[DoDEA Science]


 


DRAFT

Treasure Hunt for Concrete Samples

Science, Technology and Society Standards and Related Lesson Plans

 

Grade Level 10 - 12
Standards Inquiry Skills
  Students will design and conduct scientific investigations
  Physical Science
  Students will understand the principles of energy
  Life Science
  Students will explain ways that technology has influenced the quality of life
  Earth/Space Science
  Students will understand the importance of natural resources
  Science And Technology
  Students will demonstrate abilities in technological design
  Science In Social And Personal Perspectives
  Students will practice safety
  History And Nature Of Science
  Students will investigate science and technology as a human endeavor
Objectives
  1. Students will be able to differentiate between concrete and cement.
  2. Students will have a better understanding of uses for concrete.
  3. Students will become familiar with what determines the strength of concrete.
Materials and Activities
Engage Teachers will bring in a variety of concrete samples made of various aggregates.

Students will begin a teacher-initiated discussion about what the pieces of concrete are made of. A brief history of port land cement is given by the teacher, with student giving examples of concrete structures they are familiar with, along the way. 

Explore Students will form groups to "hunt" for examples of concrete around the school campus. Each group will be assigned a different area of campus to prevent overlap. Each group will have a magnifying glass to observe their samples and will record their observations in a lab book.
Explain Students will regroup in the classroom to explain their findings to each other. Teacher will help by inserting proper terminology to enhance the student's report.

Students will explain where on campus they found concrete and what it is used for. They will give a brief description of the make-up of the concrete. If time permits, the class might go to the different sights while the students explain.

Elaborate Using information and terms previously learned, the students should be able to discuss why the concrete is made differently for different uses. They should get a feel for the use of different aggregates to perform specific functions and begin to realize that concrete takes on many forms. A discussion will continue on how to concrete into various forms/shapes.
Evaluation Through all the discussions and newly learned information, teacher will be able to assess students' knowledge through questions about the difference between cement and concrete, how concrete is made, the usefulness of aggregates and the various uses for concrete. 
Homework Look around the house for examples of concrete. Be ready to share with the class how it is used, amount of aggregates, formability or flatness.

 

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Last Reviewed November 16, 2001
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