We are well on our way in Applied Chemistry. By the end of next week we will be testing on the first unit. Stay tuned for the exact dates!In Applied Chemistry the goal is to be hands-on and always observing. Class either consists of a demo or a lab. Last week's fun lab was experimental design. Students wrote out an entire lab procedure, from the problem and hypothesis to the procedure, data and conclusion. We tested three different bubble solutions to see which one would produce the most bubbles, but also the largest bubbles. Students prepared three different bubble solutions: original (the control), a salt bubble solution and a sugar bubble solution (the variables). Using a straw they tried to blow bubbles with each solution, then measured the diameter of the bubbles when they popped on the tabletop. We had a record 41 cm diameter! It was a lot of fun.
We also discussed different gases, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. A class demo illustrated the powers of CO2 and O2. We found out that a yeast + hydrogen peroxide solution relit a blown-out flame, while a yeast + vinegar solution extinguished a flame. This is because yeast + hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produces oxygen gas and yeast + vinegar (otherwise known as acetic acid, CH3CooH) produces carbon dioxide.
The yeast and H2O2 produced a slow bubbling, which can be turned into a homemade volcano! Check out this link to try it at home!
http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryhowtoguide/ht/volcano.htm
2 comments:
the lab was very fun and i like your teaching styles.the page is very well rounded and cute.thanks for you awsome teching. brittany whitehouse
this lab was very fun...i love the fact that we all get hands on and do labs we enjoy...it's not all "stick-to-the-books" routines..it's more laid back..but still informative. i'm looking forward to the rest of the year with you! =)
-Angela Abrams (Day 1/3, Block 2)
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