Summer SAVY, Session 4 Day 4, “Solving the Chemical Spill: Navigating Ecological and Chemical Systems” (5th-6th)
Dear Parents,
We had another successful day of learning! We again checked our experiments and noted that the metal and leaves in the acid had been affected the most. The olive oil had not evaporated very much, but we had differing results in terms of water, vinegar, and orange juice evaporation. The vinegar has been cleaning the pennies better than the water, and we noticed that the oil has not mixed with the water.
This morning, we learned about ecosystems, biotic and abiotic elements, and specific animals in the Cumberland River Basin. Then the class had a guest speaker, Najma Thomas-Akpanoko, a Ph.D. student from the Vanderbilt Civil Engineering department. She came and spoke about civil engineering, and the students imagined and drew maps of future cities.
Our chemical spill became more complicated when the State Highway Patrol Supervisor informed us of a letter from the “Friends of the Cumberland River” about boycotting Coleman Chemicals. We discussed and debated their concerns and whether they were, in fact, valid points.
We diluted and then neutralized the lemon juice and applied this knowledge to our chemical spill. We ended the day reflecting in our journals about what we’ve experienced and learned.
Tomorrow we will be visiting Dr. Daniel’s chemistry lab on the Vanderbilt campus. Please wear (or bring) long pants and closed-toe shoes. The students may wear shorts and then change into pants after lunch for the field trip.
Dinner table questions:
- What did you include in your future city?
- What are your new ideas regarding the chemical spill and the ecosystem?
- What are some of the various aspects, perspectives, and stakeholders related to the spill?
Warmly,
Ms. Elizabeth and Ms. Sharon