6172RB Science a STEM approach Year 2 low res watermark

STEM project
Chemical sciences
LIVING IN A MATERIAL WORLD
Teacher notes
STEM project:
Students recreate an oil spill using a mixture of oil, cocoa powder and water. They devise a
method to remove the oil from the water by testing different materials to absorb the oil, based
on the properties required. Students then devise a method to remove oil from feathers by testing
different materials to clean the feathers.
Estimated duration: 3–4 weeks
1. Introduce the project
• Play a short Behind the News video to the
class to introduce what an oil spill is, by
clicking on the image at . Students can rewatch the
video by scanning the QR code on their
project brief page on page 69.
• Display page 69 to the class and introduce
the project brief—to remove oil from
the water using an absorbent material,
and remove oil from feathers using an
ingredient that will mix with oil. Students
will first need to recreate an oil spill by
making a mixture of water, oil and cocoa
powder in a plastic tub or large bowl.
• Clarify any details students do not
understand.
2. Investigate
• As a class, explore what absorption is by
looking at the PowerPoint presentation at
. Note: The
last 4 slides don’t need to be viewed as
they relate to a specific investigation of the
absorbency of paper towels.
• In small groups, students brainstorm
materials they think are absorbent and
would like to test. Students then investigate
the absorbency of three materials using the
template on page 71.
• Students also investigate which ingredients
can be mixed with oil, using the template
on page 72.
3. Design, plan and manage
• Students plan how they will recreate an oil
spill and what container will be used.
• Students collect the materials and
substances they will need for the oil cleanup.
4. Create
• Students conduct the oil-absorbing
challenge and the feather-cleaning
challenge, based on the results of their
earlier investigations.
5. Evaluate and refine
• Students re-read the design brief to
ensure they have included all the required
components and have satisfied the criteria
and checklist. They make changes if
necessary.
6. Communicate
• Students record a video explaining how
they absorbed the oil from the water and
what substance they decided to add to the
oily feather to clean it.
• Share the video with the class.
© R.I.C. Publications
Low resolution display copy
68 Science: YEAR
978-1-925431-95-7 R.I.C. Publications® – www.ricpublications.com.au
A STEM APPROACH
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