Average ability level student will benefit from these texts because each book will engage students in the subject of chemistry in a unique way. While textbooks are typically mostly for informational purposes, these texts tie scientific concepts to real-life examples and interesting stories. So, while the average ability level reader may get bored and frustrated with the chemistry text, they will be engaged and intrigued into reading more about the subject in these trade books. Additionally, these books and sites were chosen because they are on or below grade-level in terms of readability, while the normal textbook is on or slightly above grade level readability. Not only will average ability level students benefit from these resources, all students will benefit.
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Gray, T. W., & Mann, N. (2009). The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Element in the Universe. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers.
http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Visual-Exploration-Every-Universe/dp/1579128149/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329684488&sr=8-1
“The Elements: a Visual Exploration of Every Known Element in the Universe” brings to life the whole of the Periodic Table of Elements. Rather than having mere symbols and numbers, “The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Element” utilizes unique, rich photographs of the actual elements. Students are able to actually see what it is that the periodic table cannot show. Additional photography includes pictures of the element at use. For example, “The Elements” shows the uses of zinc to protect steel structures from rusting, or bananas as a supply of potassium. And, this book is not just a picture book, but a source of useful and interesting facts and information related to each element, connecting chemistry to physics, biology, and history. An example is how Rome utilized lead in its plumbing systems, thereby poisoning the society as a whole. With such interesting pictures and information, the elements take on a whole new meaning. It should also be noted, though, that the important scientific information such as protons, neutrons, electrons, density, weight, electronegativity and more is included.
“The Elements” will be utilized in the classroom in a variety of ways. First as students are learning and memorizing the elements of the periodic table, students will be shown a variety of the elements in order to bring meaning to the names and symbols that they are learning. This connection alone will give purpose to the students’ efforts. Furthermore, pictures and descriptions from the book will be used when categorizing elements, such as metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, or the families of the periodic table. The book can facilitate discussion about how and why these groupings were made in the periodic table, and help students make sense of this reasoning. Finally, students will have access to the book in the classroom throughout the chemistry unit. Students will use the book when completing their “Adopt-an-Element” project, where each student researches an element of their choice. Pictures and an abundance of information from this book will get them started in the research of their element. Each element will come to life via the use of “The Elements”.
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Jerome, K. B. (2006). Atomic Universe: The Quest to Discover Radioactivity. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.
Radioactivity is a complex but interesting subject. But many questions arise when studying radioactivity. What exactly is radioactivity? How doe sit work? What role does it play in history and in modern society? Does it only apply to nuclear weapons? “Atomic Universe: The Quest to Discover Radioactivity” addresses each of these questions and more.
First, “Atomic Universe” gives a look into the history of radioactivity. It looks at important steps in radioactive discoveries, and gives a biography on each of the important people inolved, including Dmitry Mendeleyev, Wilhelm Roentgen, and Madam Curie. The full understanding of how radioactive science came to be allows the reader to appreciate and understand where radioactive studies are heading in the future. Addiitonally, the historic background allows any reader the opportunity to understand the science behind radioactivity in chunks, rather than trying to understand it as a whole. As a note, the history involved with Madam Curie makes a nice tie to females in science, which is great for the female students.
The book also pulls readers in by asking though-provoking questions and offering interesting facts. It discusses everything from nuclear energy and nuclear medicine, to nuclear bombs and atomic weapons. And, again, each of these discussions connect to the scienctific concepts as well as the real-world implications. “Atomic Universe” makes the subject of radioacitivty interesting and accessible.
Besides having this book in the classroom as a book that is available for students to check out and read, it will be utilized in a variety of other ways. First, because the book contains many interesting, thought-provoking science questions, the questions can be “stolen” to use in the classroom. On days when discussing atomic structure, the nucleus, radioactivity, and chemical uses, the questions can be used as starters, or as writing prompts. Students can be informed that the qeustions originate from the book, thereby peaking the students’ interest in the book. Furthermore, students will be assigned to read excerpts from the book, whereby they will take a stance based on a topic related to radioactivity. Then students can debate on the current and future topics that are tied to radioactivity in the real world. Finally, female students will be encouraged to read the book as a motivational tool for females to become more interested in scientific study. Due to the controversial content involved when discussing radioactivity, the book will allow for new pathway to engage students in chemistry.
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Sacks, O. W. (2002). Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
“Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood” is a kind of autobiography that is, obviously, based on a true story. Oliver Sacks writes this book from his own perspective, allowing readers to enter into his unique experiences with alchemy, chemistry, and other areas of science.
First of all, Sacks’ book offers excitement and peaks interest, which is something that may be unexpected from a book about science. But, because Sacks grew up in England during World War II, he has engaging stories related to the war and what it was like to live in an area where war was so prominent. For example, he was sent to boarding school for the sole purpose of escaping the bombings fro the war. However, this book is not about World War II.
Both of Sacks’ parents were doctors, placing him in a unique position of having science at his fingerstips. Furthermore, (and this is where the book gets its title) Sacks’ uncle was a light bulb maker who, specifically, made the filament for the bulbs out of tungsten. This is where he was given the opporutnity to learn about various metals and experiment with metals and chemisty on his own. The book brings science to life by revealing the curiousity of a boy as he learns science and applies concepts to his life. It is funny, intriguing, and, to some extent, brings about a kind of “love affair” with science. It is an excellent book for those interested in science or for those just looking for a good story to read.
“Uncle Tungsten” will be used a supplemental tool to use during the metals, nonmetals, and metalloids section of chemistry. Because the book goes into great detail about metals, and, specifically, transition metals, it will allow students to gain a deeper understanding about the importance and uses of these metals. Additionally, it will be a tool to allow students to compare and contrast nonmetals and metalloids to the metals family. The uses can be expanded upon as well.
The real-life experience of Oliver Sacks will allow students to connect to science at a personal level. Rather than thinking that science is merely a list of vocabulary to memorize or concepts to understand, students will see the importance of experimentation and exploration in Sacks’ ventures into alchemy. As students read the book, discussions will arise related to how and why Sacks examined certain concepts, as well as his methods in doing so. Also, as students take the book to read it in more detail, they will hopefully see the beauty and intrigue in science as new things are discovered, rather than just textbook learning. Finally, questions can be pulled related to “Uncle Tungsten” to have students pull from their own personal experiences with curiosity and discovery, allowing students to relate their own lives to the life of Sacks.
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Explore Learning
This website gives students access to, what they call, Gizmos. Gizmos are virtual labs, simulations, and other "hands-on" scientific work zones. Each Gizmo is accompanied by a lab procedure, and explanation of the concepts at work, and assessments. Students are able to complete the labs and take assessments to measure what they learn. Teachers can also setup specific Gizmos for a class and use the assessments for grading opportunities. In either case, students are given the opportunity to learn science in an inquiry-based, exploratory manner.
In the classroom, Gizmos will be chosen that relate specifically to the content of study for that day or week. Students will be given the opportunity to explore the Gizmo on their own, and then complete a virtual lab related to the Gizmo. Students will collect data, analyze results, make conclusions, and apply concepts.
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PhET - Physical Education Technology by University of Colorado at Boulder.
I use this website in the classroom as a tool to help students "see" things that are usually unable to be seen. For example, students can see how molecules change both motion and arrangement during a change of state. Students can explore both physics and chemistry concepts through the simulations, allowing them to discover ideas rather than memorize facts. Additionally, I use lessons to connect these ideas to the scientific concepts and vocabulary associated with them.
Similar to the Explore Learning website, students will utilize the simulations on the Phet website to complete virtual labs that are arranged by the teacher. Since the simulations are based on real chemistry and physics, students can explore the world of chemistry and physics in a controlled environment. Another unique benefit is, with the use of the Interactive Whiteboard, both students and teacher can manipulate the simulations in front of the entire classroom to discuss assignments and complete demonstrations. It is truly an interactive learning tool.
