Pumpkin Power

Did you know that you can turn a pumpkin into a battery? For this experiment, students will harness the power of pumpkins to see how many volts it can get. The more pumpkins you use, the more power you get, so challenge students to try it with multiple pumpkins after this experiment.

The objective of this experiment is to show students how fruit can turn into a battery.

Materials you’ll need:

• Two pumpkins
• Multimeter
• Alligator clip
• Zinc strips, galvanized screws, or nails
• Copper strips or thick copper wire
• Safety goggles

Steps for experiment:

1. Gather materials and place them on a workbench or table.
2. Stick a copper strip and zinc strip on opposite sides of each pumpkin. If you don’t have the strips, you can use galvanized nails and copper wire which you can find for less than a dollar at a hardware store.
3. Connect the copper from one pumpkin to the zinc in the other pumpkin with the alligator clip.
4. Connect the black lead from the multimeter to the other remaining zinc strip and the red lead to the second remaining copper strip.
5. Turn the multimeter to the “V” with the line above to see what the voltage measures. It should measure at least 1.5 volts or higher. If it doesn’t, then check that everything is connected correctly. Note: you may get a different voltage reading depending on the items you used and the size of your pumpkins.

The science behind this experiment is that pumpkins have acidic juices that help to transport electrical energy. The zinc ions leave behind electrons that travel to the copper, and this movement then creates electricity.

Erupting “Vomiting” Pumpkin

If you’re looking for a Halloween science experiment that students can do remotely, then the erupting pumpkin volcano is the way to go. This is also the perfect experiment for high school students to do for their younger siblings or neighbors because young children will a kick out watching a “vomiting” pumpkin.

Since this is a messy experiment, it’s best to go outdoors. It’s also wise to instruct students to use their rotting (already carved) pumpkins before they get thrown away, so if they’re doing the experiment from home, they don’t need to buy new pumpkins.

The objective of this easy science experiment is to show students a simple chemical reaction they can do at home.

Materials you’ll need:

• Carved Pumpkin
• Food coloring
• Dish soap
• Measuring cup
• Tablespoon
• Small cups
• Warm water
• Dry yeast
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Safety goggles

Steps for experiment:

1. Gather materials and go outside.
2. Open the top of the pumpkin and pour one tablespoon of dish soap.
3. Drop about 10 drops of food coloring (the actual amount is up to you, depending on the color you want).
4. Pour in a half of cup of hydrogen peroxide.
5. Mix one tablespoon of dry yeast and three tablespoons of warm water for about one minute.
6. Carefully pour the mixture into the hole and watch how the pumpkin starts to foam.

Experiment with different amounts of ingredients to see how the foam changes.

The science behind this experiment is this: the pumpkin foams because of the yeast. When you add the warm water, the yeast gets ready to work. The yeast then reacts with the hydrogen peroxide, strips off the oxygen atoms, and turns the hydrogen peroxide into water. Then the hydrogen peroxide turns into water and oxygen gas. When the oxygen gets released by the yeast, it bubbles into the dish soap and makes foam. The speed of the reaction then pushes the foam out of the holes of the pumpkin, making it an erupting or “vomiting” pumpkin.

Spooky Halloween Punch

When it comes to Halloween, elementary students are the ones who have the parades and parties, but what about high school students? They, too, would like to celebrate Halloween and partake in some fun festivities. This experiment is the perfect way to add spooky excitement into your high school science class.

This experiment aims to show students the process of sublimation – the transition of a substance from a solid state to a gas state.

Materials you’ll need:

• Punch bowl
• Punch (any type of liquid refreshment)
• Heavy gloves
• Dry ice
• Safety goggles

Steps for experiment:

1. Fill the punch bowl with the liquid refreshment about halfway (you’ll need room in the bowl for the “fog” to fill the rest of the bowl as well as run over the sides of the bowl).
2. Put on goggles and heavy gloves and place a few pieces of dry ice into the punch bowl. You will see the effect begin immediately, but let it sit and bubble for a few minutes.
3. It’s advised to wait until the dry ice is gone before serving the punch to students but if you decide to serve the punch, use a strainer so no one accidentally gets any dry ice into their glass.

The science behind this experiment is this: dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. The temperature of dry ice is -109.3°F (-78.5°C). Dry ice does not melt into a liquid as its temperature rises; it changes directly into a gas. This process is called sublimation.

All of these science experiments are designed to be under the supervision of an adult to ensure safety. Please make sure students are wearing safety goggles and use precaution when conducting each experiment.

The post Halloween Science Experiments: High School appeared first on TeachHUB.

Conflict management is defined as the ability to understand and properly maneuver disagreements with others. These periods of conflict can occur in the classroom, workplace, or throughout life in general, but it is important that students have an understanding of how to handle those situations and deal with them effectively.

Why are these Skills Important for Middle and High School Students?

Students in middle school and high school are susceptible to conflict at a much higher rate than most adults. These students are at an age where hormones are set on “high” the majority of the time! Because of this fact, students are more likely to argue with others, sense or create disagreements, or simply cause conflict due to a difference of opinion and so much more. Students at this age greatly benefit from the implementation of conflict management strategies as they will help students more effectively communicate and get along with their peers.

How to Approach Conflict Management for Middle Schoolers

It is highly likely that middle school students struggle the most in dealing with situations of conflict. As mentioned before, emotions are heightened due to puberty and the surge of hormones that occur throughout that process. For the health and well-being of every student in the classroom, it is beneficial to teach students ways in which to manage conflict. Below are a few ways to approach conflict management for middle school students.

Avoid Anger

In an effort to stop conflict from escalating, it may be helpful to teach students to avoid becoming angry. Anger clouds one’s judgement; thus, it affects a student’s ability to think clearly and assess a situation for what it truly is.

Refocus Emotions

Students should shift their attention from the conflict at hand to a more positive situation or emotion. Teachers may prompt students to think about a favorite memory or experience. Students should think on those things for a brief moment before returning thoughts to their problem. Then, students may revisit the conflict they are faced with. This approach resets the brain and helps students think more clearly about the negative situation taking place.

Problem Comparison

To understand conflict, students should put their conflict or problem in perspective to see the bigger picture. Students can complete a problem comparison activity to view their conflict in a new light. Students should follow these critical steps:

1. Define the problem.
2. How difficult is the problem?
3. Are there problems out there that are much more difficult or serious?

For each step, students may be encouraged to reflect upon their thoughts and write things down on paper. Through this activity, students should realize that the conflict they are faced with (whether it is due to someone hurting their feelings or taking something that belongs to them) is minor in comparison to other problems. Additionally, this activity may help to instill feelings of respect and thankfulness for what students have in relation to others.

Gain a New Perspective

Like the problem comparison activity, students should think about the problem from a different point of view. In this case, students should place themselves in the shoes of the other person in the conflict. Students should ponder what is causing them to act in the way they are, what is motivating their behavior, and why. If students begin to view the problem from someone else’s point of view, the conflict may begin to resolve on its own as students realize the bigger picture. Students may also realize that their own actions were the cause of the conflict to begin with, or they may discern that others involved are truly at fault and show empathy towards them after determining the root cause of their behavior.

Role Playing with Conflict

Middle school students may benefit from acting out situations of conflict in order to better deal with it in real life scenarios. Teachers could present problems and have students role play the problem for the class. As the role playing proceeds, the teacher and/or students may provide feedback to help the conflict resolve appropriately.

How to Approach Conflict Management for High Schoolers

The majority of students in high school can more easily talk through conflict as a means to work things out as opposed to students in middle school; however, the approaches to conflict mentioned in reference to middle school students may also be beneficial to some high school students. Teachers should be encouraged to expand upon the approaches recommended for middle school students to make them more appropriate or useful for high school. In addition to those strategies, let’s identify a few ways with which conflict management may be introduced and fostered for high school students.

Walk It Out

One of the simplest strategies that helps students deal with conflict is to remove themselves from the situation. Teachers can allow a student to take a walk in order to think more clearly. This time allows the student to cool off, calm down, and reassess the situation at hand. Then, when ready, the student can face the conflict at hand with a more level-headed mindset.

Normalize Conflict

If we are being honest, conflict is a very common part of life, but that does not necessarily have to be a bad thing. Teachers can teach conflict management in a way that students learn to value the opinions of others, not shying away from them. This does not mean that students should simply accept or agree with another’s opinion, but it does present students with a chance to understand where the conflict may possibly stem from. This type of approach provides an opportunity for students to learn from others as they attempt to navigate conflict. Conflict is inevitable throughout life, so it is wise to encourage students to not fear conflict but welcome it. Students should embrace it, conquer it quickly, and move forward with an improved or expanded mindset.

Analyze Conflict

As teachers may ask students in middle school to place themselves in another’s shoes, high schoolers will benefit from identifying differences in order to understand another’s reasoning or point of view. Students should analyze why the other person is acting in the manner in which they are. Students may ask questions like: Are they going through a hard time? Is someone in their family going through a hard time? Did they just experience a hard event?  These questions will help students analyze the motives behind the conflict and help them to not take conflict so personally as it may not entirely be their fault.

The post Teaching Conflict Management to Middle and High School Students appeared first on TeachHUB.

Differences Between High School and Elementary or Middle School Classrooms

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is widely considered the leader in SEL initiatives for the past two decades (2021). The cornerstone of SEL efforts is the delivery of five essential skills and competencies for students: Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Traditionally, well-researched strategies and implementation have existed in elementary classrooms for quite some time, and recently, these same strategies have been recognized as needed in the high school setting. Core competencies of SEL can serve as protective factors that contribute to healthy youth development for all age levels. For elementary age students, the need for SEL initiatives can stem from the early detection of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), which can include any childhood experience that impacts life outcomes. For middle and high school students, SEL competencies are linked directly to increased academic success and college and/or career readiness, which blends well with the developmental and cultural needs of high school students and also academic expectations held by high school teachers.

Adding Social-Emotional Learning Components to High School Classrooms

Before adding any SEL components to a lesson or high school classroom curriculum, intentional time must be spent on the “why” behind implementing such critical pieces of learning. Much like presenting academic content, SEL strategies must be explained to promote buy-in among students, staff, and community. Focusing on the core competencies of SEL, the following are ways SEL components can be added to high school classrooms.

Social Awareness

More than ever, awareness of the different types of cultures, beliefs, social norms, etc between our students is paramount. Helping students understand that other people have different perspectives and are worthy of respect are critical classroom lessons that will never go out of style. Social awareness includes empathy, appreciating diversity, and can be done by analyzing literary texts, print media, and can include writing prompts in the high school curriculum.

Responsible Decision-Making

This competency involves making personal and social choices related to ethics, safety, and social norms, as well as considering the consequences of those choices. Students can analyze situations, recognize and solve problems, and evaluate ethical responsibility. In my school, a newly created team, The Ethics Squad, participates in regional and national competitions between other schools and students debating, analyzing, and explaining ethical case studies. This team has opened the door for many students to participate in scholastic competitions while gaining knowledge in responsible decision making.

Relationship Skills

Is there anything more “high school” than relationships? Navigating the difficulties and trials and tribulations of relationships in high school can consume all four years, if students aren’t careful. Strengthening relationships is key to a more fulfilling life, and this competency can include students working on relationships with family members and peers, and build resolve within students themselves to better themselves.

Self-Management

Emotional intelligence is critical to student success, and developing self-confident and successful students should be our ultimate goal as educators. In this competency, it is important that students focus on their strengths and not their weaknesses. This practice can build capacity in the self-motivation and self-discipline needed to achieve individual goals. This can be done by interest inventories, self-assessments, and other internal questionnaires.

Self-Awareness

Finding a sense of self-worth and purpose as teens is incredibly difficult. However, students need time and strategies to develop their own interests and begin thinking about themselves with their goals in mind. Strategies and implementation of this competency include college and or career readiness goals, interest inventories, and specific and targeted activities to help high school students map out their postsecondary goals.

The concept of the traditional high school model has changed from what it was as early as ten years ago. Students today are faced with navigating all high school has in store for them, with many of them already dealing with negative perceptions of themselves, poor social skills, and an inability to regulate their emotions. Implementing a Social-Emotional Curriculum is a crucial step in the development of our young people. SEL initiatives in all educational settings can serve as integral parts of both education and human development. SEL components in high school classrooms can meet the social and emotional needs of historically underserved populations, while preparing them for life after high school.

The post Adding SEL Components to a High School Classroom appeared first on TeachHUB.