What may those lab skills be?
* Convert metric quantities between metric quantities using prefixes.
* Convert metric quantities with Imperial units [not so helpful for the state exams as it doesn't show up on there]
* Measure length with a ruler* Measure volume in a pipet, in a graduated cylinder and more
* Measure mass on a scale.
I could see these being a string of labs but ultimately, I need a set of devices that are pretty standardized to have students measure year in and out.
Part of the problem in standardizing my items is that year to year, due to the economy, items shrink and grow. Companies change and products on sale change.
For example, those freezer pop things we all ate as kids? Yeah, on the right there. Those things.
Those things would be AWESOME for volume measurements. Measure it. Now, calculate what it should be. Things like this. They're not too expensive and they get the kids interests because they're consumer chemistry type labs.
I am horrible at labs and need to do more.
But as students gather their basic lab skills, they can earn badges (or achievements). I could easily see one being called Metric Master. Perhaps several levels... Metric Novice, Metric Apprentice, Metric Journeyman, Metric Artisan, then finally Metric Master. (Yeah, I'm kind of channeling the Lord of the Rings Online crafting tiers, but hey! They work and get the idea across!)
The badges would be all similar, but slightly different. I certainly need to do this through the course, but the edges would represent the levels. Higher level badges would have fancier borders and perhaps stars or wings or leaves or something more. The beginner level badges would have solid and plain borders.
But, I'm digressing.... More food for thought. :)
