Last week we learned about measurements, significant zeroes, how to read a graduated cylinder and much more. We started off with a POGIL titled "Significant Digits and Measurements" which dealt with valid and invalid measurements, along with an introduction to significant digits. For these POGILs we had to work with our new table groups and help each other out and I think that was better than any ice-breaker exercise that we could've done because we immediately got to work together and share our thoughts and everything. Below is a picture of the worksheet.

The second POGIL was titled "Significant Zeroes" and taught us about what significant zeroes are and what placeholder zeroes are and also told us the five rules of determining what's significant and what isn't. The end of the packet had us dealing with scientific notation and expanded notation and how to write numbers in each form. I still struggle with finding which numbers are significant and which are placeholders. The following is a picture of the packet.

 

Then we went on to learn about how to read graduated cylinders. Dr. Finnan filled seven different sized graduated cylinders with varying colored liquid and had everyone read them and compare answers. It was interesting because the increments were different so most of the time you were guessing and it was cool to see how everyone had their own ideas of how full the graduated cylinder was.

 

We finished the week on more practice with significant numbers because it was difficult for a lot of people to understand and the practice really helped everyone even if they didn't struggle.