Atom Unit Flipped-POGIL

Post date: Nov 17, 2015 9:02:21 PM

This unit was completely taught using POGIL WS/Activities.  Many of the activities were done as HW and exploratory activities were done in the classroom.  In class, I focused more with summarizing the conclusions and ideas they came up with and reinforcing them with in-class practice.

For example, the lesson where they learned about the structure of the atom used a Phet simulation (Building an atom).  At home, they were to look at how changing the number of protons affected the identity of the atom; how keeping the number of protons constant but changing the neutrons affected the mass number; and how keeping the protons the same and changing the number of electrons affected the charge.

They were able to complete the activity at home and in class, we discussed what happened and they practiced filling out the table below

There were other activities such as defining ions v. isotopes; finding average atomic mass; nuclear stability; nuclear decay equations; and 1/2 life.

I feel that most of the activities worked well.  They were able to have a better idea of the concepts and not just memorizing equations to figure things out.  On the assessments, majority of the kids were able to do very well with questions that dealt with explaining the concepts.  One thing that I many of them that had problems with were with calculating half life.   When I asked conceptual questions about 1/2 life, they were able to get those questions correct, but were still stumbling when it came to calculations.  So, the next time I teach this lesson, I will focus more on practicing the problems and clearly showing how to do the problems.

One thing I really like about using this flipped-POGIL model for this unit and I found it easier to walk around and help kids individually and/or in small groups.  It also allowed me to utilize my stronger students as facilitators.  If a strong student's group finished first, I would send them to other groups to help "teach" the concept.  My students feel more needed and they have a purpose.