Unit 3: Matter and Energy (Fluids) and Unit 4: Earth and Space Systems (Water Systems)

Matter and Energy - Fluids
Fluids are essential to many industrial processes and form the basis of hydraulic and pneumatic devices. Any substance that flows is considered to be a fluid. This includes such things as water, shampoo, sunscreen, and honey. Even gases, such as air, can be classified as fluids. Students will learn about the diverse applications of the principles involved in fluid mechanics, the impacts of technological innovations based on the properties of fluids, and the industries and jobs related to fluids. To learn about the properties of fluids, students will experiment with and investigate the viscosity and density of different liquids and ways in which these properties affect objects placed in those liquids. Students will explore the implications of Archimedes’ principle by investigating and measuring the buoyant forces on different objects. When designing, building, and testing devices, it is important that students be able to identify and explain the importance of practices that ensure their personal safety and the safety of others. This includes being able to recognize and remedy possible safety hazards in testing situations and knowing how to use joining equipment and materials properly and safely.

Earth and Space Systems - Water Systems
More than 70 per cent of the earth’s surface is covered with water, and most of this water is found in the oceans. In learning about the earth’s water systems, students will develop an understanding of the important role that water systems play in global ecosystems. They will evaluate the role media play in portraying controversial water issues and research recent technological innovations related to Earth’s water systems. Students will gain a basic understanding of Earth’s water systems and come to a better understanding of their own role in caring for this precious resource. It is important that students be able to identify and explain the importance of practices that ensure their personal safety and the safety of others. This includes making the teacher aware of any potential allergic reactions (e.g., to bee stings), wearing the clothing and footwear appropriate for the conditions they are working in, and staying within the area of study.

Summative Assignment- Hydraulic/Pneumatic Device Design Challenge - Students will: Design, build, and test a pneumatic/hydraulic system that grasps and/or moves an object. (Student Examples)

Notes/Handouts:

  1. Diagnostic Assessment: (Mind Map) What are some examples of fluids and what are their properties? - Kinds, uses, applications, occupations? What are the 3 states of water on the earth’s surface, relative amounts?
  2. Phases of Matter Movie (In Class)
  3. The Particle Theory of Matter (Student Comic on the Particle Theory)
  4. States of Matter and The Particle Theory Worksheet and Notes
  5. Evaluation Checkpoint #1 – Comic Checklist
  6. Experimenting with Fluids - Students will explore experiment centres that examine the following: mass-to-volume ratio, creating and calibrating a hydrometer to measure the density of fluids, the compressibility of fluids (using a pneumatic or hydraulic system) and force.
  7. Evaluation Checkpoint #2
  8. Introduction to Water Systems (PPT)
  9. The Story of Drinking Water
  10. Experimenting with Water Systems - Local Water Issues, Processing Water, Water System Devices
  11. Website: Changing States of Matter and The Particle Theory
Online Unit: Fluids
Online Unit: Water Systems