Materials: My Mama Is A Mechanic – Book, Fizzy Lemonade Activity Sheet, Fresh lemons (enough for 2 per group based on number of students in the class), Cold water (can use sink water from classroom/bathroom), Baking soda (1 small box), & Sugar (small box or bag), Small knife (to cut the lemons). Suggested but not necessary: Plastic table cloths to cover tables(makes clean-up easier)
Instructions:
1. Share with student that today they will be talking about different kinds of jobs and skills that people have. Explain that many people have different “jobs” and “careers” that they do. Example statement: “I am a dentist, but I also am a cook [I make dinner for my family], artist [I draw with my niece], and basketball player [I play basketball with my friends]” (emphasizing that we might not do all these job sat one time).
2.Explain to students that they are going to listen to the story My Mama Is A Mechanic and then complete an activity as a chemist for the day (just like Mama in the story).
3. Read the book My Mama Is A Mechanic aloud to students.
***NOTE: If teacher allows, you can move the students to a “group” setting (carpet, reading space).***
4. At this time, separate students into groups according to how
many students/mentors are present (groups of 3-5 would be ideal). Be sure that at least one mentor is stationed with each group, with one mentor available to be a floater/distribute materials.
5. Follow the experiment procedure on the Fizzy Lemonade Activity sheet.
6. Once you have completed #6 in the procedure the experiment is complete!
7. End the lesson by talking to students about the experiment and asking any follow-up questions about the experiment or the book (as time allows):
- – How did you feel when the lemon mixture “exploded?”
- – Did you like the taste at all?
- – Do you cook at home with your family? [You could suggest they call themselves “chemists” at home when
they cook!]
- – What kind of job do you think you would like to do like Mama in the story? [doctor, mechanic, quarterback,
treasure hunter, surgeon, architect.]
Tips: Be mindful of student’s family structures; they can apply this story to anyone in their family! While working with younger students, involve them as much as possible in the actions (letting them pour ingredients in the cup, letting them stir). Give students individual spoons to get small tastes (wipe off in-between).
