Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 3, “Hidden Chemistry: Everyday Chemical Reactions” (7th-8th)
SAVY Families,
Today in Hidden Chemistry: Everyday Chemical Reactions, we dove into the fascinating chemistry of water and space! Students explored how water’s unique properties shape life on Earth and how chemistry plays a crucial role in space exploration. We started the day by discussing why water is often called the “universal solvent”. Students examined the molecular structure of water and its special properties, such as cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, and its ability to dissolve many substances. They experimented with water’s ability to defy gravity through capillary action and even tested how adding salt changes water’s properties.
Our hands-on experiment focused on rocket propulsion with the Alka-Seltzer Rocket Launch! Students investigated how chemical reactions produce gas and create thrust by launching small film canister rockets. By modifying variables such as water temperature, the amount of water, and the size of the tablet, they analyzed how these factors affected the height and speed of their launches. Through this experiment, students gained insight into how real rockets use controlled chemical reactions to propel spacecraft beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
In our demonstration, we explored The Mystery of the Disappearing Water with hydrogels. Students were amazed as they watched sodium polyacrylate (a superabsorbent polymer) from baby diapers absorb large amounts of water and transform into a gel-like substance. We discussed how hydrogels are used in NASA technology, agriculture, and medicine. They help astronauts purify water in space, improve soil moisture retention, and are even used in wound dressings! Students then conducted their own investigations, testing how different amounts of water, hydrogel, and salt affected water retention. By adding salt, they observed how it disrupted the polymer network and released the absorbed water, connecting this reaction to real-world applications like water recycling in space. At home, I encourage you to ask your child about their discoveries! Here are some “Think Beyond” questions to ask your young scientists:
- Why is water so important for life and chemistry?
- What challenges do astronauts face when trying to use water in space?
- How does chemistry help us understand and protect water resources on Earth?
- What happened when you added salt to your sodium polyacrylate?
Tomorrow, we will shift from space to the chemistry of food! We will uncover the hidden reactions that happen during cooking and baking. I can’t wait for another exciting day of discovery!
Kindest Regards,
Ms. Hannah Richards