Lesson Plan: How to Make a DIY Spiral Gallium Fidget Spinner: Explore the Science of Gallium while Creating a Fun and Unique Toy!
Lesson Plan: How to Make a DIY Spiral Gallium Fidget Spinner: Explore the Science of Gallium while Creating a Fun and Unique Toy!
Grade Level: 6-8
Subject: Science
Objective: Students will learn about the properties of gallium and engage in a hands-on activity to create a DIY spiral gallium fidget spinner.
Materials Needed:
- Gallium metal
- Fidget spinner mold or silicone mold
- 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 unique characteristics.
- 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 Gallium into the Mold (20 minutes):
- Provide a fidget spinner mold or silicone mold to each student.
- Instruct them to carefully pour the liquid gallium into the mold, filling it completely.
- Encourage students to experiment with different designs and patterns by pouring the gallium in a spiral shape.
5. Cooling and Solidification (30 minutes):
- Allow the gallium-filled mold to cool and solidify at room temperature.
- Explain to students that gallium will solidify into a solid metal form once cooled.
6. Removing the Fidget Spinner (10 minutes):
- Instruct students to carefully remove the solidified gallium fidget spinner from the mold.
- Remind them to handle the metal spinner with caution due to its sharp edges.
7. Exploration and Reflection (15 minutes):
- Encourage students to explore the unique properties of their DIY gallium fidget spinner, such as its malleability and ability to spin smoothly.
- Engage students in a discussion about their observations and the science behind gallium's behavior.
- 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.
How to make a Spiral Fidget Spinner out of Gallium Liquid metal. I used a Plasticine mold to cast a home made fidget spinner toy. See more Gallium here: https://youtu.be/T1s0yts5bgk?l....ist=PLQ_T2NppE0PJbBp Gallium and Fidget Spinners here - Amazon Associates Affiliate Links: Gallium USA - http://amzn.to/2pcs6vVGallium UK - http://amzn.to/2pczIhWFidget Spinners USA - https://goo.gl/wDDB1WFidget Spinners UK - https://goo.gl/CbbtwPBearings USA - https://goo.gl/zQp9LYBearings UK - https://goo.gl/Lw4pEmGallium melts at about 30°C which is approx 86°F. It leaves a grey residue on your hands which washes off with warm soapy water.Contribute Subtitles Here: http://www.youtube.com/timedtext_video?ref=share&v=EpC0SHbMgtQLatest Videos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfUg_vLV-bI&list=PLQ_T2NppE0PL_MgE6MlzDhfokjsILzj7bFun 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 Cipher2 Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
