Lesson Plan: How to Create DIY Metal Lego-Style Figures: Explore the Fascinating Properties of Gallium!
Lesson Plan: How to Create DIY Metal Lego-Style Figures: Explore the Fascinating Properties of Gallium!
Grade Level: 6-8
Subject: Science
Objective: Students will learn about the unique properties of gallium and engage in a hands-on activity to create DIY metal Lego-style figures using gallium.
Materials Needed:
- Gallium metal
- Lego-style molds or silicone molds
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Safety goggles
- Hot plate or stove
- Writing materials for reflection
Procedure:
1. Introduction (10 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by discussing the properties of gallium and its use in various applications.
- Explain that gallium is a low melting point metal that can be molded and shaped at room temperature.
2. Safety Precautions (5 minutes):
- Emphasize the importance of safety during the activity, including the use of gloves and safety goggles.
- Instruct students to handle gallium with caution and avoid direct contact with their skin or eyes.
3. Melting the Gallium (15 minutes):
- Heat a small amount of gallium on a hot plate or stove until it turns into a liquid state.
- Ensure that students observe the process carefully while maintaining a safe distance.
4. Pouring the Gallium into Molds (20 minutes):
- Provide Lego-style molds or silicone molds to each student.
- Instruct them to carefully pour the liquid gallium into the molds, filling them completely.
- Encourage students to experiment with different molds and designs.
5. Cooling and Solidification (30 minutes):
- Allow the gallium-filled molds to cool and solidify at room temperature.
- Explain to students that gallium will solidify into a solid metal form once cooled.
6. Removing the Figures (10 minutes):
- Instruct students to carefully remove the solidified gallium figures from the molds.
- Remind them to handle the metal figures with caution due to their sharp edges.
7. Exploration and Reflection (15 minutes):
- Encourage students to explore the unique properties of their DIY gallium figures, such as their malleability and conductivity.
- Engage students in a discussion about their observations and the properties of gallium.
- Facilitate a reflection session where students can write or draw their thoughts and observations from the activity.
Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6-8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-8.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence.
- NGSS.MS-PS1-1: Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
Using Gallium liquid metal and casting Lego style figures and blocks in ice cube moulds. Gallium metal is a solid at room temperature, and turns liquid at around 30°C. See more Gallium here: https://youtu.be/4u6A40QTWVI?l....ist=PLQ_T2NppE0PI1so Gallium here - Amazon Associates Affiliate Links: Gallium USA - http://amzn.to/2pcs6vVGallium UK - http://amzn.to/2pczIhWLatest Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfUg_vLV-bI&list=PLQ_T2NppE0PL_MgE6MlzDhfokjsILzj7bContribute Subtitles Here: http://www.youtube.com/timedtext_video?v=HKCKv6OmS0Q&ref=shareFun Science Projects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z50jEi1igNQ&list=PLQ_T2NppE0PIHhn2xEZGg0Dggq7uMbtMoMaking SLIME at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ1WmeKir78&t=4s&list=PLQ_T2NppE0PJBzfgoRfW1ITnazHRFXpz1&index=1Food and Cooking Hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbHeddAnrZs&list=PLQ_T2NppE0PJvJeFaoIBp4P0ns8NudGQBAmazing Life Hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz6rjbw0ZA0&list=PLQ_T2NppE0PKRAqkjpgtVRff46vr1iHaCHow To Make Fun Things: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ki9Kta8g14&list=PLQ_T2NppE0PI1soHO1bZmTJOGTynkRYHDSubscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/subscr....iption_center?add_us Look Busy Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
