“Members apply professional knowledge and experience to promote student learning. They use appropriate pedagogy, assessment and evaluation, resources and technology in planning for and responding to the needs of individual students and learning communities. Members refine their professional practice through ongoing inquiry, dialogue and reflection.”
Ontario College of Teachers
Density Towers
In my first practicum, I had the opportunity to design a lab for the grade 8 students that incorporated their knowledge of density, viscosity, and the relationships between fluids of different densities of viscosities. Throughout the unit, we discussed particle theory, and the arrangement and organization of particles in fluids with different densities and viscosities. Before the lab, students were asked to make predictions about the order of the different fluids in the cup, as well as where the solids would fall in the liquids. Then they were able to test these predictions during the experiment. This process exemplified a significant part of my teaching philosophies: allowing students to participate in hands on experiments (catering to different types of learners), and creating inquiry-based learning opportunities.
You can download a copy of the experiment handout and the lesson plan here: