Dry Ice Investigations
Grades 6—8
Written by Jacqueline Barber, Kevin
Beals, and Lincoln Bergman
Who isn't mesmerized (and mystified!) by the billowing "smoke"
of dry ice?
This groundbreaking GEMS unit harnesses the vaporous, real-life
properties of this substance to help students develop inquiry
abilities that research shows are very difficult to teach. Students
learn that science is about wondering why, asking questions, observing,
coming up with possible explanations, and then designing investigations
to test those explanations.
In a series of 11 sessions, students plan and conduct their own
investigations into dry ice, while gaining age-appropriate knowledge
of the particulate theory of matter, phase change, chemistry,
and the history of science.
The dual goals of this book are to develop independent inquiry
abilities and present strong scientific content. These objectives
speak directly to the recommendations of leading science education
reform efforts, such as the National Science Education Standards,
New Standards Project, and Benchmarks for Science Literacy.
This book, the only one of its kind, thoroughly addresses perceived
logistical problems in obtaining and storing dry ice. It helps
teachers meet these challenges by providing complete lists of
resources, storage suggestions, and necessary safety precautions—all
thoroughly tested in classrooms across the country.
The GEMS guide Chemical Reactions
makes a great companion unit to this book. For younger students,
Involving Dissolving is an engaging
and accessible introduction to some of the chemical properties
addressed in Dry Ice Investigations.
Praise for Dry Ice
Investigations:
"Dry Ice lives up to the high standards set by
the other excellent guides developed by GEMS. … This is truly
a standards-based guide that focuses on the processes of science
and systematic observation and investigation. I found this guide
to be among the most comprehensive and well-planned materials
for teachers I have seen. The book provides an excellent introduction
to the nature of science and guided inquiry sorely missing in
the cookbook investigation books usually found on the market."
—National Science Teachers Association Recommends
"Dry ice has provided eerie special effects for a variety
of visual media over the years. In this book, dry ice becomes
the equally engaging focus for scientific investigation at the
middle school level. … The activities are carefully written
and sequenced and have been classroom tested and refined. …
An additional strength of this teacher's guide is the wealth of
supporting and supplemental information. Actual student journal
entries, pictures, diagrams, and limericks enhance this guide
and provide creative suggestions for the receptive teachers. Because
of its scope, this book would make an excellent addition to a
teacher's personal or professional library."
—Science Books & Films
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