Don't Drink the Water!

We learned all about precipitation and how it can pollute the ocean and other bodies of water. We probably think when we pour that last bit of Diet Coke on the driveway, we aren't hurting anything or anyone, or perhaps when we use a hose to do the dirty work rather than picking up after our lovable pet, we (and our students) do not actually realize how our actions affect the environment more than we know!

Here is a really visual experiment that truly reveals the toxins that run off into the ocean due to rain. Our groundwater is polluted by many every day things like caffeine from the extra Diet Coke, the feces from Fido, and other toxins we use in the yard. The blue water represents a body of water next to a hill/mountain side, while the red water is the polluted ground water coming into the ocean.

See the darker blue water....that is the pollutant liquid on the fresh ocean!

Electric Energy

What can you get with these three household items?

ELECTRICITY!!! By attaching the simple paperclip to the light bulb on one end, and then touching the top of the battery on the other, the battery's energy will travel through the medal paperclip and voila!

Here are some pics of our group making the room light up in action!

I think one of the best moments was when the entire class got in a circle and held hands. Our energy passing through our bodies was strong enough to make the baby chick chirp. It was a really powerful moment that not only illustrated the concept but also paid homage to our strong bond, and how if there is ever a missing "link", it is truly evident in its outcome. It is all about collaboration and learning from one another.

Owl Pellet Party

The image of the owl is from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/profilesofnature/4407380301/

That is what an owl looks like when it is regurgitating. An owl pellet is actually formed in the stomach of the owl, after the owl eats, it forms a ball of all of the items the owl simply cannot digest. That is what this little beauty looks like coming out of the owl.

Here are some images of when some crazy people decide we should actually dissect it....AHHHH!! (It actually wasn't that bad...I vaguely remember doing this as a child, but I fear I might have blocked it out....:))

Are you ready....the SKULL!!! (see images below) My group members and I think it might be from some kind of rodent...it had these gnarly long teeth that really freaked us out. This truly is a really interesting way for students to see real bones of animals. Though it was a little creepy, I really feel like this is a great activity to do with students. I am glad I got some practice with it, because it wont seem as scary and daunting if I brought this into my classroom.

Silly Putty

WHAT'S THAT GREEN GLOB TO GOO? Why, it is homemade Silly Putty, silly! It has been years since that fresh sticky goo got stuck on our parent's morning newspaper, or remnants of its faded residue still graced our childhood bedroom ceilings....

This was a great experiment that is extremely hands-on and fun to do with any child at ANY age! The fact that once you are finished you can put it in a cute little egg makes it even more spectacular! We made this silly putty using the following:

• 15 ml of Elmer white glue with 3 ml water (1 SPORKFUL does the trick!)
• After stirring that a bit, add 2 drops of food coloring
• While stirring the glue solution, add 15 mls of Borax which is the base solution (can be found in laundry section of grocery store)
• Then you stir it rapidly adding more base solution if needed

As Barb said, "Yes, that was fun....but why does it do that?"
It actually has a physical change, where it changes consistency. It becomes a liquid by adding the water, and then the Borax (base solution) acts as a cross-linker to tighten the consistency up and become silly putty!

You've got that Warm, Fuzzy Feeling!

The HYG expriment was a really fun time. Normally, I am aprehensive when it comes to anything scientific, mainly because I do not have much confidence in my scientific abilities, but this experiment creates a low-affect environment, that makes learning fun and exciting. We discussed in small group, our predictions for the outcome when we mixed 2 scoops of Ca Cl (Calcium Chloride), one scoop of Baking Soda, and 10 mls of Phenol Red. When mixed together, the substance has a gas reaction, a color reaction, and it became warm (temperature change). We asked questions about the experiment to navigate the 2nd recipe like: why did it turn yellow? Why is it warm? Which 2 chemicals make it change color? What is causing the heat? Based on our questions, we made a different recipe to see which caused what reaction based o our first experience. I really enjoyed this experiment and will definitely use it in my classroom!