Science Observation 5th Grade

The third grade class that I worked with during IMB did not have science instruction
during the two weeks I was there, so I was able to observe a fifth grade science lesson. Fifth
grade was working on identifying physical and chemical properties. The teacher started off with
reviewing the previous class, talking about a physical property and then began class talking
about a chemical property. She gave students examples of each and asked the students to give her
some examples. She did a quick science experiment with yeast and hydrogen peroxide in front of
the class demonstrating a chemical change.
Students broke off into groups and the teacher had three different stations set up. The first
one was a root beer and ice cream station. The teacher passed out cups of ice cream and then
poured the root beer over the ice cream and asked the students to identify the type of change that
had occurred. Students discussed what kind of change occurred and why. The second station was
outside, where the students were given a worksheet to fill out with mini experiments. Students
tested out little experiments such as mixing baking soda and vinegar and identifying whether it
was a chemical or physical change on their worksheets. The last station was a game where
students rolled a dice and answered a question corresponding to their number, about a physical or
chemical change.
I enjoyed observing this lesson. Personally there was a lot going on and the students did
not have that much time at each station. It was hard to keep track of each student at each station.
The students had a hard time paying attention because it was the end of the day and the station
that was held outside was right next to a PE class so it was distracting to the students. Overall, I
could tell that the students could decipher between chemical and physical changes by the end of

the lesson. They enjoyed doing hands on activities. I really liked the root beer and ice cream
experiment and I would use that in my future classroom.