Part of Lesson Plan: Ingredients in Concrete

Activity Overview / Details

Note to Teacher- Throughout this lab/activity, students will perform unusual concrete mixes and each student will receive unpredictable results within their concrete mixes.  Students now understand the 3 main ingredients within a concrete batch, but without the proper ratio's of these ingredients the concrete will more than likely fail.  This lesson proceeds the next lesson and activity on concrete ratios.

Mixing Concrete Activity- Allow the students to mix their own concrete batch or mix, using the 4 main ingredients (Rock, Sand, Portland Cement and Water.) Give each student in the class one coffee can, a paint stick (mixing stick), an 8 oz. cup (one cup measure), and a 12 oz plastic cup (as the form). Students are to use the paper cup to accurately measure out the ingredients within the mix (again 1 - 8oz. paper cup = 1 cup). Once students have received their materials, explain to them to be accurate in their measurements and accurate in their ingredient recording. As students complete their mix or batch, have them fill the plastic 12 oz. cup level to the top. Find a place within the shop where the mixes may set up undisturbed. Allow the mixes to set for at least 24 hours. Instructor should also prepare a mix- using the 3-2-1 ratio (3 cups gravel, 2 cups sand, and 1 cup Portland Cement).