protons / number of protons = number of electrons)
Next week, we will apply our math standards to chemistry. Since we've been working on subtraction and rounding for months, your child will learn how to round then approximate the number of neutrons in the elements we've been focusing on (list above).
Do you want to extend this learning at home in an easy way AND reinforce eating healthy foods or taking vitamins?
- Take out a bottle of vitamins. Identify the minerals included. Discuss.
- Take out a package from the cupboard. Identify the ingredients. Make connections to what we are learning. Discuss the ingredients to "feed" your child some background vocabulary and chemistry language. We will build on this in class.
