Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 3, Chemical Spill (Lowe) (3rd-4th)
Today was the day of pH! We started the day learning that “Seven is Heaven.” The class quickly caught on that 7 is neutral, less than 7 is an acid, and greater than 7 is a base.
Thank you for sending your children in with water samples this morning! Because of this, we started the day testing the pH of 21 water samples! These included a fun variety including Evian, aquarium and swimming pool water, and water from the tap. We hypothesized that although theoretically, they should all be 7, the samples would test at different pH numbers, both higher and lower. Our pH indicators showed that the pH numbers showed quite a range (4-9)!
Through the experiments, we continued to apply the scientific method. The class played a group Kahoot game on lab safety. During the day we moved around with more “Would You Rather” questions and explanations. We enjoy that some of our quieter scientists tend to consistently speak up during this activity.
Then the students talked more about our chemical spill. We brainstormed through a Reasoning Wheel as a class. Topics about our issue included: evidence/data, implications/consequences, and point of view. The class was able to see the spill from various perspectives (trucking company, highway patrol, people living in the area…….), and understand the numerous consequences (potential collapsing bridge, re-routed traffic, water source contamination, and harm to people, animals, and plants……). After that, they worked on a poster to visually represent their thoughts regarding the spill.
In the afternoon, we hypothesized and tested the pH of 12 safe kitchen-type liquids including black tea, dish liquid, antacid tablets dissolved in water, and lemon juice. They have become experts with pH indicators and charts!
Just a reminder: Friday 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:
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What have you learned about pH?
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How did you test the liquids in today’s experiments?
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What are your new ideas regarding the chemical spill?
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What surprised you the most?
We look forward to tomorrow!
Warmly,
Ms. Elizabeth and Mr. Sam