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GEMS: Oobleck: What do Scientists Do?

One of the all-time most popular GEMS guides, Oobleck makes a joyful scientist out of every child. Oobleck is a green, oozy substance (from "outer space," in this fictional account) that both begs and eludes description as it initiates students in the nature of inquiry and definition and sparks vigorous debate about its properties. This new GEMS edition is updated and expanded in line with current scientific and educational research, to align with state and national standards, and to take maximum advantage of the full inquiry opportunities in these activities. Students begin by forming small laboratory teams to examine, experiment with, and hypothesize about Oobleck (in truth, a mixture of cornstarch, water, and food coloring), learning and using the scientific vocabulary needed to describe material properties. Students compare what they've done throughout the unit to the work of NASA scientists on the Mars Rover mission. In the second activity, the class holds a scientific convention to discuss experimental findings. Students then turn engineers, and design a spacecraft that can successfully land on an ocean of Oobleck. In the final session, the methods the students used to analyze Oobleck are compared to those of professional scientists. Oobleck is not only a great hands-on experience for all ages, it provides students authentic insight into the real work of scientists.

Important Session Information:

All participants in attendance will receive the GEMS guide: "Oobleck: What Do Scientists Do?"

Registration for this session has ended

Session ID:
93764

Credits Available:
(6) SD or CPE

Fee:
$125.00
Math and Science Fee Service Members - $0.00

Contact Person:
Georgeanna Adams-Molina

Audience:
Teachers, Elementary/Primary, Teachers, Special Education

Date	Time	Location

3/10/2010	9:00 AM - 3:30 PM	Region 6 ESC

Region VI Education Service Center
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