Concrete in the Classroom
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Portland cement is a fascinating material.
And it can be the subject of a fascinating lesson plan. We have
engaging lessons plans that are ready for your classroom.
Teachers Guide to Cement and Concrete Lessons
These lesson plans are designed to help students understand the
large role that cement and concrete products play in their everyday
lives. When the program is finished, students should not only understand
the difference between cement and concrete, but should have a working
knowledge of the science underlying the composition and behavior
of the material.
Concrete surrounds us. When we walk to school, take the bus, walk
into a building, or cross a bridge, concrete is there. This program
was developed to help students understand how concrete is a key
material to almost everything they do. It’s an exciting material
that is more than just rock and sand. Read on to see just how cement
and concrete affect our lives.
Making a New Stone
Imagine: Junior high school or high school students working on cement
and concrete projects…separating out ingredients of concrete,
varying the proportions of water and concrete, mixing additives,
checking for temperature changes, finding the pH, and learning about
the product.
The teacher’s task is to appropriately match the activity
with the academic and maturation level of the students. Most students
grades 7 through 12 can perform the activities in these lessons.
Historical ideas and, more importantly, the chemistry of concrete
demand an adequate background on the part of the teacher and a readiness
on the part of students.
Safety
Include safety precautions when introducing concrete materials in
the classroom. Working with cement requires you to supply students
with waterproof protective gloves and safety glasses. The alkalinity
of wet cement and concrete can cause skin irritation or even chemical
burns under prolonged exposure.
Try to keep cement dust away from the students. A well ventilated
work area is a practical solution to getting rid of any dust that
may be produced. Encourage the students to wash thoroughly when
they are finished working with cement and concrete. For
more information, refer to PCA's guidelines on working safely with
concrete.
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Lesson Plans:
Lesson 1: The Uses of Concrete
Lesson 2: What are the Parts
of Concrete?
Lesson 3:
A Further Look at the Content of Concrete
Lesson 4:
A Collection of Aggregates
Lesson 5:
So, You Think Concrete Dries Out?
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