Summer SAVY 2017, Session 3/Day 2- Chemical Spill! (Rising 4th/5th)

Posted by morganr1 on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 in SAVY.

It was another exciting day in Chemical Spill!

This morning we diluted our acetic acid and ammonia solutions and began our experiment
studying the effects of acids and bases on the growth of onion plants. We used our red
cabbage extract to indicate the pH of each solution. During each day of the rest of the
week, we will measure the growth of the onions and record observations about their
health.

We also watched and discussed some news reports of a highway accident from 2015 that
resulted in a spill of chlorine tablets intended for use in swimming pools. We talked about
what kinds of effects such a spill had on surrounding inhabitants and on traffic on the
highway. We also discussed a spill of a large quantity of sulfuric acid during a different
traffic accident and the environmental impact of that spill.

Last, we performed an experiment to identify the variables that control rate of flow of a
liquid, similar to the type of leak that might occur when a container of dangerous
substance causes a spill. Of course, we did not use any harmful substances – only water!

Everyone seemed sad to find that the day was already over! I hope everyone has an
enjoyable evening and will return tomorrow more great discoveries during Chemical Spill!

Mrs. Organ