Science Education – Page 3 – Lee Trampleasure's Blog

November 22, 2016

Excel spreadsheet for calculating molar masses and percent composition

Over a decade ago I made a Quatro-Pro spreadsheet to make quick calculations from masses on the periodic table. Well, now Excel rules the roost, so I created a similar version using Excel. The fundamental element of the spreadsheet is that the cell with each mass is given a name that is the symbol for the element. So, for example,...

Chemistry/Computers and the web/Science Education Comments: 2

June 11, 2016

Physics/Chemistry of Espresso Machines: Part 1

Here’s an activity based on observing espresso machines in action. Watch the following video showing the milk steaming container (with a short sidetrack to the espresso pot). What do you notice about the milk as it steams? Can you explain what is happening? Here are some details of how this espresso machine works: The water boiling tank is filled about...

Chemistry/Physics Comments: 0

February 3, 2016

How do you avoid spending too much time with Twitter?

OK, I admit it: I can get sucked into the vacuum of social media and find myself having spent more time on it than I desire. Last December, with grades coming due, I decided to take a ‘vacation’ from Facebook. I’ve largely been off it for about seven weeks (I did jump on a few times to arrange my annual...

Computers and the web/Education and schools/Modeling/Science Education Comments: 0

October 24, 2015

Introduction to Modeling Workshops at NSTA in Reno

A brief description and photos of my workshops introducing Modeling Instruction at the NSTA Area Conference in Reno, NV on October 23, 2015

Modeling/Physics Comments: 0

September 29, 2015

180: Day 26: How does GPS work?

Using PI’s “Everyday Einstein: GPS & Relativity” resources, students are exploring GPS while others are on a Kairos retreat.

180/Geology/earthquakes/Physics Comments: 0

September 28, 2015

180: Day 25: Faculty/staff retreat

Learning to take “phone-free” time as an opportunity to practice sketching.

180 Comments: 0

September 27, 2015

180: Day 24: Fundraising for the whole school

SHCP’s annual Walkathon fundraiser develops community, not just funds.

180/Education and schools Comments: 0

September 22, 2015

180: Day 21: Final suggestions/tips for buggy collision challenge.

Last blocks with buggies: Here’s another close up of the target sheets I use with my students. The complete the top, then find where on the row of four metersticks they need to place their prediction. I give not help at this point, and often ask “Are you sure it’s in the right place?” (even when it is). I try...

180/Modeling/Physics Comments: 0

September 21, 2015

180: Day 20: “One train leave a station at 2:30, and another train leaves…

Here’s a classic physics problem: One train leaves a station at 2:30 at a speed of 40 m/s, and a second train leaves another station at 50 m/s. The stations are 40 km apart, and the trains are heading toward each other. At what time and position will the trains collide? These days, many teachers use this as a chance...

180/Modeling/Physics Comment: 1

September 18, 2015

180: Day 18-19: Introducing Motion Maps

OK, I’m cheating a bit, but I do teach the same classes on Thursday/Friday this week. I tried a new technique this year for introducing motion maps. I stood at the board and asked a student to call off every second. I started a car moving at the base of the boards (my new classroom has floor-to-ceiling whiteboards), then draw...