Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The One With M&M's.

Observations are very important in Science. We make them all time. One of the things I do at the beginning of each year is to help my students become aware of the observations they make throughout every day.

A favorite lab activity that I like to start each year with is M&M Observations. Students work in pairs for this activity. Depending on your class size, you could have students do this individually as well.

Each pair is given a petri dish and is asked to choose two different colored M&M's. This is part of the reason I like to allow students to work in pairs for this particular activity. They can each choose a color.

At this point, we state the question for today's activity. What will happen when we place two different colored M&M in water? Students write down their predictions as I walk around and fill their petri dishes with water.

Students are then instructed to inspect their M&M's to make sure there is a M on each one...or at least something, doesn't have to be the complete the M. If there is nothing there, I replace their M&M.

They then place the two M&M's M side up in opposite sides of the petri dish. All that is left at this point is to wait and watch. I ask students to draw with colored pencils what they are observing. We then talk about what happened and how different colors act differently. One of our favorite observations is that the M comes off and most often floats in the water. That is a big discussion. What in the world is that M made of? I let them make their guesses, but I never tell them. I have only had one student guess correctly in all the times I've done this activity. Their homework for the evening is to research what the M is made of.

I'll go ahead and tell you...it's wax.

It's a fun little activity. If you would like a copy of my lab sheet for this activity, email me and I will be happy to email you a copy.





16 comments:

  1. I just found your blog! I am a middle school math and science teacher too! This seems like a really cool experiment. Would you be able to email it to me?
    KathleenBing@gmail.com

    Kate

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  2. I am also a middle school math and science teacher! I would also love a copy: beckerjm1@me.com Thank you so much!

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  3. I teach 7th grade science too, please send your awesome mm lab sheet! Thanks for sharing your creative ideas! Thanks again!
    Durhamke@friscoisd.org

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  4. I'd love a copy of this! thanks!! melissa6062@gmail.com

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  5. I'll be a new teacher of grade 6 science. I' d love a copy of the lab sheet. Thank you so much septemberteacher@gmail.com

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  6. I would also like a copy of this lab!! tquinn@mainlandregional.net

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  7. If you would please send it to me also. Miriam_catrambone@ccpsnet.net

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  8. I am looking for some great labs for the first week of school and would love to incorporate this one! Could you please send it to me?
    ali.bankston@gmail.com

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  9. I teach 5th grade gifted kids and would love this for the first week of school! ffriedman@tustin.k12.ca.us
    Thanks!!!

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  10. I would love a copy of this! I teach 7th grade science and this would be a great activity for the beginning of the year! Chineye.teems@gmail.com. Thanks a bunch!

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  11. I teach 7th and 8th grade science. I am enjoying your blog and would like a copy of your lab sheet for this great m&m lab idea. Thanks! rrpope22@gmail.com

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  12. Could I also get a copy of your, lab it would be a great first day lab in my grade ten science class. Making observations are do important. My email is gail_garcia@sd33.bc.ca. Thanks

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  13. Hello. Would like a copy of this lab sheet. I teach 3rd grade Science and my students would love to complete this activity on our Freaky Friday (inquiry based experiment. days:)
    Tameka.scott@douglas.k12.ga.us
    Thanks!

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  14. Hi, nice activity. I have seen a different version of this, but I like yours better. I work with future elementary teachers and would love a copy of this activity. Thank you in advance! mrearthsci@gmail.com

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  15. When my students research what the M is made of they found vegetable dye, did you accept this answer? Great activity!

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  16. Could I please have a copy of your M&M Observation Activity? Thanks! curtisl@ghills69.com

    ReplyDelete