Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 1, “Hidden Chemistry: Everyday Chemical Reactions” (7th-8th)
Dear SAVY Families,
What an exciting first day of Hidden Chemistry: Everyday Chemical Reactions! Your children brought incredible curiosity, thoughtful questions, and boundless energy into our classroom today. I am truly thrilled to spend this week exploring the hidden world of chemistry with such a bright and engaged group of young scientists.
Today, we laid the foundation for our week of discovery by diving deep into atomic structure and the periodic table. Our objectives for the day centered on understanding the structure of atoms, including the protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how these subatomic particles determine the behavior and properties of elements. Students also explored periodic trends such as atomic radius, electronegativity, and ionization energy, and considered how these trends shape chemical reactions in the world around us.
We began by investigating the fundamental building blocks of matter. Students discovered how protons determine an element’s identity, how neutrons contribute to its mass and stability, and how electrons influence reactivity and bonding. Using hands-on atom models, students built 3D representations of simple atoms to visualize the relationship between atomic structure and element properties.
Next, our classroom transformed into a team of chemistry detectives as students collaborated in small groups to analyze the periodic table. They uncovered patterns and practiced using these to predict how different elements might behave in chemical reactions. Through these activities, students began to understand how atomic structure contributes to the diversity of materials and substances we encounter daily, from the air we breathe to the metals in their electronic devices.
We wrapped up our day with an inquiry-based discussion about why the periodic table is arranged the way it is. Students considered how scientists use it as a powerful tool to predict chemical behavior, understand reactivity, and design new materials and medicines. Their thoughtful insights and ability to connect today’s learning to the world around them were truly impressive.
At home, I encourage you to ask your child about what they learned today. Here are some “Think Beyond” questions to spark meaningful discussion:
- What patterns did you notice on the periodic table? Why do you think these patterns exist?
- How does the number of protons in an atom determine what element it is?
- If you could create a new element, where would it go on the periodic table, and what properties might it have?
- Why do some elements react more easily than others? What role do electrons play in this?
- Can you think of something you use every day and explain what elements it might be made of and how its properties make it useful?
This was just the beginning of our chemistry adventure. Tomorrow, we will explore the chemistry of light and chemiluminescence. Get ready for some glowing discoveries as we uncover how atoms and molecules create the light shows we see in nature and technology.
Thank you for supporting your child’s curiosity and learning journey this week. I am looking forward to another engaging and inspiring day with this fantastic group of young scientists.
Warmest regards,
Ms. Hannah Richards
