Science Around Us (7)

A ceramic plate crashes into pieces when it is dropped onto a concrete floor. Another identical plate does not break when it is dropped onto a piece of thick cloth. Obvious, isn't it? Yes, by experience. However, can a student explain the observation based on scientific principles? Yes or no--depending on how the student is trained by the teacher.
We cannot expect students to be able to answer science questions relating to everyday experiences if we do not consciously train them systematically during the lesson. As in this example, we cannot just teach them the concept of impulsive force by just manipulating the mathematical formula involved and expect students to be able to explain its applications in everyday situations. We may provide some stereotype examples but that may not be enough. We need to train them what to observe, how to observe, how to make comparison and identify the differences and so on.
Just take the example of the falling plates--we need to guide students either by using work sheet or orally to observe and compare the following:-

• The height which the plates are dropped;
• The physical differences between the two surfaces where the plates land;
  
• The physical factors involved (like velocity, time and force);
• The effect on the plates upon landing.

The next time when you conduct a science lesson, please try this method and I am sure the students will enjoy your lesson more and understand the related scientific principles better.