Middle level ICT integration

 Today we were oriented on using the PhET simulations. It is a website in which any practical and application part of any subjects can be carried out without any hindrances. It is easier to use and much better than doing an actual practical application. It saves time and is also economically friendly, safe and very reliable. The website provides simulations for many subjects and a very handy tool for teacher to use in their teaching and learning sessions. 

I learned about the what PhET simulations can do, as of today we made a short electrical circuit to measure its voltage and ammeter reading. It included numbers of battery usage, wires and bulbs. we can easily add batteries, wires and bulbs to read the current flow.  

LESSON PLANNING

Grade Level: 4

Subject: Science

Topic: States of matter

Time Allotment: 60 minutes

Learning Objectives: at the end of the lesson, a child will be able to:

•  differentiate between solids, liquids, and gases based on the arrangement and movement of particles after the end of class demonstration. 
• explain how temperature affects the behavior of particles in different states of matter correctly without teachers help. 
• use the PhET simulation "States of Matter: Basics" to investigate particle behavior and state changes.

Materials:

Projector or whiteboard

Computers with internet access for each student group (2-3 students)

PhET Interactive Simulation: "States of Matter: Basics" 

Worksheet

Engage (10 minutes):

1.  Begin by asking students what they already know about the different states of matter (solid, liquid, gas). Have them brainstorm and list their ideas on the board.
2. Demonstration: Briefly demonstrate a real-life example of a state change. For instance, show students ice melting into water (as pictured below) or water boiling into steam. Ask them to describe what they observe happening to the matter during the change.
   

Explore (25 minutes):

1. Briefly introduce the PhET simulation "States of Matter: Basics". Explain that students will use this tool to explore the behavior of particles in different states of matter.
2.  Divide students into small groups and provide them with computers to access the PhET simulation.
3. Simulation Tasks: Guide students when using the simulation. Tasks may include:
   • Choosing different particle types (e.g., water molecules) and states of matter (solid, liquid, gas)
   • Observing particle arrangement and movement in each state (pictured below)
   • Changing temperature and observing its effect on particle behavior
   • Recording their observations and answering questions about the simulation
     

Explain (15 minutes):

 Facilitate a class discussion to share observations and answer the worksheet questions about the simulation.

1. Particle Model Introduction: Introduce the concept of the particle model of matter. Explain that all matter is made up of tiny particles (atoms or molecules) that are constantly moving.
2. State of Matter Explanation: Relate the observations from the simulation to the particle model. Explain how the arrangement and movement of particles differ in solids, liquids, and gases.
3. Temperature and State Change: Discuss the role of temperature in state changes. Explain how adding heat increases particle movement and can lead to a change in state (e.g., solid to liquid).

Elaborate (10 minutes):

1. Real-World Application: Pose questions that challenge students to apply their understanding to real-world situations. For example, ask them to explain why a metal spoon feels cold to the touch (as pictured below) or why a balloon filled with air expands when heated.
   
   

Evaluate 

Collect the completed worksheets to assess their understanding of particle behavior and state changes. Use an exit ticket with a question that requires students to explain the relationship between temperature and particle motion in different states of matter and end the class.