Maria Rosana, PhD
Sciences
In the MYP (Middle Years Programme), sciences emphasize inquiry-based learning, allowing students to explore concepts through observation, experimentation, and critical thinking.
Teaching science to MYP students has been one of my favorites things because this is when I have the chance to inspire students to learn more about our world
I am passionate about designing engaging learning experiences that make science come alive, especially in chemistry, my area of expertise.
To see this approach in action, click the link below to explore tsome experimental activities I’ve developed.
Activities
DNA Puzzle
When teaching genetics, it's essential for students to understand the function and structure of DNA, with complexity varying by grade level.
A great way to engage them is through hands-on learning. In this activity, I designed a DNA puzzle using a laser-cutting machine. Students worked in groups to assemble the puzzle, recording their observations in a worksheet. They then compared their DNA models with other groups, analyzing the configuration of the double helix, hydrogen bonds, and nitrogenous bases. This interactive approach made abstract concepts more tangible, reinforcing their understanding of DNA structure.
​
Eggs and pH
Eggs are an excellent tool for teaching a wide range of scientific concepts, including proteins, denaturation, reproduction, chemical transformations, and even pH! Many students don’t realize the connection between pH and egg quality, but seeing these transformations firsthand sparks their curiosity.
In this activity, we analyzed how the acidic or basic nature of an egg changes when it is raw or cooked. Using a homemade acid-base indicator made from red cabbage, students compared pH variations and assessed the quality of different eggs. This hands-on experiment deepened their understanding of food chemistry and the science behind everyday cooking.
Bioplastics
One effective way to engage students when teaching about sustainable materials is through hands-on experimentation. In this activity, I guided students in making bioplastics using starch. They worked in groups, following a simple recipe to heat and mix starch, glycerin, vinegar, and water. After molding their samples, they recorded observations on texture, flexibility, and durability.
They then compared their results with other groups to analyze how different ingredient ratios affected the final product.
​
Butter
In this activity, students made butter using a glass jar and milk cream, exploring the composition of milk and the role of fat molecules. By shaking the jar, they observed phase separation, transforming liquid cream into solid butter and buttermilk. They recorded texture and consistency changes, comparing results with other groups to analyze how shaking time and temperature affected the final product.
This experiment helped them understand emulsion science and its relevance in food production.
Meat color
In this activity, students examined the color differences in meat based on freshness and oxygen exposure. They compared fresh and aged meat samples, noting changes in color due to myoglobin oxidation. Through group discussions, they explored the role of oxygen in these transformations and how it affects food quality. Depending on the grade level, the lesson extended to the complex structure of hemoglobin and its role in oxygen transport, reinforcing the connection between molecular science and everyday life.
Chlorophyll separation
In this activity, students performed chromatography on leaves to explore photosynthesis and the role of chlorophyll. Using a solvent to separate pigments, they observed different colors, revealing the presence of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. They compared results across various leaf samples, discussing how pigment composition influences leaf color. Depending on the grade level, the lesson extended to how seasonal changes affect pigment production, reinforcing the connection between plant physiology and environmental factors.
Cake leaveners
When teaching chemical transformations, a great way to engage students is through baking a cake! In this activity, students experimented with different leavening agents—baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, and biological yeast—observing how each affected the cake’s texture and rise. Comparing the results helped them understand that baking involves numerous chemical reactions, such as gas production, acid-base interactions, and fermentation, making the science behind cooking both tangible and exciting.
Organic dyes
Combining art and science is an effective way to help students understand photochemical reactions and pigment extraction. In this activity, students extracted pigments from spinach and used them to create paintings. They then observed how light exposure altered the colors, revealing the effects of photochemical changes. This experiment sparked discussions on sustainability and the impact of natural vs. synthetic dyes in the clothing industry, highlighting the real-world applications of chemistry in environmental and industrial contexts.
Milk
We often explain to students that milk is a dispersion, with fat droplets preventing light from passing through, but this concept can be difficult to visualize. In this activity, students examined milk under a microscope, observing how fat is dispersed in the liquid. They compared different types of milk, analyzing variations in fat content and distribution. This hands-on approach helped them better understand emulsions and the role of fat in milk’s composition.
Color theory
Color theory is often linked to science when studying light and waves. The Newton disc helps students understand complementary colors and how they mix. To reinforce this concept, I designed an activity where students neutralized the yellow tones of a hair sample using a purple pigment. This hands-on experiment allowed them to grasp color theory in a practical way while also exploring the science behind hair dyes and their chemical interactions.
​
Coffee and solubility
Color theory plays a crucial role in how we perceive art and meaning. To explore this concept, students created poems and drawings designed to change their interpretation based on the color of the incident light. By viewing their work under different colored lights, they observed how shades and contrasts altered emotions and perspectives. This activity deepened their understanding of color perception, the science of light waves, and how artists and designers use color to influence meaning and mood.
Pixels
To explore the science behind digital displays, students examined the pixels of different cellphone screens under a microscope. By comparing various screen technologies, such as LCD and OLED, they observed how individual red, green, and blue subpixels combine to create colors. This hands-on activity helped them understand how screens produce images, the role of light and color mixing, and the technological differences that affect display quality.