Teacher Topics

LESSON PLANS:

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) offers "Concrete in the Classroom" http://www.cement.org/basics/concretebasics_classroom.asp

Includes the following lessons plans:

- Lesson 1: The Uses of Concrete

Objectives: Students will learn

1. The difference between cement and concrete
2. How cement and concrete are used
3. How cement is made

- Lesson 2: What are the Parts of Concrete?

Objectives: Students will learn

1. What materials are used to make concrete,
2. How much energy is used to separate small or large particles

- Lesson 3: A Further Look at the Content of Concrete

Objective: Students will learn about proportioning concrete mixes.

- Lesson 4: A Collection of Aggregates

Objective: Students will learn

1. About various types of aggregate
2. Why various sizes of aggregate are needed to create concrete

- Lesson 5: So, You Think Concrete Dries Out?

Objective: Students will learn

1. The chemistry of cement
2. That concrete hydrates and the difference between hydration and drying
3. Principle of conservation of mass

PCA BOOKSTORE:

In addition to the above online lesson plans, educators, presenters and others can order the materials from the PCA Bookstore. See below for links to the following products: Education Module, Poster, Lesson Plan & Video

Cement and Concrete Education Module http://www.cement.org/bookstore/profile.asp?store=&pagenum=1&pos=0&catID=&id=216

An educational module from PCA packages up a mix of materials to bring the science of cement and concrete to the classroom. The module includes a 10-minute video on cement-making, a companion booklet, a brochure on working safely with concrete, and a colorful poster on cement and concrete uses with lesson plans printed on the back. Lesson plans range from simple discussion ideas and class demonstrations to experiments for high school science labs. Geared to grades 7-12, the package is intended for use by member companies, allies, and regional groups for community relations projects and education and outreach programs. The poster/lesson plans (PL023) and video/booklet (VC022) are also available separately.

Poster/Lesson Plans: Concrete Brought to You by Cement http://www.cement.org/bookstore/profile.asp?store=&pagenum=1&pos=1&catID=&id=367

Intended for use in classrooms, this colorful poster depicts cement and concrete uses with lesson plans printed on the back. Geared to grades 7-12, lesson plans range from simple discussion ideas and class demonstrations to experiments for high school science labs. The poster is also available as part of an educational module (XC008) that includes a video and other materials.

A New Stone Age: The Making of Portland Cement (video) http://www.cement.org/bookstore/profile.asp?store=&pagenum=1&pos=1&catID=&id=998

This basic introduction to the cement and concrete industries covers how cement is made and its importance as the key ingredient in concrete. Includes step-by-step discussion of the cement-making process and explains concrete's preeminence as a building material, emphasizing its versatility and quality. Also discusses the role of the cement industry in waste management. It includes a 16-page companion publication of the same title (PA164). Also available on CD.

A New Stone Age: The Making of Portland Cement (print version) http://www.cement.org/bookstore/profile.asp?store=&pagenum=1&pos=2&catID=&id=359

This basic introduction to cement and concrete includes step-by-step processes of cement-making and discusses its importance as the key ingredient of concrete. It also emphasizes concrete's preeminence as a building material- its advantages in versatility, durability, and energy efficiency. This 16-page booklet is a companion piece to the video (VC022) of the same name.