The Great Unexpected that Truly Matters

I happened to take my students to the computer lab today to test a website for an issue we have been having. I had students log into Google classroom and click the link I had sent to them. All students found themselves on a webpage about states of matter, which happens to be our next science topic.

I randomly asked how many states of matter there were. Students gave me answers that ranged from 3 to 7. I suggested they read the article to figure out how many states of matter existed. Many were shocked to find out there was more than solids, liquids, and gases. Students were engrossed in conversations with peers, asking questions about plasma and Bose-Einstein condensates. I mentioned our science book discussed three states of matter and does not have the most current information in it. Students asked more questions, their curiosities filling the media center.  

Then an idea hit me like a ton of bricks. I explained that our next science unit is states of matter, and they are going to drive the learning. They were tasked with sending me an email that listed questions, activities, or ideas they had about states of matter. I wanted to know what they wanted to learn and how they wanted to learn it. Students excitedly began typing away, but many were unsure of what goes into sending an email. We had a quick talk about including a subject, a greeting, and a closing.

As messages began to flood my inbox, I quickly saw the ingenuity and dynamic thinking these 5^th graders had. We are all excited to learn and discover states of matter as a classroom community. One of my students commented that we went to the lab to test a website and learned more about states of matter than they ever imagined and how to send an email.

If anyone wants to know what we will be covering read on. Here are the ideas of some 5^th graders who understand the power of growth, self directed learning, and making discoveries. We will be using all of their ideas to cover our states of matter unit. This will truly be an empowering science study, and I am okay with having no idea where it will take us!

Mia: Could a solid turn into a gas, and then a liquid?

Olivia: I would really like to know what would happen if you combined some states of matter.

Angela: We should see what happens when plasma and solids do when they go together. What does it make?

Ben: Hello quick question Can we make up our own element and describe its proprieties, what it does, etc for a project.  Please.  Thank you 

Zach:  I think we should try to find gas and plasma together. It would be fun to see what it would become.

Vivian: I am wondering can you touch Bose Eisenstein matter? or is it gas?

Owen: I think we should see what happens if we put gas and plasma liquid together.

Hayden: I'm wondering how scientists find and discover the new kinds of matter.

Samantha: I've barley even heard of plasma before and I am wondering how it works. It says if you add energy to gases it turns to plasma. Is there another way to get plasma? If you add energy to plasma, what will happen? I am very interested in this new matter I just found out about!

Addy: I am wondering why all the states of matter turn into each other? I am also wondering if we can do a breakout edu based on the states of matter.

Grace: I was thinking that we could do a states of matter scavenger hunt. Like finding 3 things that are solid, 3 things that are liquid, etc.

Mallory: I think there is over a million states of matter because i looked on wiki and i saw all different things and I was like OHH MA GAAHH. There are 5 main states of matter but there is so much more to discover!

Addison:   I think we should talk about Fermionic Condensate. I wonder why lots of people don't know about it. How is it related to Bose-Einstein Condensate? Can we try and make something that is Fermionic?

Alex: What happens when you put liquid nitrogen in a vacuum chamber?

Taylor: As you know today we talked about matter in the computer lab. I am wondering how many states of matter there really are. I am also not sure what Bose Einstein Condense is exactly. I am so anxious to learn all about our upcoming science lab lessons. An activity that we could do would be to fill a paper bag with air so we can see that there is a type of gas inside.

Lachlan: Can we learn about the state of matter: Gross–Pitaevskii?

Akshaya: Are there more than five states of matter?

Annie: is there a 6th state of matter? I was also wonder if Bose Einstien  condensate  is everywhere and  we just can’t see it? Can you make anything out of plasma? Where would you find plasma and Bose Einstein condensate? What does plasma or Bose Einstein condensate feel like? Can we play that game like the game with when you roll the die and depending on what you roll, you go to a different place but with matter?

Ewan: Can we make ooblec and put it in ice water?

Yei: I think there are 5 states of matter because I looked it up in Google. I would like to know more about this.

Preston: There are 5 known matter - Solid, Liquid, Gasses, Plasma, and Condensates!

Jake:  How do scientist know what is states of matter?

Giving Students A Voice

I hopped on the #flipgridfever train last year, seeing such value for various learners when using it as a tool to enhance instruction. This year I have gone on a Flipgrid Odyssey, trying new ways of doing things. Students left notes for parents on a Flipgrid for curriculum night, and their parents were asked to give a message to their child. Our math specialist happened to come into the room as parents were filming themselves and shortly left, commenting how actively engaged the parents were in the process.

Students have discussed theme of stories, held a book talk for the Global Read Aloud with a fifth grade class in Michigan, and discussed teams and challenges of baseball players after reading Satchel Paige. I can easily tell who understands concepts and who needs more support based on listening to a student’s Flipgrid.

Creating authentic learning experiences for students where they can break down the walls of the classroom is something I strive to do. The other day on Twitter I was sharing student thinking about our most recent read aloud book, The Insignificant Life of a Cactus and the movie we saw on a field trip. If you have loved Wonder, Fish in a Tree or those cult classic movies The Goonies or Heavyweights then this book will sweep you into a world where life lessons rule the roost.

Students are brought into a story of someone who is different from them, teaching compassion and empathy for others. We see the protagonist build her confidence and develop friendships when many might have written her off. There is mystery, excitement, and humor written throughout the pages. The author of the book, Dusti Bowling, liked many of the student tweets. She then asked if we would be interested in a Skype class visit, and of course I jumped at the chance to organize this for our students.

I asked students to create a Flipgrid in preparation for our talk with Dusti Bowling. Students were asked to talk about life lessons they learned through the pages of the book. Watching the short clips tonight made me realize the power of connecting with others. Students talked directly to the author, and they were proud to share their thinking. They had a purpose, sharing their thinking with the writer. 

Two years ago I could not image this to be possible. I am glad I discovered Flipgrid as a way for students to collaborate and communicate globally. I hope our students realize the possibilities they have growing up in the generation they are in. Imagine if we could have used a Flipgrid when we were in elementary school. 

It is OK to get advice with how to solve life's problems

It has been brought to my attention that students are still feeling the burn, roasting classmates. Many times this is done in jest, but other times feelings are hurt. When discussing this with students the ones who are being roasted mentioned to me that they feel like telling an adult is “ratting someone out."

I asked them if they can solve all their problems without help. Most said no. I shared that even as an adult I still seek the help of others when I cannot figure out things on my own. It is important to use your network of people around you to grow. 

I explained to students that they were not ratting someone out, rather asking for advice. If they are worried about tattling, they can always seek advice from others without using names.

In our classroom I hope to build a community where students see adults and classmates in here as people who can help them solve problems. We have the bothering box and use of email to make this happen too.

Communicating openly, speaking from the heart, and seeking advice from others are life skills. I encourage you to talk to your student about this, and I hope I cleared up any confusion for students who were worried about seeking advice about how to deal with a situation they are in.