Funded Sep 24, 2017Due to the generous donations, my students are able to use magnets to show the speed and spacing of molecules on the board in the classroom. This visual aid has helped all my students understand the abstract concept of matter and it's interactions by being able to physically see and move the magnets around. I have also used the magnetic tape to post terms, motion lines, and arrows on the board so students have even more visuals of how molecular movement and spacing changes due to phase changes. The magnetic tape along with the magnets have done wonders in helping students visualize molecules.
The stress balls have also really helped the dynamics of the classroom. Students who are extra fidgety borrow a stress ball to quietly work with as they complete assignments. This has helped students to stay focused and also is looked at as a reward by my classes and not something "weird" that has to be pointed out. The stress balls are a big success and will continue to be used throughout the year and years beyond.
My magnets and magnetic tape will continue to be used as we go through Phase changes. My students are currently learning about condensation. After condensation, the magnets and magnetic tape will be used to demonstrate freezing, deposition, and melting. (They have already learned sublimation and evaporation) After their unit test in phases of matter, the magnets will be used to demonstrate the parts of an atom and chemical reactions.
My students and I are excited to continue using these generous gifts!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bates