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Science class can be hot and slimy
By Irene Wu |
January 30, 2013, Wednesday
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THIS year, we have been studying lots of topics in science. These include acids and alkalis, animal adaptations, cells and reproduction.
Lately, we have been working on chemical and physical reactions. For example, we did "fire writing" and "slime-making" experiments. For the fire writing experiment, we used filter paper, a sodium nitrate solution, splints, and of course, fire. First, we used the splint to draw a shape or write a word using the sodium nitrate.
The only rule was that the shape or word couldn't be a closed shape and the words had to be looped so the fire wouldn't burn the word out. We let it dry for 20 to 25 minutes then lit the splint up and put the fire at the start of the shape/word.
We identified it as a chemical reaction - not a physical one - because it burned, produced a new substance, smoke, and produced energy. Also, having recently learned about hazard symbols, this chemical reaction used an oxidizing liquid, since it continued to burn once provided with the initial heat.
For the slime-making experiment: We used borax, PVA solution (4 percent glue), color dye, a beaker, and a splint. We mixed up all the reactants in a beaker with a splint (PVA solution last), and it ended up all gooey and sticky.
We discussed what state of matter the slime was by looking at its properties. Some might think it is solid, because it can have a fixed shape, however it can also flow like liquid and take up the space of a container.
Science at YCIS is fun, and these practical lessons were particularly awesome because I had never made do-it-yourself slime before, or tried to write with fire.
Lately, we have been working on chemical and physical reactions. For example, we did "fire writing" and "slime-making" experiments. For the fire writing experiment, we used filter paper, a sodium nitrate solution, splints, and of course, fire. First, we used the splint to draw a shape or write a word using the sodium nitrate.
The only rule was that the shape or word couldn't be a closed shape and the words had to be looped so the fire wouldn't burn the word out. We let it dry for 20 to 25 minutes then lit the splint up and put the fire at the start of the shape/word.
We identified it as a chemical reaction - not a physical one - because it burned, produced a new substance, smoke, and produced energy. Also, having recently learned about hazard symbols, this chemical reaction used an oxidizing liquid, since it continued to burn once provided with the initial heat.
For the slime-making experiment: We used borax, PVA solution (4 percent glue), color dye, a beaker, and a splint. We mixed up all the reactants in a beaker with a splint (PVA solution last), and it ended up all gooey and sticky.
We discussed what state of matter the slime was by looking at its properties. Some might think it is solid, because it can have a fixed shape, however it can also flow like liquid and take up the space of a container.
Science at YCIS is fun, and these practical lessons were particularly awesome because I had never made do-it-yourself slime before, or tried to write with fire.
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