Today students went over the differences between solids, liquids, and
gases. This is material they should be familiar with, but we are
reviewing it and going a little more in depth. We discussed what the
particles look like, the densities, and how much energy they have. We
also discussed phase changes and worked on two phase change graphs the
students will see on the SOL, how to label them, and how to answer
questions about them.
We also discussed matter
(everything in the universe is made of matter) and how you can classify
it as substances or mixtures. Substances can either be elements from the
periodic table or compounds made up of more than one element.
We
finished class by doing a lab with oobleck. Oobleck is technically a
non-Newtonian Fluid which is really hard to define in layman's terms.
Scientifically it is also a colloid because the cornstarch particles are
very tiny and evenly dispersed throughout the water, but will not
settle out. Anyway.
The
students mixed up their oobleck and then performed a series of tests to
determine whether the oobleck was more like a liquid or more like a
solid (they had to make a choice). Fun was had, messes were made, people
were learning. Life was good. Here is a photo of Caroline (look at her
mess!).
To watch a mythbusters about oobleck and how you can walk on it(!) - click here.
Homework for tonight are Boxes G and J on the green homework sheet
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment