Density Formula Activity

For some reason, my students find it pretty difficult to to plug numbers into a simple formula. Even when I wasn’t teaching science last year, the science teacher used to always ask me what he could do to help our students improve in this area. For me, I think it is so easy. Figure out what info you  have, plug the numbers into the formula. Boom. Done. Easy. I guess that’s why I’m a math teacher. I don’t know.

My 6th graders are working on solving density problems. In science, they are allowed to use a calculator so for the most part, once they figure out what numbers to use, (most of them) can punch the numbers into the calculator and solve.

To help them out, I made a large copy of the density formula. Each student got a small pad of post-its. I posted each problem on the SMARTboard and then the students wrote down the information given in the problem and placed each number over the correct part of the formula. After solving the problem, the students transferred the post-its into their notebooks. It worked really well! I will definitely be using this method next time we work on formulas. Click on the picture below to download the PDF.

Density Demonstration

First of all, I would like to say hello to SPRING BREAK!! Yesterday was a half day. We went to mass in the morning and had like 2 1/2 hour classes and then we were done 🙂 Perks of working in a Catholic school= 1.5 Week long Spring Break!! YAY!! I have lots of plans that mainly include chilling, watching Dance Moms and hanging out with my Teacher BFF CAITLIN who is coming to visit for Easter from Pennsylvania! I will be bullying her into some guest posts because she actually is the best math teacher. EVER.

I just wanted to quickly post this morning before I ran off across the street to my coworker’s house to help finish up the yearbook. We are working on density with my 6th graders and to start off, I did the ever popular density demonstration. Most science teachers do this at one point or another, but you would think my kids have never seen it. They loved it! I forgot to snap a picture of it though. I used: Honey, light corn syrup, rubbing alcohol, water, oil and dish soap. I did die the water and rubbing alcohol so it was easier to see.

Each student got a lab sheet and made predictions about the order. I recreated the picture of the beaker on chart paper and used post-its to let students come up and make predictions. We then recorded the actual results on a duplicate chart.

This demo is great for older and younger kids. Click on the picture below to download the PDF file.

Enjoy!

Survey Time!!

I figured I should join in on this awesome survey Linky Party from one of my new favorite blogs, 5th Grade Rocks, 5th Grade Rules. Head on over and link up 🙂

1.  Are you married, do you have a bf, or are you flying free as a single lady/man?
I have a wonderful boyfriend, Dan! We’ve been dating for almost 2 years, but we have known each other since like elementary school. We were Mary and Joseph in a Christmas play at church. You’re welcome.

2.  Where did you grow up?

Long Island, NY! I lived in the same house my entire life…until my parents moved four houses down the block!!

3.  Do you have any pets?  If so, what kind and what is his/her name?

I live with my parents and my mom has a cat. It is kind of mean most of the time. The science lab at my new school has the following pets that are kind of under my care (ahhh ANIMALS?!): 2 doves, an iguana, a turtle, and a pond full of fish.
4. What is a favorite tv show you are embarrassed to admit to watching?
Ooo! Real Housewives, Dance Moms, Bridezillas, etc.

5.  Are you a saver or a spender?
Unfortunately a spender. Wahhhhh!

6.  What is your favorite children’s book?

Ruby’s Wish, Roxaboxen and The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junkfood
7.  Were you the class clown, teacher’s pet, or neither?
Could I be the class clown AND the teacher’s pet?!

8.  Who is your favorite athletic team?
New York Giants!!!!!

9.  Where did you go on your last REALLY fun vacation?
Cleveland, OH for my best friend’s wedding. DUH!

10.  Who is your favorite actor?  Actress?
Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio in everything…starting with Titanic! I mean growing pains! Actress: Amy Poehler

11.  Tell about the last time you cried because you were happy.
Probably when I taught my 6th graders solving two step equations and THEY KILLED IT. Ok I didn’t really cry, but I almost did.

12.  What is your favorite season?
May. Ok, I know that’s not a season, but I love the month of May which includes my birthday, D’s birthday, our anniversary and beautiful weather.

13.  What is your biggest regret?

Going tanning when I was in college, not wearing my retainers, ummm that’s it. Hahaha.

14.  What food do you just NOT like at all?
Don’t be mad: BACON! I hate real bacon but I eat Turkey Bacon.