Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 2, Chemical Spill (Lowe) (3rd -4th)
It was so fun to see our new friends this morning, and the students asked for more “Would You Rather” scenarios and a science joke as soon as they arrived!
This morning, we looked at yesterday’s “A” & “B” experiments, noticed that there were some changes in the “A” (vinegar) jars, and recorded our observations regarding the various items from the chemical spill scene. The concrete, wood, metal, and grass jars showed the largest changes so far……..
We briefly discussed the science we saw in a painting of Antoine Lavoisier, who was a prominent French chemist, and Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night. Then, the class learned more about designing experiments and conducted three experiments today that we will also continue to monitor during the week. For our first experiment, we hypothesized and tested if pennies would clean more in vinegar or water. Afterward, the students distinguished the difference between living versus non-living, identified them in a video, and discussed physical vs. chemical properties.
Another clue about our chemical spill arrived; a smudged invoice where it was determined that 5,000 expensive gallons of the corrosive chemical had spilled! With a topographic map, the class found ways to reroute traffic for a detour for tonight’s Taylor Swift concert or tomorrow’s Tennessee Titan football game at Nissan Stadium. We talked about how first responders and weather play a part in chemical spills. And, the class brainstormed who might need to be informed, and how we can get the word out to the public regarding the problem. Also, we talked about the effect of chemical spills on people, the environment, and structures.
For our second experiment, the class dissolved sugar in hot and cold water. For today’s last experiment, we have also set up jars to check the speed of evaporating liquids (water, olive oil, orange juice, and vinegar). In our conversations, we are making connections relating the knowledge from our in-class experiments and topics, and our chemical spill. We are putting the pieces of the puzzle together! At the end of the day, we had a brief introduction to pH. We discussed that water should have a neutral pH of 7.
If possible, please send in a water sample with your child tomorrow! We are going to test the pH! (We will also already have water samples to test, but also thought it would be fun for the students to bring in their own water as well.)
Also, on Friday morning we will be visiting a Vanderbilt chemistry lab! Students are required to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants for safety reasons.
Dinner table questions:
- What have you learned so far in the experiments?
- What are your new ideas regarding the chemical spill?
- Which experiment did you enjoy the most?
We look forward to tomorrow!
Warmly,
Ms. Elizabeth & Mr. Sam
