Grade 4 Scientist Case: The Mineral Materials Investigations

How does a scientist think about the volume of solid objects? In this scientist case, you’ll see Professor Roger Tobin doing and talking about the same investigations your students do in the Mineral Materials section of the 4th grade Inquiry Project curriculum. Knowing how a scientist thinks about these activities will help you support your students as they learn about volume and volume measurement.

Dr. Roger Tobin is Professor and Chair of the Physics Department at Tufts University. In addition to his research in experimental physics, Dr. Tobin pursues interests in energy policy and climate change, physics of sports (especially baseball), and in science education. Dr. Tobin is co-principal investigator of the Inquiry Project.

Dr. Sara Lacy is a senior scientist at TERC.