Categories
Physical Science and Astronomy

Title: “Exploring the Origin of the Universe: Differentiating Between Meteoroids, Comets, and Asteroids and Understanding the Big Bang Theory”

This week we are taking a look at the origin of our universe and its respective features; answer each of the following prompts:
What are some differences between meteoroids, comets, and asteroids? How would you help your students tell them apart?
What evidence exists that supports the Big Bang Theory? Are there any physical demonstrations that you could use to teach the Big Bang Theory to your students?

Categories
Physical Science and Astronomy

Title: “Distinguishing Between Physical and Chemical Changes of Matter: Exploring the Transformation of Atoms”

This week’s Civil Discourse is centered on distinguishing between the physical and chemical changes of matter; answer each of the following prompts together or independently throughout the week.
How are chemical and physical changes different?  What are some demonstrations that you might do to help your students differentiate between a chemical and physical change?
In chemical changes, new substances are formed.  Do the atoms involved actually change?  If not, what has changed?  How would you help your students visualize this?