Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 2, Chemical Spill (Pilote) (3rd -4th)
Hello SAVY Families,
The students in Chemical Spill were so excited to make observations on their experiment today to see if there were any changes to the materials that were found at the site. More information was found at the scene. A smudged invoice! Of course, some information was illegible, but they put their minds to work analyzing it and coming up with solutions. Our chemists were really honing in some new science skills today as we learned how to design an experiment using the Scientific Method. They admitted they did not have much experience using the scientific method, and they proved to be quick learners. In the scientific method, scientists think of a question that they want to find an answer to. Then, they plan out the experiment by deciding on an independent variable, which is the part of the experiment they plan on changing. Next, they list the dependent variable which is what can be observed or measured. Then, they list the controls of the experiment, or what stays the same. The students stated their hypothesis, which is a possible answer to their question.
Students practiced designing their own experiments using the Scientific Method in small groups. They collaborated to decide on a Question. Some examples that they came up with were: 1) Does temperature affect tree growth? 2) Do different soaps used in bubble solutions produce larger bubbles? 3) How does vinegar affect a gummy bear? 4) Do plants know when sunlight is about to hit them? The ideas were thoroughly discussed and planned out impressively.
Once they practiced designing an experiment, it was time for the scientist to use the scientific method with experiments that would help us understand and solve our chemical spill problem. 1) Does vinegar or water clean a penny more? 2) Do different liquids evaporate at different rates? We collected and analyzed the data with a conclusion for the first experiment. We will observe the results of our 2nd experiment along with more fun experiments tomorrow. See some great examples of student work from today below! Students can design more experiments at home. See the Scientific Method chart below.
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?
Ms. Pilote
