To Build a Density Column

January in the classroom can be a challenging time of year. The students know the routines, but they are out of practice, and internal motivation often forgets to come back from the Christmas break with students.  I have the added barrier of planning around our second round of MAP testing right now, but I have found that well structured group work will pull most kids back into the routine of the classroom. 

Occasionally there are one or two kids who shut down this time of year. I have one this year - a student who has spent whole group and small group time wandering around the room, laying across a desk, and playing with a variety of small items with intense focus. Attempting to draw this student into our novel study, discussion of liturgical seasons, or really any class activity has become draining in the past couple of weeks, but science investigations are a notable exception.

We built density columns this week. Simple ones made out of vegetable oil, corn syrup, and colored water. Although students were enthralled by the pictures of columns with up to seven different layers, they were grateful that I did not require them to weigh and measure that many liquids to calculate their densities before pouring their liquids into one graduated cylinder and watching them separate into three distinct layers. My kiddo who is having a difficult time participating these days commandeered the group's calculator and was meticulous about rounding and proper notation.  Mission accomplished: full, active, participation... for at least one class period.

Watching my little scientists observe the liquids as they separated and settled was definitely the highlight of my work week. One student was adamant that I photograph the density column from above, and many thanked me for the activity on their way out the door. I wonder how many students are building more complex density columns in their kitchens this weekend.