The Absolute Best Ice Cube Science Investigation

As a budget-conscious educator, you know the value of resourcefulness. That's why I'm excited to share some simple yet effective science investigation activities that use everyday objects like ice cubes. These ideas are perfect for teachers like you who are looking to maximize learning potential without breaking the bank. So, let's get started!

Ice experiments are always fun, easy to set up, and often mess-free! Whether you're trying to beat the heat during summer or embrace the chill of winter, ice experiments are the perfect way to engage students and discover the fundamentals of scientific principles. These activities are a great addition to any STEM curriculum that can do in the classroom or at home. Every ice cube holds surprises waiting to be discovered. Supplementing these activities to your STEM curriculum will not only make learning fun but will also help students understand fundamental concepts in a hands-on way.

Hands-on ice cube units invite kids to:

• Ask questions
• Make predictions
• Test ideas
• Observe changes
• Try again when results surprise them

Hands-on ice cube units guide and direct the student through the six steps of the scientific method:

1. Investigating Properties
2. Interactions
3. Making a plan
4. Determining the Investigative Question
5. Prediction and Data Collection
6. Writing a conclusion based on the data.

Why not join this ice cube exploration and uncover the mysteries of ice with engaging hands-on activities that will fascinate, educate and interest your students? Let's turn ordinary ice cubes into unexpected tools for learning; then watch as your students become the ultimate scientists.

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$5.75

The science unit consists of a three-page student investigation organizer, a property word list, an optional student checklist, and a four-point grading rubric for the teacher. Materials needed for the whole unit, things to do prior to the investigation, and initial instructions are included. Besides simple and clear step-by-step directions for each of the six lessons, specific supplies needed and visual examples of the charts used in the investigation are shown in detail. Each lesson is 30-45 minutes long and the complete investigation will take 6-8 days to carry out depending on the length of your science class. It is appropriate for grade 3-4.

How to Make Your Parent/Teacher Conferences Productive, Efficient, and Stress-Free

If you are like most teachers, you are preparing for your first round of parent/teacher conferences. Now that I teach on the college level, this is one activity I currently don't have to do, but when I did, I really did enjoy them. Why? Because I was prepared with more than just the student's grades. Here are some of the ways I got ready.

First, in preparing for parent/teacher conferences, what can you do on a daily basis? Is the conference based on simply talking about grades or are there additional items that need discussing? How can an observation be specific without offending the parent or guardian? How is it possible to remember everything?

I kept a clipboard in my classroom on which were taped five 6” x 8” file cards so they overlapped - something like you see in the two pictures above. Each week, I tired to evaluate five students, writing at least two observations for each child on the cards. At the end of the week, the file cards were removed and placed into the children's folders. The next week, four different students were chosen to be evaluated. In this way, I did not feel overwhelmed, and had time to really concentrate on a small group of children. By the end of 4-5 weeks, each child in the class had been observed at least twice. By the end of the year, every child had been observed at least eight different times.

Below are sample observations which might appear on the cards.

Student	Date	Observation	IEP	ESL
Mary Kay	9/20   9/23	Likes to work alone; shy and withdrawn;  wears a great deal of make-up. She has a good self concept and is friendly. Her preferred learning style is visual based on the modality survey.	X
Donald	9/19   9/24	Leader, at times domineering, likes to  play games where money is involved. His preferred learning style is auditory  (from the modality survey). He can be a  “bully,” especially in competitive games. He tends to use aggressive language with  those who are not considered athletic.

$2.00

By the time the first parent/teacher conferences rolled around, I had at least two observations for each child. This allowed me to share specific things (besides grades) with the parents/guardians. As the year progressed, more observations were added; so, that a parent/guardian as well as myself could readily see progress in not only grades, but in a student's behavior and social skills. The cards were also an easy reference for filling out the paperwork for a 504 plan or an IEP (Individual Education Plan). As a result of utilizing the cards, I learned pertinent and important facts related to the whole child which in turn created an effective and relevant parent/teacher conference.

To keep the conference on the right track, I also created a checklist to use during parent/teacher conferences.  It features nine characteristics listed in a brief, succinct checklist form. During conferences, this guide allows me to have specific items to talk about besides grades. Some of the characteristics included are study skills and organization, response to assignments, class attitude, inquiry skills, etc. Since other teachers at my school were always asking to use it, I rewrote it and placed it in my TPT store. It is available for only $2.00, and I guarantee it will keep your conferences flowing and your parents focused! When you have time, check it out!