January 29, 2019 Can Do Chemistry Session 4: Mixtures

Our 4th session of Can Do Chemistry focused on mixtures, allowing us to use concepts learned in previous lessons about elements, measurement, and states of matter.   We mixed oil, water, food coloring and dish soap.  We mixed cornstarch and water for ooblek.  And we mixed glue, water, shaving cream and contact solution to make fluffy slime. A great time was had by all!   Pictures are below!  Enjoy!

 

January 24, 2019 Can Do Chemistry Session 3: States of Matter

Seems appropriate to focus on states of matter when Mother Nature is giving us so many examples!

Here is what we did in class: played inside with snow, learned the "States of Matter" song,  read a story, went on a states of matter scavenger hunt, used pipettes to transfer colored water onto wax paper and then tilted the paper to connect the drops, recovered pennies from a cube of ice, painted a block of ice, and filled balloons with air to take home.

It was much more fun experiencing the states of matter in the classroom than outside on the roads!  Pictures are below.  Enjoy!

January 15, 2019 Can Do Chemistry Lesson 2: Measurement

Our 2nd lesson of Can Do Chemistry focused on measurement. 

First, we discovered and discussed a variety of measurement tools:  tape measures, tire gauges, calipers, timers, plastic medicine syringes, pitch counters, thermometers, and levels.

Next, we actually measured two ingredients and made cloud dough.  We measured 4 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of oil using a standard measuring cup and a graduated cylinder.  We mixed them together and then had a lot of fun playing with this soft, silky dough.

Finally, we learned that counting is another way to measure things in chemistry.  We counted to 20.  We counted how long we could balance on one foot.  And we counted how many pennies we could float in an aluminum boat. 

Thanks to those who brought back the element collections!  We did look and discuss the different elements that were found.

Next week:  States of Matter.  Pictures are below.  Enjoy!

January 8,2019 Can Do Chemistry Begins!

The first session of Can Do Chemisty was lots of fun!  We talked about how "little" things go together to make "big" things like in a car, or an airplane or even a fruit salad.  We then made a "big"necklace using "little" pony beads.

 Next, we learned about elements and how they are the "little" things that make up the "big" things all around us.  We went on an "element scavenger hunt."  We looked at an element collection.  And finally, we created artwork using an element called aluminum.

Our final focus was on combining elements to make molecules.  We made molecular models using marshmallows and toothpicks.  Everyone made one molecule of water - H2O - and then after that, the sky was the limit!

Pictures are below!  Enjoy!