February 12, 2019 Can Do Chemistry Lesson 6: Chemistry in the Kitchen

Our last session of Can Do Chemistry had the students mixing solids, liquids and gasses to create rolls, butter and root beer floats.   We had some extra time while waiting for the bread to rise....and challenged the students to balance a graduated cylinder on their hands, heads, feet, or where ever else  they wanted - crazy fun for everyone!  Pictures are below.  Enjoy!

February 5, 2019 Can Do Chemistry Session 5: Chemical Reactions!

Today's lesson was all about Chemical Reactions!  We used colored vinegar and baking soda to make an art project on a plate.  We used vinegar and baking soda a second time to make a floating glove.  We made a "snow storm" in a glass with oil, water mixed with white paint and an alka seltzer tablet.  And we made a small explosion in a film canister with water and an alka seltzer tablet.  I tried to take as many pictures as possible but some experiences will have to just be captured in our memories - they happened so fast and we ALL needed to focus!  Pictures are below.  Enjoy!

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!