1. Collaborative Hands-on Science
Catherine Spencer
5th Grade Science Teacher
College Preparatory Middle School, San Diego

2. A little about my background…
Master of Arts in Science Education - Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Biology - University of Alabama in Huntsville
Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology - Snead State Jr. College
Research Associate at UAH, Alabama A&M, and Coulter Technology
Teaching Credentials - CSUSM and SDSU
Taught middle and high school levels in San Diego County, grades 5-12
4th year at CPMS – my students average 92.6% proficient/advanced in CST

3. Working Together in my Classroom
The Three C’s – Collaborate, Cooperate, Communicate!
5 table groups of four students.
Hands-on activities minimum once weekly.

4. Lesson Plans: “To infinity and beyond!”
When planning curriculum, I don’t look at the grade, I look at the content. (Houghton Mifflin CA Science books.)
Middle and high school lesson plans taught to 5th grade.
Examples: urinary system model, Universe in a Field, plus today’s activities.
Also: art daily and karaoke music monthly.
Lesson Plans: “To infinity and beyond!”

5. From My Classroom Calendar example:
Science Learning Target - Students will know that 1) the gravitational force of Earth acting on an object near Earth’s surface pulls that object toward the planet’s center, 2) stars and other objects range greatly in their distance from Earth, and 3) similarities and differences in patterns can be used to sort, classify, communicate and analyze simple rates of change for natural phenomena.
Students will: 1. Grade Universe in a Field Lab Report. 2. Perform Sun Test in table groups. 3. Create 2D model of solar system.
HW Your Age on Other Planets.

6. Today: Working with Water (Life, Earth, and Physical Standards)
Diffusion Inquiry Activity – assess diffusion rates of food coloring in water over time.
Water on the Move Game (the “G-word”) – demonstrate knowledge of the water cycle using dice, a written log, and locations on a map.
Molecular Cohesion – design a wire water strider that floats on water to understand molecular cohesion.

7. Diffusion Inquiry Activity
You will:
observe the movement of molecules from areas of high concentration to low concentration by using food coloring in water.
receive a handout with instructions and Petri dish circle for experiments to note diffusion over time.
learn NGSS reference: students will know that matter is transported into, out of, and within systems.
get started!

8. Water on the Move “G-word”
You will:
determine steps of the water cycle by locations labeled on a map, as you visually flow through the cycle collaboratively using dice with locations noted on a written log.
receive two handouts with map and written log where you will demonstrate knowledge of the water cycle as you follow water through the cycle in written form.
know NGSS reference: students will know that 1) winds and clouds in the atmosphere interact with the landforms to determine patterns of weather, and 2) the ocean influences climate.
get started!

9. Molecular Cohesion You will:
view a 2-min video on the "Stroke of the Water Strider."
design a 26-gauge wire water strider that floats on water to understand molecular cohesion and surface tension of water.
receive a handout with written instructions for the development, construction, and carrying ability of a water strider.
know NGSS reference: students will know how to make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
get started!

10. Water Strider Video
Stroke of the Water Strider

11. More Hands-on Lab Activities
Universe in a Field – create a scale model of the universe in an outdoor location, such as a field or parking lot, to visualize spatial relationships of the planets in our solar system. Determine if AUs or light-years are used for distance between each object.
Urinary system model – create a urinary model with kidney beans, yarn (blue & red), spaghetti, marshmallows, and straws, then label using a key and describe each structure. TEKS 10 A&B, 11A Urinary/Excretory System Feedback Systems

12. References
Diffusion Inquiry Activity
Water on the Move 2-Water-on-the-Move.pdf
Wire Water Strider Lesson resources/make-a-wire-critter-that-can-walk-on-water/

13. Contact information
Catherine Spencer
College Preparatory Middle School, San Diego CA
Cell phone:
Class calendar