Synopsis
In a series of 11 sessions, students plan and conduct their own investigations into dry ice, while gaining age-appropriate knowledge of the particulate theory of matter, phase change, chemistry, and the history of science.Utilizing a real-life, unique substance, this ground-breaking unit enables students to develop inquiry abilities that research shows are very difficult to teach. Students learn that science is about wondering why, asking questions, observing, coming up with possible explanations, and then designing investigations to test those explanations. The dual goals of this book, developing independent inquiry abilities while presenting strong scientific content, speak directly to the recommendations of leading science education reform efforts, such as the National Science Education Standards, New Standards Project, and Benchmarks for Science Literacy.There are no science activity books of this kind on dry ice. This may be due in part to the logistical problems involved in obtaining and storing dry ice. This guide thoroughly addresses these challenges, with complete lists of resources, storage suggestions, and necessary safety precautions-all thoroughly tested in classrooms across the country. Dry Ice lives up to the high standards set by the other excellent guides developed by GEMS. . . . This is truly a standards-based guide that focuses on the processes of science and systematic observation and investigation. . . . I found this guide to be among the most comprehensive and well-planned materials for teachers I have seen. The book provides an excellent introduction to the nature of science and guided inquiry sorely missing in the cookbook investigation books usuallyfound on the market.-NSTA Recommends, October 2000 Dry ice has provided eerie special effects for a variety of visual media over the years. In this book, dry ice becomes the equally engaging focus for scientific investigation at the middle school level. . . . The activities are carefully written and sequenced and have been classroom tested and refined. . . . An additional strength of this teacher's guide is the wealth of supporting and supplemental information. Actual student journal entries, pictures, diagra
