Matter and Change in Applied Chem

We have begun our second unit in applied chemistry: matter and change. We have begun to discuss properties of substances such as mixtures. In lab, we separated a mixture of sand, salt, iron filings, and pennies using different separation methods. The picture illustrates a funnel with filter paper held by an O-ring and a ring-stand. We filtered a mixture of sand, salt, and water through filter paper in a funnel. The sand was left over in the funnel while the salt water passed through. During the next class we calculated the mass of the sand and salt.

We've also begun density and density calculations today. Stay tuned for more updates! And please bring your calculators--- they are required for this course!!

In Regents Chem, Matter Matters!

We are working hard in our second unit, Matter and Change. I've begun integrating Power Point notes into our routine instead of the antiquated overhead projector. It's a lot of work, but students seem to be enjoying the graphics and pictures. And one day I'll finally get the hang of the wireless mouse.

We've been doing several labs in this unit. We determined how to find mass several different ways, and then how to find volume using a few different methods. Combining mass and volume together we determined the density of several objects. A class favorite was the Indiana Jones lab, where we watched the first 10 minutes of "Raiders of the Lost Ark." When Indy tries to switch a bag of sand with the golden idol, he has the cave crash in around him. Silly Indy should have known that the gold and sand had different masses, and thus different densities! We also enjoyed finding the density of a Hershey's chocolate bar. Yummmmmmm!

Chemistry requires us to make calculations constantly. Please make sure you are bringing your calculator to class! It's part of the class expectations.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Marking Period 1 ends this Friday (Oct. 10), with Marking Period 2 beginning after the long weekend (Oct. 14.) Students are responsible for staying after school and making up any labs or finishing up any assignments.