5th Grade Science Unit on Atoms & Molecules

Underneath my subject static pages here on my blog, I have just completed a science unit on atoms & molecules.

I've been focusing on making sure that these unit pages are full of information that I can use to assist in my own planning, and making sure that it's a service to other teachers. There are links to the content, some activities, many pdf documents that are freely available for printing, and some great videos that I use in this unit. Let me know if you have any other suggestions.

SCIENCE UNIT: ATOMS & MOLECULES

Teaching the Tiny World of Atoms and Molecules Using Zoom, the Picture Book

Zoom, by Istvan Banyai, is a great picture book that teaches students the concept of zooming. Many reading teachers use it as a simple activity in which students look at the concept of moving into a picture, and it induces some neat discussions, even in smaller kids. I use this book in science, when teaching about atoms and molecules. I normally use it during my initial lesson, as it shows simply the concept of objects within objects. I have my students view the book, then make their own "zoom book" afterwards, using a simple flip book made out of three sheets of construction paper folded into fourths, cut, and stapled together.

If you don't have access to the book, you're in luck, because you can view the entire book HERE on Slideshare or at the bottom of this post. Trust me, it's great stuff. Take a look!

Zoom

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An Introduction To the Human Brain

I always like to start out the school year by teaching my students a little bit about the human brain. It's good to know what's going on in your own head, in a way, it might even make you a better learner. Over the course of the school year, we will talk about cells, the brain, and how the human body works. We will also discuss learning styles, and how each particular brain is different.

• First, we will start off by learning a little bit about the human brain. So CLICK HERE to read about the Control Centers of the brain. 
• Next up, it's time to make a model of the human brain using a fun potato flake mixture. (for you teachers out there wondering what this looks like, here's the recipe:

1.5 cups instant potato flakes
2.5 cups hot water
2 cups clean sand (can be found at home building stores or landscaping stores)
1 gallon Ziploc bag
Place all the ingredients into the Ziploc bag and combine thoroughly. You can squish the mixture around with your hands or you can use a spoon to stir it. After mixing completely, the bag should weigh about three pounds and have the consistency of a real brain.

• Here are a few videos (a TED Talk video that maps the brain, and a video with cool facts about the brain):

A Map of the Brain:

 10 Amazing Facts About the Brain:

Now, we're ready to take a closer look at how our own brains work.

Take the Edutopia Learning Style Quiz to find out how you learn best.

Here's my results, we'll take the time to discuss in class what this means: