Sixth Graders Get Hands-on Learning about Climate Change

Sixth graders are currently exploring climate change in science class, and conducted a lab this week to better help them see a real-time example. Using two large, empty two-liter soda bottles, students added water to each and then Alka-Seltzer to one (which releases carbon dioxide) and then measured the temperature in each container. “After doing this hands-on experiment,” says teacher Lindsay Mackintosh, “students can more easily connect the sometimes ‘intangible’ aspects of climate change to what is happening on a much larger scale.” Students witnessed the temperature in the container with the Alka-Seltzer tablet increase at a much more rapid rate than the rate of increase in the one without the tablet.

 

Adds Ms. Mackintosh, “This unit is important because it helps students see how science can inform their relationship with our planet and prepare them to inquire about important issues in our world today. It shows students that science and social justice are closely related and that science can help support their ideas about how to best create change.” MORE PHOTOS