Hi super science followers! We have had an exciting week in our science classes. We've mastered the Periodic Table of Elements and have moved on to the wild world of molecules, compounds, and chemical formulas. I've been trying to convince my students that, yes, science rules the world, but without chemistry, we would have nothing! I think they're slowly starting to believe me....or at least I hope. My favorite example is table salt! They now know that the real chemical name for table salt is Sodium Chloride. By itself, the element Sodium, is a soft metal that reacts like a firework when it is placed in water and Chlorine is a poisonous, toxic gas, but when these two combine chemically it forms a totally new substance, table salt. I joke with them that every time we use salt, we're really using a poisonous firework (maybe that is why it's so bad for us!).
This week, we are building on our chemical knowledge and learning all about chemical reactions. I'm really looking forward to Friday because we are taking part in an interactive chemical reactions lab with the
Challenger Learning Center. This center serves as a legacy to the seven astronauts lost on the space shuttle Challenger and uses math and science to partner with schools and help students build various 21st century skills.
During our lab, scientists will perform experiments and demonstrations via Skype, and will help guide students through difficult concepts. Students will be inspired to ask questions and draw conclusions to deepen their understanding of this specific concept!
Check back on Friday to see how it goes! My goal is to upload videos and photos of this amazing opportunity!
Have a great week!
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