Fun and Games in Science Classrooms Leah Licayan Salvaleon Former Science Education Specialist UP National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development

Games as a Context for Learning Science Nature of “game” Indoor vs. Outdoor ‘problem-solving’ type = Science Olympics Events Motivational games

Problem Solving??? A teaching strategy that : requires students to find technological or scientific solutions to problems; encourage students to become active participants in the learning process

Problem Solving Demonstrates application of scientific concepts & reinforces those concepts Challenges more able students to find different solutions Helps students connect scientific ideas, technology and everyday life Develops group skills, e.g. communication, cooperation, tolerance, etc. Actively involves students in the learning process

Construction Emphasis is on using scientific ideas in designing and constructing an effective object. Students have to design and make objects (a working model, a measuring instrument, a useful piece of technology. Kinds of Problem-Solving Activities

Some Eggciting Problem Solving Activities Dropping Eggsactly PS Type: Construction Task: Design a container that will protect a raw egg when dropped from a height of at least 10 m given the following materials: 1 raw egg 1 piece newspaper 1 m string 1 sticky tape

Problem Solving Activities Naked Egg Drop Design and construct a freestanding egg catching device that can prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from increasing heights. –50 pcs tongue depressor –5 sheets of newspaper –1 glue

Discovery Emphasis is on thinking creatively and laterally towards a solution rather than constructing objects. Students have to “discover” a scientific principle in everyday context in order to solve a particular problem. Students may ‘invent’ a method or measurement protocol. Kinds of Problem-Solving Activities

Problem Solving Activities Liquid Rainbow Your team will be given 5 different colorless liquids. You are to find out how these liquids can be arranged in a test tube to form a liquid rainbow. Your task is to determine which food color will be added to which liquid sample. You will need to make certain measurements and/or experiments before adding colors because you will only be given one set of the colorless liquids.

Testing Emphasis is on using a technique correctly and carrying out a controlled investigation. Students have to use techniques they have learned in science to answer questions met in everyday life. Kinds of Problem-Solving Activities

Problem Solving Activity Mission: Footwear and Friction To choose from among the footwear (shoes & sandals) of your team mates, the best pair of shoes to recommend to the local government. Your recommendation must be supported by a scientific test (an experiment). In that experiment, your team should test at least three pairs of shoes three different school surfaces How you conduct the experiment is totally up to your team. Consult your teacher or Parent adviser. Remember, your team will earn a maximum of 30 points for the scientific test you will plan and carry out.

The Amoeba Race Nucleus – ‘commands’ movement (1) Protoplasm – ‘facilitates’ movement by flowing wherever the pseudopods take it. (2-3 blindfolded members) Cell membrane – prevents material from spilling out; screens materials coming in (group members with interlocking arms)

Problem Solving Activity Tallest Tower Boom Design and construct a tower boom from cardboard and sticky tape. The boom shall be mounted at the edge of a table and must extend both a horizontal and a vertical distance from the table. It must be able to support the weight of 10 P5 coins for at least 5 minutes. [Sticky tape may be used to fix the tower boom to the table]

Problem Solving Activity Egg Catcher Design and construct a freestanding egg catching device that can prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from increasing heights using the following materials. 10 barbecue sticks 1 roll yarn 5 sheets of newspaper 1 roll sticky tape

Egg Armor Design and construct a device (egg armor) that keeps an egg from breaking when a 5-N load drops on the armor from a height of 5 m.