Saturday, May 12, 2012

Earth Science Freebie

I don't know about you, but as the end of the year draws near, I'm completely worn out. I'm looking forward to a much needed break!
I'm finishing up on my last science unit of the year, Earth Science. This freebie is for a fun activity that involves students taking core samples of a cupcake. I even added a few fossils, raisins and chocolate chips. This was my first attempt at this but I think it turned out ok.  Some of the layers ran together a little. I'm thinking I might bake each layer a few minutes before pouring in the next batter layer.  My best friend and colleague suggested using Jello. The layers would be a lot clearer I think. Also, I found the plastic tubes in a science kit, but if you can't find something that will work, try rolling up and taping overhead transparency sheets into a tube. If you have any suggestions or comments, I would love to hear from you! Click the picture for your free copy and good luck as you continue to make magic in your classroom!

With or without icing!


 



10 comments:

  1. This is wicked cool Selina, thank you for sharing this! I am saving this for the beginning of next year (not that I am too close to the end of the year right now, but this topic comes up then). Happy weekend!!

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    1. Thank you, Kristen! I've only got one and a half weeks left:) I'm looking forward to a little break. Have a great weekend!

      Selina

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  2. Congrats! I've given you the One Lovely Blog award. Stop by my blog to check out all the details.

    Nicole @ Teaching with Blonde Ambition http://teachingwithblondeambition.blogspot.com/

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  3. Donna,

    WOW!!! Thank you so much. I really appreciate the feature. BTW, I've liked and followed your blog/fan page.

    Selina

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  4. Hello! I would love to have this, but when I click on the picture, it says I do not have permission to access the document. Please help and thanks for sharing!!

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  5. Try this link: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4HFwfdLs3hCeXNTRm5wRU9mTWs/edit

    If that doesn't work email me your email address (selinasmith479@gmail.com), and I'll send you a copy that way.

    Selina

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  6. The kids will love this. They love to eat. What about using this unit with a 'Dirt Cake'? It has layers in it. Thanks for the download. Always looking for great science ideas.


    LindaC

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    1. Thanks! Yes, a dirt cake would be great with this unit.

      Selina

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    2. I do something similar but use a 9x12 pan and section the cake off. I have been doing it for 5 years and it is one of my 6th grades favorite labs. Each student takes core samples from their own piece of cake and graphs the outcome. They then get together with other students in their cake row and link the graphs together. Each color used represents a mineral and their goal is to decide if they have enough of a mineral to be profitable for mining. After this, we take out their pieces and they compare them to their graphed cross-sections. We discuss why their might be differences and what could be done in future. We also talk about this in a real life situation and how a company would need to plan taking core samples. They really enjoy this. This can also be used to tie to the rock cycle or even plate tectonics. We love doing this each year. I haven't done the fossil idea. I may need to add that.

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    3. I love that idea. I might have to try the cake idea this year. I think making a cake would be easier than making individual cupcakes. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome ideas!

      Selina

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