Ms. Vias’ Mystery Science Experiments
As we study water molecules and their interaction with salt, students first made a tiny ocean in ziplock baggies to see what happens with salt in water. Then we removed the water from the salt using evaporation. We poured the water into our class ocean and waited. What is left is our salt flat with all the salt we put into our tiny oceans.
Another exciting Mystery Science experiment includes the aquifer. We created a classroom example as we are learning about where underground water comes from. Using this model, students are using information from maps and other resources to decide where to build a new town that they could dig a well to use as their town’s water resource.
These are both part of a Science unit where students are discovering the role and use of water on our planet. As the unit goes on, students will learn more about how water works with its environment.
At the end of the unit students use evidence from what they have worked on to create a drought prevention kit. They use a model farm they “inherit” to show why this will work to save their farm and protect it in the future.
Coming from a farming community the students’ model farms have personal meaning inspiring curiosity, exploration, innovation and true connection to the world around them.