The Babadook Science

All about sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, yo!

[thebabadookscience]

Alternative Conceptions

When doing the experiments about sedimentary and metamorphic rock, we don’t want students to build misconceptions. Make sure the kids know whats up!

Sedimentary rocks are made in a short period of time?

NO

They are made over thousands even millions of years!

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Rocks are made out of play dough and there is only one way sedimentary and metamorphic rocks can look? 

NO

Show them real world pictures, let them know that its the process not the appearance that makes the rocks metamorphic or sedimentary!

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It’s just a colourful rainbow swirl?

NO

The experiment is a representation! Beyond the Explore phase, emphasise this!

Photo retrieved from - https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/abstract-art-swirl-rainbow-colorful-draw-128822452 

[thebabadookscience]

THE POWER OF WATER!!

Natural disasters such as the recent floods in NSW, show just how powerful water can be. This image shows the rock, dirt and mud that previously held this road in place, eroded away! Off it washes away now as sediment to eventually be part of a new rock formation and on goes the great rock cycle.

Learning about rocks has helped me look at natural disasters from a scientific point of view. AWESOME!!

Image retrieved from Seven News

[thebabadookscience]

Don’t want to learn about rocks? Thats whack...

To keep the whipper snappers interested in learning about sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, there are some things you can to help them know about how much rocks ROCK:

-> Have them involved in the experiment about metamorphic rocks! It might be hot but if you supervise and keep up health and safety practices it’ll be fine

-> Use interesting play dough colours! Help kids who don’t think science is cool learn by getting creative with experiment materials!

-> For students with sensory seeking needs, give them their own play dough that will keep them involved and they can demonstrate their own representation of applying pressure!

-> Visuals! Looking at things is always fun when you’re bored! So give lots of opportunities for students to engage in activities and have a look at what they are investigating!

[thebabadookscience]

Pedagogy - Teaching Notes

While conducting the experiment several teaching lessons where observed.

1. The thickness of the straws - Having the straws a larger thickness would result in a larger sample gathered 

2. Colours of the Playdough - Use bright primary colours compared to dull and neutral colours (Bright colours clearly show when the Playdough was mixed together and when the Playdough was in sections 

3. Size of the water bath - Have a bigger water bath to be able to move the sample easier, we found it hard to move the sample within a small space 

4. Creating holes in the zip lock bag when squashing playdough together -  squish with the palms of your hands not your fingertips - Be mindful and careful 

5. Make sure no air is in the zip lock bag - the air will stop the playdough from submerging into the water bath 

[thebabadookscience]

Time to Rock

Good time management strategies are required in order to meet the educational needs of every student. Preparing the students materials and equipment is a strategy that can be used to manage time wisely in the classroom. This time is then gained back for whole class discussions to deepen students understanding of the CDSU underpinning the scientific activity.

[thebabadookscience]

The Grand Canyon being formed over BILLIONS of years!! Wind and water erosion as it’s best to carve out this natural wonder of the world.

Source: K.Karlstrom & L.Crossey                    B.Satalino/Knowlable Magazine

[thebabadookscience]

It’s Sedimentary, my dear Watson

When teaching the rock cycle to students it is important for their conceptual understanding to know that there is no beginning and end, this process is ongoing. Provide real world examples of this process in action over the years...check out the Grand Canyon!

[thebabadookscience]

In hot water

In order to keep students safe around the hot water bath, there would need to be a temperature control of 50 degrees Celsius.

WHY?

- At 60 degrees celsius it takes 1 second for hot water to cause third degree burns

- At 55 degrees celsius it takes 10 seconds for hot water to cause third degree burns

- At 50 degrees celsius it takes 5 minutes for hot water to cause third degree burns

HOW?

Check with your principal that the school is up to date with the plumbing and drainage act of 2018 which ensures schools have water tempering valves fitted to the water pipeline, resulting in a mix of hot and cold water to a specific temperature limiting the release of water from taps at a maximum of 50 degrees Celsius.

TEACHING - Think of pedagogical strategies in order to teach students the concept of Metamorphic rocks, while keeping them safe from burns and scalds. Modelling the activity, provides a controlled learning environment, while specifying roles to students throughout the explore phase maintains learner engagement.