In this anchor activity, you will be using the knowledge you've gained in this module to make the connections between the materials from which an object is made and the function of the object.  You'll be studying the use of raw materials and the historical background of the object.  This activity is divided into four parts:  choosing an object to research, researching the object, creating an exhibit, and giving an oral presentation.  Click on the following links for an explanation of each part and the due dates for each part.
 

Part 1 - Choosing the Object

Part 2:  Starting the Research

Part 3:  Creating the Cube

Part 4: Giving the Oral Presentation

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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PART 1:  CHOOSING THE OBJECT

     To make your job easier, you should choose a relatively simple manufactured object.  You may choose your own object that you use everyday or choose from the following list of objects that you use everyday.  An object made from two or three materials will be much easier to research and present than one made from many materials.

ANCHOR ACTIVITY OBJECTS
Aerosol can        Ballpoint pen        Battery        Bottle           Cassette tape       CD/DVD            Clothing            Cooking pot        Diaper          Felt-tip pen
Floppy disk        Football                 Furniture      Golf ball       Joystick              Knife                  Lightbulb            Magnifier            Matches        Notebook
Pencil                 Pencil sharpener    Scissors        Sneakers    Soda can              Tape dispenser    Thermometer       Tools                 Toothbrush    Toy
Videotape

Part I Due Date:  DECEMBER 4TH

 By the due date, you need to write and type a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) to identify the object you have chosen.  Give the reasons for your choice.  Your object must be approved.  Here is an example paragraph.

John Q. Honorstudent
3rd hour
Mrs. Dobbs/Mr. Booth
  I have chosen eyeglasses for my piece of research.  I've worn glasses for nearsightedness for about 3 years and I've been curious about how they are made.  They appear to be made from 3 types of substances.  There is some type of metal, glass lenses, and plastic nose pieces as well as plastic pads.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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PART II:  STARTING THE RESEARCH   DUE DATE:  DECEMBER 8TH

     Start gathering information about your object.  We will have one class period to use the computer lab on December 6th (Dobbs) and December 7 (Booth) exclusively for this purpose. Your information will be divided into five sections.  As you gather information, write your notes under these headings:

• Function (Explain what the object does or what its use is.)
• Major Materials (Give the main materials from which the object is made.)
• Why These Materials Were chosen (Tell what properties of the materials make them good choices for use in the object.)
• Origin of One of the Materials (select one major material in the object and investigate its raw materials, where they were found, and the process they undergo to make them usable in the object.)
• History of the Object (Answer these questions:  Was it invented? If so, by whom? When and where did it first appear?   How do the original designs and choice of materials differ from those in use today?)

On another sheet of paper, write a bibliography.  The bibliography can include books, newspapers, magazines, and TV programs.  You should have at least one Internet, one book, one magazine, and one encyclopedia source.  Here is an example:

These are the references I have found so far:
   The Physical World by Martin Sherwood and christine sutton, Oxford University press (from Mustang Public Library).
   Chemistry by Ann Newmask, Eyewitness Books, Darling Kindersley (from the school library).
   Grolier Multimedia encyclopedia (on CD Rom) - source:  Mr. Henry
   Asimov's Chronology of Science and Discovery by Isaac Asimov, Harper and Row, copyright 1995, (Mustang Public Library).
   Dr. Henry James, Optician, Eyeglasses Inc.  Oklahoma City, OK
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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PART III:  CREATING THE CUBE       DUE DATE:  DECEMBER 15

     Continue your research as you prepare for the presentation portion of this project.  Table 10.1 below explains what is required for each section of your exhibit.  read and study it carefully because it tells you how you can obtain high scores for your exhibit.  Notice that points are awarded for the bibliography and for the presentation, including use of imaginative artwork and decoration of your exhibit.

Write each section of your exhibit cube (use the headings listed on  table 10. 1).  The final text of your exhibit MUST be typed.  You have a limited amount space for each of the sections of the cube, so choose the content, including pictures and diagrams, very carefully.
Construct your exhibit cube. The instructions for making the cube are as follows:

     1.  Make the cube from posterboard.  The dimensions of the cube should be about 15 x 15 x 15 cm.  Figures 10.3 and 10.5 show how to make a template and how to assemble the cube.

Use one side of the cube for each section you have written (this will use five sides).  Make sure that at least four sides of the cube read the same way up (see Figure 10.6).  Put a picture or photograph of the object on the sixth side.  IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR NAME IS LOCATED ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE CUBE AS THE PICTURE OR PHOTOGRAPH.

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PART IV:  GIVING THE ORAL PRESENTATION  DUE DATE:  DECEMBER 18-20

1.  Now is the time for the short oral presentation for the class about what you've found about your object.  It should focus on the origin of one of the materials that make up your object.  You should provide detailed information on the following topics:
 

• One of the materials from which your object is made
• The properties of the material
• The properties of the material that make it a good choice for use in your object
• One of the raw materials from w hich the material is made
• The geographical source or sources of the raw material
• How the raw material is extracted and/or processed before it is used in your object.

2.  During your presentation, use some visual aids such as posters, maps, and overhead transparencies, pictures, etc.  If you can, use Web pages, short video or powerpoint.

3.  Look at Table 10.2.  It tells you how your oral presentation will be assessed.  Use the table to plan your presentation.

4.  Practice giving the presentation.  Time yourself so that the presentation is between 3 and 5 minutes long.

5.  Make sure you have all of your materials ready before you give your presentation.  You may refer to notes during your presentation, but you should avoid reading them verbatim.

(Ideas taken from "Properties of Matter" Student Guide and Source Book, copyright 2000 National Academy of Sciences)