tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772223744277565182024-02-20T06:52:53.152-08:00I Can't Believe It's Not Science FictionInteractive and entertaining ways to teach science! We're all about making science fun!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-75133409330571923522012-11-28T13:46:00.002-08:002014-09-17T11:17:13.127-07:00Winter Break Bordem - Science Videos<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This summer I had the wonderful joy of watching many talented YouTube artists make videos on our favorite topic: SCIENCE! Sure, we're a little late for the beginning of the year but just in time for Winter Break!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few of my favorite videos from this summer. If you find yourself wanting to learn some science this Winter Break but don't want to read those dusty textbooks check out some of these Youtuber's other videos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.) <span style="color: #741b47;"><u>Paul G. Hewitt </u></span>teaches the "Conservation of Momentum"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This video isn't new (2008) but it does show an entertaining way to teach a physics concept that can be difficult for students to grasp. Hewitt is a physics teacher, among other things, who is well known in the science education world for writing a physics textbook that helped teach through analogies. His analogies and demonstrations not only make science more interesting and easy to understand but they are fun too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.) <u><span style="color: #741b47;">NPR (National Public Radio)</span></u> is absolutely wonderful. They have a website and YouTube channel and their content ranges from politics to music and even science! This video here from NPR answers the question "How heavy is a hurricane?" Can you guess the weight of a hurricane in whales? The answer may surprise you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Hhz8mn4x3Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.)<u><span style="color: #741b47;">Vsauce</span></u>- Michael Stevens is a science writer and the host of Vsauce. This channel has many interesting videos; some on video games, science news, fun things to-do online and nifty things people have created. Vsauce has a few side channels as well, including vsauce2, (new) vsauce3, and vsaucegaming. This video explains why people are ticklish and why some people think it is actually painful.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddV6jyDeCKA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.)<u><span style="color: #741b47;">Veritasium</span></u>- America is definitely not the only country with scientists. This vlogger is from Australia and did his Ph.d on teaching science through videos. This video explains common misconceptions about temperature by interviewing people on the streets in Australia. Go ahead, watch this video and learn why some materials feel colder than others.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vqDbMEdLiCs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.) <u><span style="color: #741b47;">Crashcourse </span></u>is a new Youtube channel created by two brothers. Each brother tackles an AP subject. The first two subjects were World History and Biology. This is the first video in the Biology segment. (Just now starting is a segment on Ecology.) If biology is your thing you should watch these videos that are done by Hank Green, who got his Ph.D in environmental biology.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6.)ASAPscience - I recently came upon this science channel. Their tagline is "Got a burning question?" They have about 50 videos on many different topics in science. Ever wonder why people get hangovers? Want to know know about the age of earth? Or maybe you just wondered how Spiderman's powers work, this is the channel to keep an eye on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7.) Is astronomy more your thing? <u><span style="color: #741b47;">SpaceLab </span></u>is a youtube channel that has playlists of astronomy related things. They also have connections with the International Space Station. Neil DeGrasse Tyson has been interviewed a few times on their channel and their normal host is... Bill Nye the Science guy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8.)<u><span style="color: #741b47;">SciShow </span></u>is the place to go for science news. This channel is written and hosted by Hank Green (of CrashCourse) and mainly focuses on science news. There are some videos of explanation and even a few on labs you can do at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9.) MelodySheep - Lastly, this channel takes clips from movies, documentaries and speeches about different topics and turns them into a catchy auto-tune song of science! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-10356422187604791282012-07-11T22:41:00.000-07:002012-07-11T22:51:36.932-07:00Guest Blog: Google Earth in the Classroom<br />
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Hi, I am Geoblogger<a href="https://plus.google.com/106222712872743378624/posts"> Brian Schrock</a>, author of the blog <a href="http://googleearthtimemachine.blogspot.com/">Google Earth Time Machine</a> and I'm here doing a guest blog for my lovely friends Caroll and Rachel. As my blog indicates, I'm a frequent user of Google Earth and after years of enjoying the program, I've learned a few tricks that I think could really add to the science classroom. While Google Earth has revolutionized cartography (being our most complete map of the planet), it also has many additional features and applications that merge geography with the realms of geology, biology, oceanography, environmental science, meteorology, and other disciplines. I plan on introducing a few of these features and applications to y'all today.<br />
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<b>Oceanography:</b></div>
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After downloading the most recent version of Google Earth (which is a <a href="http://www.google.com/earth/index.html">free download</a> for those who didn't know) one of the features that comes with the program is a layer titled <i>Ocean</i>. When this layer is selected many different contributions by groups like National Geographic have content for the user to explore. Articles, images, videos, and links to webpages are georeferenced to areas all over the world's oceans:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gQiUxe8pLu4gq5bhbiJgQYp6LctTYwDkcCX9gjxwf6Kv_-3fTcxSDUKpds9DWkyJMJFseJ4GOHAh4VnZ8iD_DC-qZutQkhYgYdZsBp2IFDapM3NHApK-_2491DCkvqMG6fXTC_kR5Fk/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-11+at+11.14.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gQiUxe8pLu4gq5bhbiJgQYp6LctTYwDkcCX9gjxwf6Kv_-3fTcxSDUKpds9DWkyJMJFseJ4GOHAh4VnZ8iD_DC-qZutQkhYgYdZsBp2IFDapM3NHApK-_2491DCkvqMG6fXTC_kR5Fk/s640/Screen+shot+2012-07-11+at+11.14.01+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Notice the ocean layer at the bottom left. These are just some of the materials included.</span></div>
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The amount of material available to teachers here is astounding. While elementary students might struggle with comprehending some of the material on their own, middle school and especially high school students would be able to browse these articles in an environmental science, oceanography, or biology class. Never underestimate the amount of free resources provided here!</div>
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<b>Meteorology:</b></div>
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Like the <i>Ocean</i> layer that comes with Google Earth, there is also a <i>Weather</i> layer that provides frequently updated radar, satellite, and temperature details for the world. The same kind of information can be found online but with the right tools, this information can be enhanced. There is a <a href="http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2008/07/live_hurricane_hunter_missions_in_g.html">website</a> that gives free downloads of Hurricane Hunter data. This data is updated real-time (even while they are in flight!) and show's the track of the Hurricane Hunter plane as it flies into tropical systems. It even provides wind speed and barometric data as it goes. You can know if a storm has become a hurricane before the National Hurricane Center even officially announces it!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo from www.gearthblog.com)</span></div>
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During the Atlantic hurricane season, this kind of information can really expose a science classroom to meteorology as it is occurring!</div>
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<b>Environmental Science:</b></div>
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Google Earth comes with an entire set of layers dedicated to global awareness. These range from issues with pollution and famines, to the activities of World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace. One of the issues that I found most intriguing as a geology student was mountain-top removal. Google Earth has a layer dedicated to raising awareness about the removal of mountaintops for coal mining. In addition to this layer, they have another technical feature called a time-slider. The time slider allows the user to view historical imagery as far back as they have records. So for one of these <a href="http://googleearthtimemachine.blogspot.com/2012/01/sundial-west-virginia.html">mountains in particular, I created a blog of how the mountain was removed overtime</a>. This time slider is one of my favorite features on Google Earth and the main source of my blog material!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PP9vFGG5IQXL98WVgpr4c9oFLcQMC-p6de1ylUsJl9TuOQ8u7JPBaVrTq68_OgFyinKz2MvPqyRscTfFUco0NctWlrR9tzKQ_ezUvbUh2qFu-5Lx-MuKS3V374AV3BylZ2mCH35sNCw/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-11+at+11.54.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PP9vFGG5IQXL98WVgpr4c9oFLcQMC-p6de1ylUsJl9TuOQ8u7JPBaVrTq68_OgFyinKz2MvPqyRscTfFUco0NctWlrR9tzKQ_ezUvbUh2qFu-5Lx-MuKS3V374AV3BylZ2mCH35sNCw/s640/Screen+shot+2012-07-11+at+11.54.40+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The above picture shows deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest. Using the map scale bar at the bottom left of the satellite image, students can measure the area of deforestation and get an idea of how expansive this problem is.</div>
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<b>Geology:</b></div>
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I got my bachelor's degree in geology so I've done quite a bit of exploring using Google Earth in this subject area. ...In other words, please excuse me for making this section of my blog post much longer than the others. I teach what I know!</div>
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Google Earth opens up a whole new realm of geologic study. While many people use it for it's satellite features, it is easy to forget about the structural features it can show. For instance, if I zoom into the sky above Mt. St. Helens, I see this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlFibeq1HmKBbfYMmOP1fe_yNP_UXogsnb_k2gEQQ7EPUYPRR2lA5eW48M3rfZZPpTQH1H1UZmBz5QIM1SLiC7n1TmyGZxYhRKcMGmBglfFfhmWKIlRSFMTZmyaRkiDEoxmWt2eCJ2Tw/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-12+at+12.05.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlFibeq1HmKBbfYMmOP1fe_yNP_UXogsnb_k2gEQQ7EPUYPRR2lA5eW48M3rfZZPpTQH1H1UZmBz5QIM1SLiC7n1TmyGZxYhRKcMGmBglfFfhmWKIlRSFMTZmyaRkiDEoxmWt2eCJ2Tw/s640/Screen+shot+2012-07-12+at+12.05.46+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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However, if I tilt my angle of view towards the horizon, I now see a structural, 3D view of the mountain:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k55l2tavUQQRxrahl2ytLRIwCyMMCdKYo0k8iNzww81KbPfEbdiRnuW2sErsmaw9x-AgRmYPX7MO_P1K2xETcNDK4JDoGyRy5J1j1WAsQhKNh_LMuYCdiRB4GKFioEMGLLe_Q9Am8zg/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-12+at+12.06.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k55l2tavUQQRxrahl2ytLRIwCyMMCdKYo0k8iNzww81KbPfEbdiRnuW2sErsmaw9x-AgRmYPX7MO_P1K2xETcNDK4JDoGyRy5J1j1WAsQhKNh_LMuYCdiRB4GKFioEMGLLe_Q9Am8zg/s640/Screen+shot+2012-07-12+at+12.06.28+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can go even further by <a href="http://www.gelib.com/ng-topo.htm">downloading a free topographic map overlay</a> for Google Earth and applying it like so:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNYZBWR_VbkTX-1O_YVaMWSRHXpXSSWjpIiFgBhcA-MxixaiwpT34EEUHg0K_0I3pULkgUAcebl3ln4AKkLYtVgpSR7SzYhXxpEIgkNZGLYpGfvItHqgfTJ6BN5tjSjVsb7zNPJBZ2MM/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-12+at+12.06.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNYZBWR_VbkTX-1O_YVaMWSRHXpXSSWjpIiFgBhcA-MxixaiwpT34EEUHg0K_0I3pULkgUAcebl3ln4AKkLYtVgpSR7SzYhXxpEIgkNZGLYpGfvItHqgfTJ6BN5tjSjVsb7zNPJBZ2MM/s640/Screen+shot+2012-07-12+at+12.06.47+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This kind of view can give the classroom an interactive view of large features like mountains, volcanoes, and meteor craters.</div>
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Another great interactive feature is the elevation profile tool. Google Earth has a measuring tool located near the top of the screen that looks like a ruler. It can be drawn across the map as a line or a path and then saved. When right-clicked, an option for <i>Show Elevation Profile</i> becomes available. Selecting this will show something like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFmVBEMaQd3wxXmjPCcezfuLsLByjlbzz-Jco_TgfYwLKyNVOl8fhClnKrc8c8pCQ-ewghfXeNNoWIkryjkJB6m7v92f01MbGFQHxFnPuUkin-fQCEfVbrpg45rGrOQqldz15CCzHw6I/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-12+at+12.16.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFmVBEMaQd3wxXmjPCcezfuLsLByjlbzz-Jco_TgfYwLKyNVOl8fhClnKrc8c8pCQ-ewghfXeNNoWIkryjkJB6m7v92f01MbGFQHxFnPuUkin-fQCEfVbrpg45rGrOQqldz15CCzHw6I/s640/Screen+shot+2012-07-12+at+12.16.49+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This image shows students the shape of the Mississippi River Floodplain across 13 miles at the Iowa-Illinois border. After introducing this tool to students, a potential project could be to give them various locations and have them use this tool to describe landforms that can't easily be seen on the small scale. The applications are pretty enormous!</div>
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<b>Summary:</b></div>
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I would encourage any future teacher, especially in science, to become familiar with this program. It is user friendly and completely free. The sheer amount of material available allows for all kinds of exploration, study, and activity that I have barely even skimmed the surface on. Students, particularly in America, are missing out on geographical perspectives and relating science to geography can really help broaden their knowledge in both areas. If you have any further questions regarding classroom activity ideas, using the program, or general clarification, please contact me on <a href="https://plus.google.com/106222712872743378624/posts">Google+</a> or through <a href="mailto:bschrock@live.olivet.edu">email</a>, or leave a comment on this blog post!<br />
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-Brian</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All image screenshots from Google Earth are copyright Google.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">This blog and its author are not affiliated with Google that produces and owns Google Earth</span><br /><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;"><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">Google</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">and</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">Google Earth</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">are trademarks of Google Inc.</span></span></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-52727187628496986922012-07-03T17:00:00.001-07:002012-07-03T17:00:32.836-07:00Positively pH ExplainedThe last experiment we did was on testing the pH of common household items. First off, we hope you had fun. This lab is a wonderful learning experience and it captures your attention with the many different colors. With that, lets get started on understanding this lab!<br />
<br />
pH is considered a chemical property. If you haven't learned about those, there are two properties: Chemical and Physical. Physical properties are things such as color, taste, and smell. Chemical properties are ones like pH, boiling point and melting point. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Physical Properties <u>do not</u> change the chemical make up of something.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Chemical Properties <u>do</u> change the chemical make up.</span><br />
<br />
pH is a way to measure how acidic or basic a chemical, compound or material is. Acids have a lower number on the pH scale while bases have higher numbers. The number <strong><u>seven</u></strong> is neutral. A common neurtal substance is... water! <br />
<br />
Something to remember, the pH scale is logorithmic. This means that the values are 10 time different than each other. For example: A pH of 2 is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 3. However it is 100 times more acidic than a pH of 4. Why? Because between 2 and 3 is an amount of 10 and between 3 and 4 is another amount of 10. To find how much more acidic 2 is than 4 you multiply the two sets of ten. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">So 2 is 10x more acidic than 3.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">2 is 100x more acidic (10 times 10) than 4.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">2 is 1000x more acidic (10 times 10 times 10) than 5.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mrkscience.com/planbook/Physical%20Science/December09.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.mrkscience.com/planbook/Physical%20Science/Dec162009/pH%20Litmus%20Paper%20Scale.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scale for Litmus Paper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are different ways the pH level of something can be measured. The most common way in a science lab is to use litmus paper. <br />
<br />
Litmus paper changes color based on the acidity or alkalinity of a substance.<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Acidity: How acidic a substance is, the more acidic the lower the number.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Alkalinity: How basic a substance is, the more basic the higher the number.</span><br />
<br />
Normally there are two colors of litmus paper, red and blue. Each color tests for something different. Red litmus paper checks for basic solutions and blue litmus paper checks for acidic. <br />
A handy way to remember which paper to use:<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Red</span> turns <span style="color: #674ea7;">Blue</span> if it is <span style="color: #674ea7;">Basic</span>.<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Blue</span> turns <span style="color: #cc0000;">Red</span> it is it <span style="color: #cc0000;">Acidic</span>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.american-scientific.com/~2091-01.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://www.american-scientific.com/catimages/2091-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For this experiment we used a solution made from red cabbage, so the colors for the ranges of pH are different than litmus. <br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Basic is Yellow.</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Acidic is Pink.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Neutral is Blue.</span><br />
(Neutral is blue because the cabbage juice is a blue color. )<br />
<br />
So how does cabbage juice work to determine whether something is acidic or basic?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.erowid.org/archive/rhodium/chemistry/equipment/ph-indicator.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://www.erowid.org/archive/rhodium/chemistry/equipment/pictures/ph-cabbage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ideal Red Cabbage Colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cabbage juice is a neutral substance so it is good for testing the pH of a substance. The reason a red cabbage is the purple color is because of something called a flavin, this is a water soluble pigment. This pigment changes colors in different pH levels. The reason for this change is because of hydrogen.<br />
<br />
The indicator changes colors because it detects the ratio of hydroxide to hydronium ions.<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">Hydroxide: <b>Negatively charged, anion made of one hydrogen and one oxygen. OH-</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">Hydronium: <b>Positively charged, cation made of three hydrogen and one oxygen. H30+</b></span><br />
<br />
When something is acidic there are more hydronium ions than hydroxide.<br />
When something is basic there are more hydroxide ions than hydronium.<br />
When something is neutral (like water or red cabbage juice) the amounts are equal.<br />
<br />
Simple things like lemons are acidic and we know this because of their sour and sharp taste. Things that are basic are often used as cleaning supplies because they take away protons, or make things negatively charged. Basic substances have a soapy feel when on your hands, common laundry soap is basic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ansoniapharmacy.com/bronnley-lemon-neroli.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.ansoniapharmacy.com/img/bronnley-lemon-soap-on-a-rope.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon, and citrus is the iconic 'fresh scent'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">WARNING:</span></b> When working in the lab it is dangerous to touch acids and bases (especially strong ones) these are dangerous.<br />
<br />
<b>Some Lovely Links: </b>These links also tell how to do this experiment. It's common, simple and great!<br />
-<a href="http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Chem_p013.shtml">http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Chem_p013.shtml</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.stanford.edu/~ajspakow/downloads/outreach/ph-student-9-30-09.pdf">http://www.stanford.edu/~ajspakow/downloads/outreach/ph-student-9-30-09.pdf</a><br />
-<a href="http://chemistry.about.com/od/acidsbase1/a/red-cabbage-ph-indicator.htm">http://chemistry.about.com/od/acidsbase1/a/red-cabbage-ph-indicator.htm</a><br />
<b>-</b><a href="http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/~acarpi/NSC/7-ph.htm">http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/~acarpi/NSC/7-ph.htm</a><br />
<br />
<b>Please Note:</b> Red Cabbage can have a <u>very strong odor</u>, one that some do not enjoy. Thankfully science can help with this. Over at Spangler Science (lots of supplies!) they have <a href="http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/product/1552" target="_blank">Jiffy Juice</a>, this stuff is great! It is a condensed, power version of Red Cabbage and is odorless! So if you plan on doing this experiment more than once or need a lot of it (especially for schools) this stuff is great. <a href="http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/product/1552">http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/product/1552</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-25135890439798851702012-04-27T06:08:00.000-07:002012-07-12T13:30:29.851-07:00Positively pHIn this experiment we are going to show you a very simple and colorful way to learn the difference between the acids and bases in your home!<br />
<br />
<b>Materials:</b><br />
- 1 Head Red Cabbage<br />
- Lemon Juice<br />
- Aspirin<br />
- Vinegar<br />
- Baking Soda<br />
- Epsom Salt<br />
- Tums<br />
<br />
1.) Boil the red cabbage until the water turns a blue-ish. (This takes all of the color out of the cabbage)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHJIMR6BlwNeM_UmGyC5rDEE6bF6R4p6yk8S0xOeZAKSEhwLykFaFBINCqwAai2__co-aqUL9mbDcpKkZsyrueRRMVJDz8CpHu0yx4hRKizFP5QwMvyxB5nJrYWKQbDPObBbNkZNa52P2/s1600/pic0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHJIMR6BlwNeM_UmGyC5rDEE6bF6R4p6yk8S0xOeZAKSEhwLykFaFBINCqwAai2__co-aqUL9mbDcpKkZsyrueRRMVJDz8CpHu0yx4hRKizFP5QwMvyxB5nJrYWKQbDPObBbNkZNa52P2/s320/pic0076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2.) Let the cabbage juice cool. (This juice is best used fresh, after about 3 days the juice doesn't work as well for this experiment.)<br />
<br />
<br />
3.) Pour a little bit of cabbage juice into 7 test tubes.<br />
<br />
<br />
4.) In each test tube add a little of each item. (So in one tube add some aspirin and baking soda in another.)<br />
<u>Leave the last test tube empty as a control.</u><br />
<br />
5.) Compare the colors in each tube. The tube with lemon juice should be a distinct pink color while the baking soda is a blue-green color.<br />
<br />
The<span style="color: #ea9999;"> acids</span> in this experiment will turn a pink or light purple color while the<span style="color: #9fc5e8;"> bases</span> will be blue-green. <br />
You can use the red cabbage juice to find out if other things in your house are acidic or basic too! Go try some soap, apple juice, or even a little of that soup you had for dinner!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcus7qxdY_jm_4UqasCZkWOzBfKSmhF4X25uk_dqWAlFNiq4P1Se7v8vfRbfVMinpS2N-3b0lSq8eWEWf4rO-vXKctP2uPOBXXtlD-7kehbnDTGrsodGNV9E58l1Ix3K8SoULzEeqBxIh8/s1600/pic0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcus7qxdY_jm_4UqasCZkWOzBfKSmhF4X25uk_dqWAlFNiq4P1Se7v8vfRbfVMinpS2N-3b0lSq8eWEWf4rO-vXKctP2uPOBXXtlD-7kehbnDTGrsodGNV9E58l1Ix3K8SoULzEeqBxIh8/s200/pic0072.jpg" width="200" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-22719608743090637492012-03-25T14:35:00.000-07:002012-03-25T15:53:32.072-07:00Dynamic DNA Explained<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><u>Deoxyribonucleic Acid</u></span></div>
<b>What is it? </b><br />
We're sure you've heard of this term; <i>Deoxyribonucleic Acid</i>. No? How about DNA? Well good news, they are the same! DNA is the shortened way of saying the long molecule's name. DNA is known for its double helix shape.<br />
DNA is made up of chemical bases, four to be precise, A, T, C, and G.<br />
A: Adenine<br />
T: Thymine<br />
G: Guanine<br />
C: Cytosine<br />
These chemical compounds match up to one another; A to T and C to G. This connection is called a<i> base pair.</i> There is another compound, Uracil, that can attach to Adenine, but this is a result of RNA, not DNA.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1256824310"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/illustrations/dnastructure.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/dna" target="_blank">Double Helix / A-T and G-C pairing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>So what is RNA?</b><br />
We are glad you asked! <i>RNA (Ribonucleic acid) </i>is similar to DNA. They are both nucleic acids but they do different things. DNA is complex and holds secret messages in its makeup. (It's like a chemical spy holding all the secrets about you!) RNA is the only one who can understand these secrets. RNA, in a sense, translates these messages for proteins and other things; it transcribes the message DNA has.<br />
<br />
DNA and RNA are also different in shape. Like we said, DNA has a double helix shape; this shape is like a spiral staircase. RNA however is single stranded. RNA has a a couple different shapes, depending on how its base pairs match up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uic.edu/classes/phys/phys461/phys450/ANJUM04/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.uic.edu/classes/phys/phys461/phys450/ANJUM04/RNA_sstrand.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uic.edu/classes/phys/phys461/phys450/ANJUM04/" target="_blank">Shape of RNA/ C-G and A-U pairing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Where is DNA found?</b><br />
DNA is found inside the nucleus of the cell. The nucleus is a great place for a nucleic acid! The nucleus is inside the cellular membrane of the cell though. How do we break open the microscopic cell membrane and the nucleus? Dish soap! The dish soap breaks apart the molecules of the cell. Both dish soap and the cell membrane have <i>hydrophobic </i>(scared of water)<i> </i>and <i>hydrophilic </i>(loves water)<i> </i>sides.<br />
<br />
<b>Why add contact solution, pineapple juice or meat tenderizer?</b><br />
DNA is folded and cushioned by protein in the cell. The contact solution is acidic and separates the DNA from the protein.<br />
<br />
<b>How come the white stuff is DNA?</b><br />
The DNA is the white, stringy stuff you see in the top layer of alcohol. Alcohol forms a layer on top of the water because it is less dense. Adding salt to the mixture (at the beginning) helps DNA stick together. But when in water DNA is dissolved. Adding the alcohol brings the DNA 'out of solution', making it undissolved. This is called <i>precipitation.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Further Information:<br />
<a href="http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/dna">http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/dna</a><br />
<a href="http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/mcvittiej/bio30unit1/overheads/1.23.htm">http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/mcvittiej/bio30unit1/overheads/1.23.htm</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-46852507515230810002012-03-20T18:52:00.000-07:002012-03-20T16:52:22.644-07:00Dynamic DNAThis week we're doing an experiment with DNA! Now doesn't that sound exciting? In this lab you will be able to see the very small DNA from a cheek cell or from inside a pea. The procedures for cheek cells and peas are a little different, so make sure you read the instructions.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Pre-Lab:</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">If you have access to a microscope we suggest you take a look at the cells in your mouth.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">1.) Place a drop of iodine on a microscope slide.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">2.) Take a toothpick and gently scrape the inside of your cheek.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">3.) Place the toothpick in the iodine and swirl.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">4.) Start with low power (4x) and look at your cheek cells!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Now that you have a general idea of what your cheek cells look like try this experiment.</span><br />
<br />
<b>Materials</b><br />
- Spilt Peas, Strawberries or any other DNA source (if not using cheek cells)<br />
- Blender<br />
- Salt<br />
- Water<br />
- Measuring cups<br />
- Test tubes<br />
- Dish soap<br />
- Contact Solution (meat tenderizer or pineapple juice)<br />
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl or ethanol)<br />
- Glass stirring rod (wood skewer or Q-tip)<br />
<br />
<b>Procedure:</b><br />
<u><span style="color: #f1c232;">Cheek Cells</span></u><br />
1.) Swish salt water in your mouth for 30 seconds. (<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">This is a long time, but you can do it!</span></i>)<br />
2.) Spit the water into a cup, then pour it into a large test tube.<br />
3.) Add 1 teaspoon of dish soap to the large test tube.<br />
4.) Gently shake the test tube. (If you do this in a beaker or cup, gently stir the cup)<br />
5.) Pour about 1 teaspoon of alcohol into the tube.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">The best way to do this is by tilting the test tube and slowing pouring the alcohol.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Ideally there will be a small layer of alcohol above the soapy mixture.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6.) Using the glass stirring rod - twirl in one direction to collect the DNA</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: #f1c232;">Split Peas & Other Foods:</span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1.) In a blender add and blend on high for 15 seconds:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- 1/2 cup split peas</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- 1/8 teaspoon table salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- 1 cup water</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2.) Pour the pea mixture through a strainer (<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">you want the liquid</span></i>) and let sit for 5-10 minutes</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3.) Pour some of the liquid into a test tube</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4.) Add 1 teaspoon dish soap to the large test tube</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5.) Add some contact solution to the test tube </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-style: italic;">you don't need a lot, a small squirt or a pinch for tenderizer</span>)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6.) Add about 1 teaspoon of alcohol to the test tube</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Just like the cheek cells you want a layer of alcohol above the soapy pea mixture</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7.) Using the glass stirring rod - twirl in one direction to collect the DNA</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><u>You can save this DNA or look at it on a wet slide under a microscope.</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">To save: Put the DNA in a small test tube or container with some alcohol.</span></div>
<br />
(<i>Pictures for the steps to come</i>)<br />
<br />
Further information:<br />
<a href="http://www.middleschoolscience.com/microscope.pdf">http://www.middleschoolscience.com/microscope.pdf</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/activities/pdf/2809_genome_01.pdf">http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/activities/pdf/2809_genome_01.pdf</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/activities/2809_genome.html">http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/activities/2809_genome.html</a><br />
<a href="http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction/howto/">http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction/howto/</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-83621270265641967392012-02-23T12:38:00.000-08:002012-02-23T17:23:09.532-08:00Rock Cycle SongApplied Arts is one of my method classes. This class had a music portion and we were required to take a song that students can use to learn or remember things. Using a music program Audacity, I clipped and trimmed portions of In the Jungle by The Tokens. Then, I incorporated lyrics that pertained to the Rock Cycle.<br />
<br />
<br />
So I combined them into a video. No clips were added due to minor difficulty.<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XPFDtDXRVA8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
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Rachel</div>
<br />rachel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09047210879045730347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-24046459298593944872012-02-15T21:41:00.000-08:002012-02-16T20:10:24.428-08:00Introverted Inertia ExplainedWe tried something a little different with this experiment. Most of the posts we have done so far have had an environmental emphasis; this experiment is a physics based lab. Now because of that we had to do a little more research. Neither Rachel, nor I, are physics experts but we recognize the importance of physics in everyday life.<br />
<br />
In order to talk about Inertia we need to go over a little bit of basic physics, this means Newton and his laws of motion. Physics is the study of movement. Everything moves but not everything moves to the same degree. Newton described three laws of motion. Inertia deals with the first law; which is sometimes called the <i>Law of Inertia.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDi2ZFuCGL7ag53aiQuNrxi83T_XU8ynbMWX-V2o1OW7CE9zUlPfY0za25GdJdj4sJwH-PA15Bxk8ckFDAyD2rMdPiOgnWzyTG1asm_11txs9rV0_xhi4LE6f-323tDwHbogJxhFD3fFq/s1600/newton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDi2ZFuCGL7ag53aiQuNrxi83T_XU8ynbMWX-V2o1OW7CE9zUlPfY0za25GdJdj4sJwH-PA15Bxk8ckFDAyD2rMdPiOgnWzyTG1asm_11txs9rV0_xhi4LE6f-323tDwHbogJxhFD3fFq/s320/newton.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our 'artistic' showing of Newton's First Law</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The law is a bit more important than just "Objects at rest like to stay at rest and objects in motion like to stay in motion." If we didn't explain a little further you'd think moving objects never stopped! Can you imagine running forever and not stopping?<br />
<br />
To amend our statement: Objects at rest will stay at rest and and object in motion will stay in motion <i>unless acted upon by another force.</i> So you will keep running in your straight little line until something makes you stop; like a wall.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-sUBga6HndEiJJYb9iavCTwqeOr7LJgzXPZLmvyNatUjXz833-K2TfmUqYzRAhXcoK9EgQ-BEa8xmjYAdSsjps0qu0Z6yakU25Jlg5YGzer5guBo5Vn7wOFcGHPAxsJqTPpQDbZDX3oK/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-sUBga6HndEiJJYb9iavCTwqeOr7LJgzXPZLmvyNatUjXz833-K2TfmUqYzRAhXcoK9EgQ-BEa8xmjYAdSsjps0qu0Z6yakU25Jlg5YGzer5guBo5Vn7wOFcGHPAxsJqTPpQDbZDX3oK/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh No!</td></tr>
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So Inertia is what makes it so hard to get out of bed in the morning. It is easier to stay lying in bed than to exert the energy to move. It's also the same reason exercising can feel good. Once you get going it can be hard to stop!<br />
<br />
Inertia can also be explained mathematically (we know, something you'd don't usually want to hear). Don't worry though, the formula for inertia is actually quite easy and you've probably heard of it before.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">F = ma</span></div>
<i>"Force equals mass times acceleration." </i>Mass isn't actually the weight of something even though many use the word mass interchangeably with weight. On Earth our weight is an example of Newton's first law and in our case acceleration would be gravity. (<i>It's okay if you don't understand this at first, it is a hard concept.</i>) In physics we show this in kilograms.<br />
<br />
Acceleration can be thought of as the speed of something, we show this in meters per second^2 (second squared). So what are the units for force? Kilogram meters per second squared, or otherwise: <b>kg m/s^2. </b>In physics we like to simplify this as a Newton, <b>N,</b> after Isaac Newton of course.<br />
<br />
This means that something with a larger mass takes more force to get it moving. You can blow on a feather and get it floating but can you blow on a rock and make it move? This is something that people think about everyday without even noticing. Can we lift that object changing its inertia? If it isn't too heavy we can.<br />
<br />
It's amazing how simple things like moving a rock or getting out of bed can boil down to such a simple idea as inertia.<br />
<br />
If you want to watch a clip on Inertia here is one we found on YouTube that is helpful.<a href="http://youtu.be/by-7kkAu2Pg?t=1m24s"> http://youtu.be/by-7kkAu2Pg?t=1m24s</a><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-29845076560907030222012-02-06T19:09:00.000-08:002012-02-06T19:10:47.807-08:00Introverted IntertiaThis experiment is not specifically for those who do not want to venture out of the house or are shy, but it is a great lesson for a rainy day! There are four parts to this experiment. Each one demonstrates inertia and is very simple. Go ahead, test out those physics skills of yours!<br />
<b>Video at the end showing demonstrations of each activity.</b><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;"><i>Part One:</i></span><br />
<b>Materials</b>:<br />
-Cup<br />
-Coin<br />
-Index Card<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA4DubQJS0hliyHzEvSkj8ISw3liEIGeMUq2Hy3kZPmiLLRf4EEM17XK7HPar1qh_zHR_5BjMGDcK8VSJ61K6f2i6IQcJRIn022eu1IY530Rp4zis3rx3oqQjCPQ4ZJtvwjeP8R-57KJ0/s1600/101_1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA4DubQJS0hliyHzEvSkj8ISw3liEIGeMUq2Hy3kZPmiLLRf4EEM17XK7HPar1qh_zHR_5BjMGDcK8VSJ61K6f2i6IQcJRIn022eu1IY530Rp4zis3rx3oqQjCPQ4ZJtvwjeP8R-57KJ0/s320/101_1895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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1.) Place the note card on the cup with the coin in the center. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2.) Flick the card.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3.) The coin will drop in the cup. (Beware, cards can fly far.)</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;"><i>Part Two:</i></span><br />
<b>Materials</b>:<br />
-Marble<br />
-Sand/Cotton<br />
-Cup<br />
-Index Card<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmql4b3T4gEOp7_jE_VI5zc2m5zsMAfVS9cx7aROLc0hfdQaG31Z5X_KhPms0KF1LY6p4rM5UCaWPXw777fbGB_QSrG_QikgczmFFg8Hn37NCJHXs3UMN4pukIL6Bbnddb8p79yf-qCT9U/s1600/101_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmql4b3T4gEOp7_jE_VI5zc2m5zsMAfVS9cx7aROLc0hfdQaG31Z5X_KhPms0KF1LY6p4rM5UCaWPXw777fbGB_QSrG_QikgczmFFg8Hn37NCJHXs3UMN4pukIL6Bbnddb8p79yf-qCT9U/s320/101_1897.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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1.) Pour sand or cotton in bottom of the cup.</div>
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2.) Place the note card on the cup with the marble in the center of the card.</div>
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3.) Flick the card.</div>
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4.) Marble will fall into cup.</div>
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<b>Video: starts around 28 seconds</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;"><i>Part Three:</i></span><br />
<b>Materials</b>:<br />
-Paper<br />
-Cup<br />
-Coin<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2dbhvsQ_hTDoe-JPgxDRC2YmAnLkwr6JvC2UtM614mJ2wUxlazJjExf_SN0jn6H27SBXw0HQJ05wy4wFFjBhPxRcthqM_lO4oOERPqfgZ5z4X2TTZqg-ygkya64a9wgT2NA9YQSmuu5c/s1600/101_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2dbhvsQ_hTDoe-JPgxDRC2YmAnLkwr6JvC2UtM614mJ2wUxlazJjExf_SN0jn6H27SBXw0HQJ05wy4wFFjBhPxRcthqM_lO4oOERPqfgZ5z4X2TTZqg-ygkya64a9wgT2NA9YQSmuu5c/s320/101_1898.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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1.) Place note card on the rim of the cup with coin balancing.</div>
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2.) 'Karate chop' the paper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3.) Coin should fall into the cup.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Caroll tried this multiple times before getting it, Rachel got it on her first shot!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Video: starts around 10 seconds</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;"><i>Part Four:</i></span><br />
<b>Materials:</b><br />
-Heavyweight Paper<br />
-Tape<br />
-Cup<br />
-Coin<br />
-Pencil<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqfPK66GkqwVF8pmy6ogTsfJ2lkfNA5BMFPEHHdx6hpiFTXP6xW0_-hxggcTnr49-jphQ4-mlK6uNLN3mBSgoedFQImkIgYBVUBKI8P6y_miCY7CRRMfzvRehVH16co-wkVlc8FTmTmxk/s1600/101_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqfPK66GkqwVF8pmy6ogTsfJ2lkfNA5BMFPEHHdx6hpiFTXP6xW0_-hxggcTnr49-jphQ4-mlK6uNLN3mBSgoedFQImkIgYBVUBKI8P6y_miCY7CRRMfzvRehVH16co-wkVlc8FTmTmxk/s320/101_1896.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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1.) Cut paper 3cm wide 30 cm long. (1 in wide, 12 inches long)</div>
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2.) Fold paper in a circle and tape.</div>
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3.) Place the ring on the cup and balance coin on top.</div>
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4.) Flick pencil inside the ring to make the coin fall in the cup.</div>
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<b>Video: starts around 17 seconds</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Video:</span></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QU3bmV_rtCg/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QU3bmV_rtCg?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-33473795779021535452012-01-30T14:02:00.000-08:002012-02-04T19:53:41.236-08:00Pop-able Pollutants Explained<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is best to say that people around the world are finding ways to go green. We are noticing that most products we consume affects our Earth. Through observations and experiences we've seen how our future generations are also affected. One of the common environmental problems is water pollution. Many water sources are being filled with toxins. Our lakes, oceans, rivers, streams, and ground water are being contaminated with a toxin known as <b>phosphate </b>(pronounced fos-fate). This white powdery (in)organic nutrient can be dissolved in water. Similar to <b>nitrogen</b>, it is commonly found in fertilizers and detergents. When too much phosphate is being drained into the water, it becomes hazardous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.businessweek.com/mz/10/46/popup_mz_1046_80phosphate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://images.businessweek.com/mz/10/46/popup_mz_1046_80phosphate.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Courtesy of <a href="http://fairforall.org/2011/01/28/the-western-sahara-conflict-is-closer-than-you-think/">http://fairforall.org</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When phosphate finds its way into water sources, it begins to feed many organisms. It fertilizes many of the plants causing an exponential growth of algae, known as <b>algal bloom</b>.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20100625/800_ap_algae_100625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20100625/800_ap_algae_100625.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">China algae out break. Courtesy of <a href="http://www.ctv.ca/">http://www.ctv.ca</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Algae's function in the water system is to collect and provide oxygen in the water. When there is too much algae, two things can happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One: An excessive amount of oxygen is produced and suffocates aquatic creatures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two: Sunlight will not reach certain algae to produce energy or nutrients which causes them to die. As the algae decompose (or die) at the bottom of the water bed, it releases toxins which eliminates the oxygen in the water. No oxygen means no life for any of the water plants or creatures. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can you imagine all the areas affected by algal blooms?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Resources:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Photo of phosphate. Retrieved from <a href="http://fairforall.org/2011/01/28/the-western-sahara-conflict-is-closer-than-you-think/">http://fairforall.org/2011/01/28/the-western-sahara-conflict-is-closer-than-you-think/</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Algae Alternative Inc. (2005). <i>Laundry detergent ingredients. </i>Retrieved from <a href="http://www.laundry-alternative.com/detergentsinfo.htm">http://www.laundry-alternative.com/detergentsinfo.htm</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">City of London. (2012). <i>Understanding phosphorus, the need for reduction and the effect of too much phosphorus on the environment</i>. [24 January 2012] Retrieved from <a href="http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Sewer_and_Wastewater/Phosphorus.htm">http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Sewer_and_Wastewater/Phosphorus.htm</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Th<span style="font-family: inherit;">e Associated Press. (2010). <i>Big algae bloom expanding off China's east coast.</i> Retrieved from </span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.31in;">–</span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.31in;"><a href="http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/SciTech/20100625/algae-bloom-china-100625">http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/SciTech/20100625/algae-bloom-china-100625#ixzz1kM3uiZj5</a></span></span><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Additional Websites:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">National Geographic (2010). <i>World's largest dead zone</i>. <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100305-baltic-sea-algae-dead-zones-water/">http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100305-baltic-sea-algae-dead-zones-water/</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Making an algal bloom. <a href="http://serc.carleton.edu/eslabs/fisheries/7_a.html">http://serc.carleton.edu/eslabs/fisheries/7_a.html</a></span>rachel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09047210879045730347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-59198866350627894852012-01-29T13:19:00.000-08:002012-02-04T19:53:55.312-08:00Pop-able Pollutants<div style="text-align: left;">
Before consumers knew that their products affected the environment, many laundry detergents contained an ingredient called phosphate. Phosphate minerals remove hard water minerals, prevent dirt from clinging back to clothes, and create suds; but phosphate is bad for the environment. This experiment helps us observe the amount of phosphate that could be in the detergent by the suds buildup in the container.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Phosphates is no longer found in laundry detergent, but there are other detergents that might still contain phosphate in their ingredients.*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Materials:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jdxpO0eBzFg0CiJJGit51br1jQKucfRX1WNPx89ojZw0rdq6d0Vy_pN3xWIIC9BkmbrB1sFZlpWBBKZl8Mz8HO9RsnJqyPG4At-3Y3cOyRPrbaGcEess5sMVLz8qgAJiVYkm8iftqYY/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jdxpO0eBzFg0CiJJGit51br1jQKucfRX1WNPx89ojZw0rdq6d0Vy_pN3xWIIC9BkmbrB1sFZlpWBBKZl8Mz8HO9RsnJqyPG4At-3Y3cOyRPrbaGcEess5sMVLz8qgAJiVYkm8iftqYY/s320/017.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">(1) </span>Three clear containers of the same size with a lid </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>(jars or water bottle)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjdS69WYST7AuaPAHBsDxG3AnU993VxRl9he6MsLF_4MXaQWaXuYp1FOfeH0_sD37UjivBzKjSXbI4lglTw7G1Ln7sgZPt041gffObY4OTl6eYv38iVmVUt3BvVNOQSzLPZDxeejgRN0/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjdS69WYST7AuaPAHBsDxG3AnU993VxRl9he6MsLF_4MXaQWaXuYp1FOfeH0_sD37UjivBzKjSXbI4lglTw7G1Ln7sgZPt041gffObY4OTl6eYv38iVmVUt3BvVNOQSzLPZDxeejgRN0/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">(2) </span>Three detergents (with various percentage of phosphate) </b> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://howmanycaloriesshouldieatadayinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://howmanycaloriesshouldieatadayinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/water.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">(3) </span>Water</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIqhfiOaNXEVJlklfTboL3m8KhlAHuw4LXwHzDjhNfNadeDpu-Sn8HfVfhb3zHoWMQAuuGAjrYWiGa6bEFScduV7JEx9BdGIXV4aWWihv6I1K3kBKXcNv1iOw-_jH-itxmSSwPwGs054/s1600/000_0007%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIqhfiOaNXEVJlklfTboL3m8KhlAHuw4LXwHzDjhNfNadeDpu-Sn8HfVfhb3zHoWMQAuuGAjrYWiGa6bEFScduV7JEx9BdGIXV4aWWihv6I1K3kBKXcNv1iOw-_jH-itxmSSwPwGs054/s320/000_0007%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">(4) </span>Scissors, ruler, permanent marker, teaspoon, and paper</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Procedure:</span></div>
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<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>[Step 1]</b></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take a blank piece of paper and a ruler. Draw points in 1 centimeter increments. </div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDERDYAKKZ1eboF49sexUkrCDp9-g9sgig_vYL6Z-nqNVtj5Xw2CHdNA5TJ8rrxnIyKTDGsBVDHgrll6Y_u8fLBh3OSnF_YQefjvfOvhCXDJb2U4qrtHkQ1T52den7lz8tQT_wK7vXqw/s1600/000_0005%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDERDYAKKZ1eboF49sexUkrCDp9-g9sgig_vYL6Z-nqNVtj5Xw2CHdNA5TJ8rrxnIyKTDGsBVDHgrll6Y_u8fLBh3OSnF_YQefjvfOvhCXDJb2U4qrtHkQ1T52den7lz8tQT_wK7vXqw/s320/000_0005%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWZ9I1_XmCsI6g22CFIKXu-TX7zufUxUI_mxNAJqKVPEEVDidwbwctea9d73sxcyksOwOqnNcSyG82-7yn8h8wsncAA0Z75TznQx6mAvY2GJqVcpcq6Bq_3P5F2zI5fkeSC5nUqFb4w0/s1600/000_0004%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWZ9I1_XmCsI6g22CFIKXu-TX7zufUxUI_mxNAJqKVPEEVDidwbwctea9d73sxcyksOwOqnNcSyG82-7yn8h8wsncAA0Z75TznQx6mAvY2GJqVcpcq6Bq_3P5F2zI5fkeSC5nUqFb4w0/s320/000_0004%5B1%5D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">[Step 2]</span></b></div>
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Cut out a strip to use as a bendable ruler.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkUxiA7lbh6svsEJ76mA4Oi9UJbykeSesRDwDNo91a_HaQP0d_n7vl6zHQN9uXUXhHVag5zwdq2ClEy3TjOluktT0LFgtU5f1qxe-HHv-dWpqJrjhou2PjXzaVLiPnY0hj0T_joPNaI8/s1600/000_0006%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkUxiA7lbh6svsEJ76mA4Oi9UJbykeSesRDwDNo91a_HaQP0d_n7vl6zHQN9uXUXhHVag5zwdq2ClEy3TjOluktT0LFgtU5f1qxe-HHv-dWpqJrjhou2PjXzaVLiPnY0hj0T_joPNaI8/s320/000_0006%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">[Step 3]</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Place the marked paper against the bottle. Make sure 0 centimeters is aligned with the bottom of the bottle or jar.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp96tB5kaUUEEMuxs3ClSih24taW5VD9fffhFvTXeStYHOsuIO7EuxBZ9h3DFQVe-DiMVAOcZCs7RvFqgMGgs1cQaXdbdWPs2Q4uK0I5dCylpp1A9QqFkHQD94Vzi6Lk5sy9Kg80V09FQ/s1600/000_0011%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp96tB5kaUUEEMuxs3ClSih24taW5VD9fffhFvTXeStYHOsuIO7EuxBZ9h3DFQVe-DiMVAOcZCs7RvFqgMGgs1cQaXdbdWPs2Q4uK0I5dCylpp1A9QqFkHQD94Vzi6Lk5sy9Kg80V09FQ/s320/000_0011%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">[Step 4]</span></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mark the centimeter increments on the the bottle or jar using the permanent marker.</div>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpb-6FVRZAB5bSxmKFFCBfVULNkpnnfXlsCDUQoMFzN7qGlQerXNwb50l_PC-yEszgNYl-UWRHw7omt_ALw6vyT6zlJcB10ctAWem5itXYIzV8vrXLDTwVeSfU7CyZlVsZqbtfUohs88/s1600/000_0010%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpb-6FVRZAB5bSxmKFFCBfVULNkpnnfXlsCDUQoMFzN7qGlQerXNwb50l_PC-yEszgNYl-UWRHw7omt_ALw6vyT6zlJcB10ctAWem5itXYIzV8vrXLDTwVeSfU7CyZlVsZqbtfUohs88/s320/000_0010%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">[Step 5]</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Fill the bottles with water to the halfway mark. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemM7eP4xau4jKPDV6nn1CUndTXdbWRRzEHhhfC3-1TK0QYfYAUXCO_CK9gFd4Zz1MGokJ3udOBjNxbusc2l9GTvsDBPLlFoJFuZ3jkASa0BCvvLnmbKpDLkDTIZ9e9e8ycDuD4LMYtko/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemM7eP4xau4jKPDV6nn1CUndTXdbWRRzEHhhfC3-1TK0QYfYAUXCO_CK9gFd4Zz1MGokJ3udOBjNxbusc2l9GTvsDBPLlFoJFuZ3jkASa0BCvvLnmbKpDLkDTIZ9e9e8ycDuD4LMYtko/s320/021.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">[Step 6]</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fill each bottle with a teaspoon or proportionate amount of specific detergent.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflfeqeYvIMbzuG4U1rvHkCtQxIOa_RYfgd6Olok_9_uDtgjOitudCFZ9l1kbomO9K2EorQR1wshP-mtRkEWLM44e9rtt4qlJmmQTnlHnOAUnC3zPqEF1vw_2cdHiJnOy5VlGuX6hV34g/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflfeqeYvIMbzuG4U1rvHkCtQxIOa_RYfgd6Olok_9_uDtgjOitudCFZ9l1kbomO9K2EorQR1wshP-mtRkEWLM44e9rtt4qlJmmQTnlHnOAUnC3zPqEF1vw_2cdHiJnOy5VlGuX6hV34g/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For these 14 oz. bottles we added half a teaspoon or less of detergent. For 16 oz. bottles it is suggested to use a teaspoon of detergent.</span><br />
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">[Step 7]</span></b></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
Seal the bottle and shake the solution. </div>
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA9Wjz6JX-xkgQXtM4cDAFRvZnOjbS7BeVe7o_fNFCzf2q0JPcuNZtFWN5nnbhA5Qjo6L_c7r6ALHWSEit9vk16z87yxZGLaQgwq0AYHfLAfQO7-FJNjjB7E5PJ3UnNrQ7d3L2bS-Wys/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA9Wjz6JX-xkgQXtM4cDAFRvZnOjbS7BeVe7o_fNFCzf2q0JPcuNZtFWN5nnbhA5Qjo6L_c7r6ALHWSEit9vk16z87yxZGLaQgwq0AYHfLAfQO7-FJNjjB7E5PJ3UnNrQ7d3L2bS-Wys/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the experiment there should be 3 trials. <br />
Trial 1: Shake for 1 minute.<br />
Trial 2: Shake for 5 minutes.<br />
Trial 3: Shake for 10 minutes.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">[Step 8]</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After mixing the solutions, observe the amount of bubbles that have been created. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlaA5ijZaT2hg0wAk2RukeKEFwsFeqB48Hd0pKGTrZ4np1W_MgtQ2bzxrELE_HpeCBEeMovGoQKoC3R1AjW9i6m5dF3Zm3ZO0IjnNF2_XfQzuwxKTdNUyHTxzQ41fPgGfQNs3VIHQGuM/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlaA5ijZaT2hg0wAk2RukeKEFwsFeqB48Hd0pKGTrZ4np1W_MgtQ2bzxrELE_HpeCBEeMovGoQKoC3R1AjW9i6m5dF3Zm3ZO0IjnNF2_XfQzuwxKTdNUyHTxzQ41fPgGfQNs3VIHQGuM/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>rachel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09047210879045730347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-1458621247415796122012-01-24T19:21:00.000-08:002012-02-04T19:55:24.631-08:00Stream TableAt our school we recently purchased a wonderful tool for experiments. Just a few weeks ago we started it up for the first time. The only camera I had with me was a low quality phone camera, but this shows our first trial. One of many uses this table will get.<br />
<br />
This is exciting for us. We now have a new medium on which to study and teach! Imagine the possibilities!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4O82PDwKXAw?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-9461929770888135752011-12-10T13:54:00.000-08:002012-02-04T19:50:33.062-08:00Cave Chandeliers ExplainedHave you ever walked into a cave and were amazed at what you saw?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://content.internetvideoarchive.com/content/photos/1262/05300743_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://content.internetvideoarchive.com/content/photos/1262/05300743_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh My!</td></tr>
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Okay, maybe not this! More like this:<br />
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Cave_of_the_Mounds_South_Cavern.jpg/640px-Cave_of_the_Mounds_South_Cavern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Cave_of_the_Mounds_South_Cavern.jpg/640px-Cave_of_the_Mounds_South_Cavern.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
<br />
These things in caves that look like spikes or chandeliers (whether coming up from the ground or down from the ceiling) are called <b>speleothems. Speleothems </b>are found in two forms: <b>stalactites </b>and <b>stalagmites</b>.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
You may wonder: "How are these even created?" Well, as usual, science has an answer for this!<br />
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These chandeliers first start because there is a cave or cavern in the ground, or a big open space where they can grow. Just like the crystals we talked about last time. When it rains the water travels through cracks in the rock. This water reacts with the rock (normally soluble limestone) and creates <b>calcium bicarbonate </b>or other chemical solutions. When<b> </b>the solution drips through that cracks and into the cave it comes into contact with the air in the cave and solidifies. This creates the <b>stalactite</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://images.doctissimo.fr/1/science-et-technologie/stalactites-stalagmites/photo/hd/9377796937/139129792b4/stalactites-stalagmites-s13-big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://images.doctissimo.fr/1/science-et-technologie/stalactites-stalagmites/photo/hd/9377796937/139129792b4/stalactites-stalagmites-s13-big.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Stalactites</b> will often drip solution onto the ground creating a <b>stalagmite.</b> The best way to remember the difference is through their spelling.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/stalactite-stalagmite-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/stalactite-stalagmite-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C- Ceiling G- Ground</td></tr>
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Sometimes <b>stalactites and stalagmites</b> grow close enough to touch. <b>Stalactites </b>are also sometime called "soda straws" because when they first form they are long thin formations that look like straws. When <b>speleothems</b> form they grow in layers. Each layer is slightly different than the others because the way water reacts with the minerals and contaminates in the rock.<br />
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<a href="http://www.explorecrete.com/crete-west/images/zoniana-cave-stalactite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.explorecrete.com/crete-west/images/zoniana-cave-stalactite.jpg" width="204" /></a><a href="http://www.zakadoo.com/photos/parks/carlsbad/2176_StalactiteStalagmitePair_2006May27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.zakadoo.com/photos/parks/carlsbad/2176_StalactiteStalagmitePair_2006May27.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>rachel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09047210879045730347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-11270881755412737132011-12-10T07:17:00.000-08:002012-02-04T19:50:16.884-08:00Cave Chandeliers<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our last experiment, Candy Crystals, we talked about where crystals came from. This experiment is another type of crystal formation that we thought about. On the week of Thanksgiving break, we decided to demonstrate another formation of crystals using this experiment. What is it? Well it demonstrates the idea of stalactite and stalagmite.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="129" src="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://oedg.niu.edu/GVFT/GeorgeChakonas429/Otherpages/lesson%20plan%202_files/image004.jpg&sa=X&ei=SBPQTugtys-AB-7L1LQN&ved=0CAsQ8wc4Jg&usg=AFQjCNEJbAwITtFjQXgUi1KHmduMvOvCuA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><u>Lab materials you will need</u>:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kyNfXcedJvN9ZNi9sG5XZV8CuKe9cGW1VSxFcGBctDvQfFIqfwTDg6gIdJ_DLh831z1MTQgyL9wVae01XZ7uQAryNeCQ7z1x2qA_NFD3Yf5MKTcun-2Cpe9X_pgQi367JRouoxg4UHs/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline ! important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kyNfXcedJvN9ZNi9sG5XZV8CuKe9cGW1VSxFcGBctDvQfFIqfwTDg6gIdJ_DLh831z1MTQgyL9wVae01XZ7uQAryNeCQ7z1x2qA_NFD3Yf5MKTcun-2Cpe9X_pgQi367JRouoxg4UHs/s320/038.JPG" width="320" /></span></a>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Epsom salts</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">2 small jars, (Many I've seen have used mason jars, we decided to go with baby food jars.)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">string (Use cotton yarn/string it works the best)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">scissors</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">2 washers</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">spoon</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">ruler</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">paper</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">water</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">tray or flat container </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>[Step One] </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fill both jars two-thirds (2/3) of the way with Epsom salts.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIyEQWw0jsCkw8MdlsECYjslHHbavd1TLUnEyox3FfkWheXSoXrPBEl__UU40L1fizYGNfxUa8BBqJM0j5y-ox9wyQ8YXx7PABXKjabYde-JMygjgZrJ6CrtRgXyT6IIW5vgy6a9NZlM/s1600/037+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIyEQWw0jsCkw8MdlsECYjslHHbavd1TLUnEyox3FfkWheXSoXrPBEl__UU40L1fizYGNfxUa8BBqJM0j5y-ox9wyQ8YXx7PABXKjabYde-JMygjgZrJ6CrtRgXyT6IIW5vgy6a9NZlM/s320/037+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>[Step Two]</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fill the jars halfway with hot water.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ7rNbVv9_FiKyMVOIokMtNj-wf2deQYHdJS5Xes9CPl35kCm8RfGtHUhYvYpyIazgBMYp6xa5MATpA4O63tU7FGjh4MAEolWnBRl8pY6yeoutro3jPpeJ0KyzzoP9Lj96pXejLx4DJs/s1600/038+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ7rNbVv9_FiKyMVOIokMtNj-wf2deQYHdJS5Xes9CPl35kCm8RfGtHUhYvYpyIazgBMYp6xa5MATpA4O63tU7FGjh4MAEolWnBRl8pY6yeoutro3jPpeJ0KyzzoP9Lj96pXejLx4DJs/s320/038+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>[Step Three]</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stir the mixture. Saturate the water with Epsom. When the water cools down, add Epsom 1/4 of the way. Then, add a little more water until the jar is 3/4 full. The added Epsom salt should not dissolve in the water. Mix the solution enough times to see whether or not it will dissolve. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPMFlX-QVd9Ez1lUrqyRhgkS0wQxgDuISiz6buLFaPDlygAgzzwDRloiMm13Ob4oAwCmYltqgutuM7t5Yl3bHRMGPQW02dQ9pOYO0EqSF4agaclHlikIj8qDrBCx2c6WCwrzGhYd2oVVZ/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPMFlX-QVd9Ez1lUrqyRhgkS0wQxgDuISiz6buLFaPDlygAgzzwDRloiMm13Ob4oAwCmYltqgutuM7t5Yl3bHRMGPQW02dQ9pOYO0EqSF4agaclHlikIj8qDrBCx2c6WCwrzGhYd2oVVZ/s1600/Untitled.png" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>[Step Four]</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut a piece of string, 24 inches (60 cm). Then, tie a washer to each end of the string.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm0bRJ3Y-oR60EifsADHWawBH-67zjBWO0Lm0mXo2VF9RY-YUHgYRly-cfUuck8p0b2DzoMCcH1i-bMI78JAkMCoMWUAj_ulfHvRaci6LiIWQT2iVzfV04NsEV2zz29GfdaM2FGMUCKk/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm0bRJ3Y-oR60EifsADHWawBH-67zjBWO0Lm0mXo2VF9RY-YUHgYRly-cfUuck8p0b2DzoMCcH1i-bMI78JAkMCoMWUAj_ulfHvRaci6LiIWQT2iVzfV04NsEV2zz29GfdaM2FGMUCKk/s320/039.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soak the string in Epsom Salt solution. <b>This does not need to soak long, but soaking allows the crystals to grow. This is considered the seed crystal.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>[Step Five]</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place one washer in each of the jars. Let the washers rest on top of the undissolved crystals. (Our jars are pictured half full here, but since have had water added for better results.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KVskxv1dKOt7iEcLJmCNqypN1qr9eHkYg2dHGefSyo-PIBsfzTNqrle4FuSdTiyuyw2QA39zFm-uL6ouVreDq6jhRd5uo6lAq8lUslw6DN9G2zMeG7DZO57o-39zr_naRhh2MUuBLAU/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline ! important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KVskxv1dKOt7iEcLJmCNqypN1qr9eHkYg2dHGefSyo-PIBsfzTNqrle4FuSdTiyuyw2QA39zFm-uL6ouVreDq6jhRd5uo6lAq8lUslw6DN9G2zMeG7DZO57o-39zr_naRhh2MUuBLAU/s200/042.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm_9-QsaZ2ySQSSLdLSpwRHVseTFGjTd1gMbfo9vVDCRTJiQrTfOd8kGlW45xHWN4QsRzXUYc8l6wRgXnDFh4u7GAIpU6dt3zb0WRQ_nuEpGCZ2qPhcUnFKsozjIZ2DZVsxryG45ZceY/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline ! important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm_9-QsaZ2ySQSSLdLSpwRHVseTFGjTd1gMbfo9vVDCRTJiQrTfOd8kGlW45xHWN4QsRzXUYc8l6wRgXnDFh4u7GAIpU6dt3zb0WRQ_nuEpGCZ2qPhcUnFKsozjIZ2DZVsxryG45ZceY/s200/043.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>[Step Six]</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place a piece of paper between the jars.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpOwMezqsIfdYaQjeJOCJtepkfC3PrXDn_yToYlfU8yLyLbd6FaQuNdci_Wl5LophsTGqXAKK-Q0FNu26wDAkaLkqECO8Wlt27tqCQkWxro8LRTh4azj6uecNLbGtAIwKIrKuv548e4M/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpOwMezqsIfdYaQjeJOCJtepkfC3PrXDn_yToYlfU8yLyLbd6FaQuNdci_Wl5LophsTGqXAKK-Q0FNu26wDAkaLkqECO8Wlt27tqCQkWxro8LRTh4azj6uecNLbGtAIwKIrKuv548e4M/s320/041.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>[Step Seven]</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Position the jars so that the string hangs between them with the lowest part of the loop about 1 inch (2.5cm) above the paper.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd2F0BGVt_y8l83L5YmD-Od80Pd-swxvXujOZnOttllpXTUe3ecntG0Pbt-NO8Z_xxzTBZJ-Fs6yeFFDveTZdWAQIW-BdjRuqD-KDB6vsaI3bnksIrxyy0AvhSgQMv5ZUS0VBJGYCXq0/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd2F0BGVt_y8l83L5YmD-Od80Pd-swxvXujOZnOttllpXTUe3ecntG0Pbt-NO8Z_xxzTBZJ-Fs6yeFFDveTZdWAQIW-BdjRuqD-KDB6vsaI3bnksIrxyy0AvhSgQMv5ZUS0VBJGYCXq0/s320/044.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now allow the jars to stand undisturbed and out of any draft for one week. Water will drip from the center of the loop onto the paper. A hard, white crust will form on the string and grow downward as the time passes. A mound of white crystals will build up on the paper beneath the string.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywDUV6CD8OmjCF19G1VCf7YGusF44YzHjfhVErTN4ju3mbACC4DZu6IWl2BVcO-VNULbquX5Dhzr2qX2XqG6gt9KVlRAnKp0ofCiYXIWa7DabS4AELjRubPLpHHIrZVbNigrM0m1hRSI/s1600/100_1576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywDUV6CD8OmjCF19G1VCf7YGusF44YzHjfhVErTN4ju3mbACC4DZu6IWl2BVcO-VNULbquX5Dhzr2qX2XqG6gt9KVlRAnKp0ofCiYXIWa7DabS4AELjRubPLpHHIrZVbNigrM0m1hRSI/s320/100_1576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure to place this experiment in a container, such as a pan or baking sheet; the water will penetrate through the paper and spread all over the counter. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwO-DEy-0y03h3fNVK6vEOeM2q7Em2vvdl7DJXP9_8v_3ai0QSEw7wmwsANRvfHcZkEeSUDw6wxJLZK1u_1rTxyVhTarfssvAcIZ7O_VV601Cx5quLH6p6A54iGwwwy-Pas1j4Gc3uf4/s1600/100_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwO-DEy-0y03h3fNVK6vEOeM2q7Em2vvdl7DJXP9_8v_3ai0QSEw7wmwsANRvfHcZkEeSUDw6wxJLZK1u_1rTxyVhTarfssvAcIZ7O_VV601Cx5quLH6p6A54iGwwwy-Pas1j4Gc3uf4/s320/100_1575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There will be an additional blog explaining <i>Cave Chandeliers</i>.</span></div>
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</div>rachel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09047210879045730347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-56705544245803074042011-12-02T10:23:00.001-08:002012-02-04T19:49:40.645-08:00Icy Ovens ExplainedIn the last post we did an experiment involving ice cubes. We briefly explained how the same idea behind the movement of the ice cubes is also the concept for a convection oven. But this idea is astronomically larger than that (like earth or sun or galaxy sized). The idea of convection is an environmental and geological one.<br />
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According to the 3rd edition of the Glossary of Geology, convection has 4 different meanings. The definitions for economic geology, meteorology, oceanography and tectonics are slightly different however the underlying idea is the mass movement of something caused by a change in heat or density.<br />
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Convection currents are the driving force of tectonic movement.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/dynamic/session1/images_sess1/subduction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/dynamic/session1/images_sess1/subduction.jpg" /></a></div>
In most schools students learn about plate tectonics. (I think my school touched on them in 7th grade.) However, we've noticed that most students learn very little about tectonics (and geology in general.) They learn that tectonics make mountains and earthquakes, but how are those created? Simply? Convection!<br />
Convection is the movement of the heat in the Earth. Convection causes the tectonic plates to shift. When they move we get tectonic activity and this causes a bunch of things to happen. Earthquakes, volcanoes, expanding oceans, mountain building. You name it, tectonics probably has a hand in it.<br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">Convection is also found as a force in stars. To think about this concept we will use the closest start to Earth for studying...</span><br />
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<u>The Sun!</u></div>
<a href="http://www.scootys.com/easy_capture/images/aurora-borealis-wp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.scootys.com/easy_capture/images/aurora-borealis-wp.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.funcram.com/media/pictures/holding-the-sun-illusion/holding-the-sun-illusion-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.funcram.com/media/pictures/holding-the-sun-illusion/holding-the-sun-illusion-11.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Just like the earth the sun is made of different layers. We've all heard about the Earth's core (or seen the terrible movie called Core. Now that we've talked about geodes that movie makes less sense.) but we don't often chat about the core of the Sun. The sun is very important to life on Earth. We are at the perfect distance for heat to sustain life and with our magnetosphere blocking UV waves we get pretty auroras.<br />
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How exactly does convection work in the sun? Well, in the layer of the sun called the photosphere, convection occurs and moves the heat from the core. The photosphere is the lower layer of the sun's atmosphere and is where the brightness of the sun comes from. The core is where nuclear fusion takes place, this fusion causes enormous amounts of heat. This heat circles through the photosphere through convection currents.<br />
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It's simply amazing how much heat can do. It keeps our Earth moving and keeps sediments occurring. A professor at our schools likes to say "Without tectonics there would be no serious sedimentation." And this includes ocean currents, waves, rivers and all other forms of sedimentation.<br />
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Now, how cool is that?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-2717950211747973632011-12-02T10:18:00.001-08:002012-02-04T19:49:23.959-08:00Icy OvensI take it you have heard of the convection oven. A convenient cooking tool that makes sure the whole oven is warm. The best way to make perfect cookies!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.visualphotos.com/photo/2x4003077/Gingerbread_Cookies_on_Cookie_Sheet_42-19612283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://www.visualphotos.com/photo/2x4003077/Gingerbread_Cookies_on_Cookie_Sheet_42-19612283.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm, gingerbread cookies! How festive!</td></tr>
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We know you all like cookies.<br />
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To explain the idea of convection (the process that makes perfect cookies) we are going to do an experiment with ice cubes!<br />
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<b>Materials:</b><br />
- A rectangular tub about 10 inches deep<br />
- Desk Lamp (with lightbulb)<br />
- Ice Cube Tray<br />
- Blue and Red Food Coloring<br />
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What To Do:<br />
(<b>Pre-Lab Set Up) - Fill an Ice Cube Tray with water; add a few drops of blue dye to each container</b><br />
1. First fill the tub with about 8 inches of water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VBuV2gSs1hErTh1qoAozGNjHxvod9xIobucchXWAvx611TKXM7S0GIFS3FZI9xLvtiwzgKCKc7AFhjg-58h53TZRA-qGl6YvE_KXBIuKYeIzGtKQHZvAYEDRjI8oFEnaRJpxvpyNcvHd/s1600/101_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VBuV2gSs1hErTh1qoAozGNjHxvod9xIobucchXWAvx611TKXM7S0GIFS3FZI9xLvtiwzgKCKc7AFhjg-58h53TZRA-qGl6YvE_KXBIuKYeIzGtKQHZvAYEDRjI8oFEnaRJpxvpyNcvHd/s320/101_1853.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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2. Place both the tub and the lamp on a flat surface. Position the lamp over one half of the tub. Let the light sit on over the tub for 10-20 minutes.<br />
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3.) Put the ice cubes in the side of the tub opposite the lamp.<br />
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4.) Place a few drops of red food coloring on the side with the lamp.<br />
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5.) Watch the initial reaction. The food color should not mix at this point because they are different temperatures. (However some of the dye may mix, that happened with us.)<br />
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6.) After about 20 (maybe more) minutes the water should be a purple and the ice cubes melted. This is because heat from the lamp has moved throughout the container (<b>convection!</b>) and the food coloring has mixed.<br />
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<b>Suggestions: When making the blue ice cubes make the water very dark blue. The dye freezes at a different rate than the water. also it will help when viewing the mixing of colors.</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eXQ7at57OPo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-9855909488094072422011-11-14T18:41:00.001-08:002012-02-04T19:45:54.345-08:00Crystal Candy ExplainedThe last experiment we did was "Crystal Candy," and you may find yourself asking<br />
<i>Caroll, how does this relate to science? What kind of lesson can I put with this?</i><br />
Have no fear! I am here to explain.<br />
<br />
<i>What did the lab explain?</i><br />
This lab is meant to explain the idea of crystal growth. In this experiment you can watch the crystals growing. (You don't want to sit and stare at the cup though... remember 'a watched pot never boils.')<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05aGv9V7OuHMcAI4WkcvRrkHg_GFmM3wVk_ir_XsXlBkT9QXaydBA16nzusVU4ueioCD43LxG6rxzjN1cxNl6iBzlhISErzDUne2HXa8R3XT6Ew349lgopDZ3ppIZckIxsaPWVhqKGDWs/s1600/100_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05aGv9V7OuHMcAI4WkcvRrkHg_GFmM3wVk_ir_XsXlBkT9QXaydBA16nzusVU4ueioCD43LxG6rxzjN1cxNl6iBzlhISErzDUne2HXa8R3XT6Ew349lgopDZ3ppIZckIxsaPWVhqKGDWs/s320/100_1525.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is as fun as watching paint dry...</td></tr>
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After the cup has been left and the sugar has recrystallized you will see the faces, or sides, of the sugar crystals.<br />
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<i>Why does this happen?</i><br />
How do the sugar crystals form? Well, when you heat the sugar water you allow for more sugar to be added. If you had a cup of room temperature water and added two cups of sugar only some of it would dissolve and most of the sugar would sit in the bottom of the cup. However if you heat the water the sugar will dissolve. This is because heating the solution makes the molecules move faster and allows the sugar to dissolve into the water. This causes a supersaturated solution of sugar and water.<br />
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Crystals cannot form without something to grow on. In our experiment the skewer is our crystal holder. In nature it can be a rock or even another crystal. Crystal growth depends on solution (or chemical) type, time, temperature and the space available. A sugar solution is not going to produce quartz crystals. All minerals have their own chemical makeup and a crystal's growth and structure display this. Some minerals have specific shapes that they grow in. Sugar crystals grow very quickly but minerals like quartz, chert, and calcite take a long time to grow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRxaGxkG6jK3UIR1lqJb-BazRXdPdWbid6Q84NWNwd1roNtttskFipXX1PmyTPiJE9_Hdg5i7e7NWfDPtHFhTtjmAxY3LrOOasgiSq3d36v1HsHLt-DEa7DtbXlvz6lPk4YrBlNDkh1oK/s1600/quartz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRxaGxkG6jK3UIR1lqJb-BazRXdPdWbid6Q84NWNwd1roNtttskFipXX1PmyTPiJE9_Hdg5i7e7NWfDPtHFhTtjmAxY3LrOOasgiSq3d36v1HsHLt-DEa7DtbXlvz6lPk4YrBlNDkh1oK/s320/quartz.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calcite Left; Quartz Right</td></tr>
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How fast crystals grow is also dependent on the temperature in which they are growing. Often, it is easier for a crystal to grow in hotter temperatures than cooler ones. What limits the size of crystals though? If you noticed in this experiment the sugar was growing on the skewer but it could not grow outside of the cup. This is the same in nature, a crystal cannot grow outside of the space available for it. A really good example of this is the geode. A geode is a small, durable rock that is often hollow on the inside. In this hollow area crystals can often be found. If the crystals growing in the space reach the center from all sides the crystal must stop growing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sticks-in-stones.com/geodes/brazil/bzgd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://www.sticks-in-stones.com/geodes/brazil/bzgd3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quartz Geode</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what happens when you leave it sit too long.</td></tr>
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~CarollAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-25925772807851401372011-11-12T12:26:00.001-08:002012-02-04T19:45:27.314-08:00Crystal CandyHave you ever seen a crystal and wondered "Where did that come from?" I know I have. This weekend Rachel and I put together an experiment (one that is old, tried and true) that helps demonstrate the idea of crystal growth.<br />
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Of all the old-fashioned candy, rock candy is one of the most popular. It is uncommon to find someone who has never tried rock candy.<br />
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This lab uses:<br />
Wooden Skewer<br />
Clothespins<br />
Tall, thin glass<br />
1 Cup Water<br />
2.5 Cups Sugar<br />
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Step One: Attach the clothespin to the skewer and hang across the top of the cup. Have the end of the skewer about 1 inch from the bottom of the cup.<br />
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Step Two: Bring the water to a rolling boil. This means, boil the water so there are tons of little bubbles! (Keep the stove on, you will have it boiling the whole time.)<br />
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Step Three: Add 1/4 of the sugar to the boiling water. Stir in the sugar so it dissolves.<br />
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Step Four: Slowly add the rest of the sugar, 1/4 cup at a time. Continuously stir so the sugar dissolves. Add the sugar until you no longer have any or the sugar stops dissolving. This may take a while.<br />
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Step Five: Take the sugar solution off the heat and allow to cool. (You have now created a supersaturated sugar solution!)<br />
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Step Six: Dip the end of the wooden skewer in the sugar solution, then roll the end in some sugar. This creates a 'seed' for the sugar crystals to grow on.<br />
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Step Seven: If you want colored rock candy add in food coloring. You want the liquid to be dark enough that it will have a color after the crystals form.<br />
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Step Eight: Pour the sugar in the cup.<br />
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Step Nine: Put the skewer on the clothespins in the cup. Make sure the skewer is not touching the bottom or the sides of the cup.<br />
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Step Ten: Allow the crystals to grow!<b> Update:</b> Let your crystals sit until they start forming around the skewer. The first time we made ours they instantly started growing and in 4 hours were done. However the second time we tried they did not crystallize for a few days. This difference can be caused by the amount of sugar used or the time the solution is let sit and cool before being poured into the cup.<br />
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When you take the skewer out of the cup, give it a few minutes to dry. Then enjoy your beautiful crystals!<br />
Lab variables to try: flavoring and other colors<br />
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*An explanation of this lab will be put up after this. In that post there will be picture of our rock candy. We accidentally left ours for a day and the whole cup crystalized!*<br />
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~CarollAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-79468086374094032732011-11-10T18:26:00.001-08:002012-02-04T19:55:47.073-08:00Why Science?I've told a few people in the past month that Rachel and I have started a collective blog, and at first they were excited for us.<br />
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"<i>Wow, that is great! You guys are trying innovative social learning styles.</i>"</div>
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They're excited we are trying to integrate the internet and education... until we tell them the topic of the blog.</div>
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<u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Science.</u> </div>
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It's like the word instantly drains all excitement from their faces. A blackhole of joy and all things pretty.<br />
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Now perhaps I am exaggerating their reactions, but I must say people show significantly less enthusiasm when I mention the emphasis is on science.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/279256main_BlackHole_1-xltn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/279256main_BlackHole_1-xltn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The black hole of science!</td></tr>
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This brings us back to the point of our blog. To share the love of science that both Rachel and I have.<br />
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We want others to become interested in science. We understand that not everyone loves it like we do. (We're pretty crazy about it.) What we want is for pre-service teachers, teacher and students alike to enjoy science.<br />
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So our goal: To share two experiments a month. We don't have specific days on which we will share them. However we want to share as much of our enthusiasm as we can!<br />
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Look for our next blog, we're hoping to teach you about <i>Crystal Growth</i>!<br />
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~Caroll~<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-56110491611842202742011-11-01T20:45:00.000-07:002012-02-04T19:44:58.947-08:00Radioactive M&M's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This activity is one that Rachel and I used for an NSTA meeting. Another student (Elizabeth), a Chemistry education major, wrote the lesson plan and the worksheets for the lab. This lesson is used to teach students the basic concept of radiation using M&Ms! When we did this lab with the students we had them perform all of their experiments and then they were able to eat the 'radioactive' pieces.</div>
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Make sure, when teaching this lab, to tell your students about the dangers, benefits and uses of radioactivity. A wonderful example is X-Rays, by using radioactivity and wavelengths to see through things!</div>
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To start!</div>
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<b>Step One:</b> Give each of your students a bag of M&M's. Our bag held about 130 pieces, you should use 100 pieces (or so) for each bag.<br />
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<b>Step Two: </b>Have the students count the M&M's.</div>
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<b>Step Three:</b> Have students place the M&M's back in the bag and lightly shake the bag up. (Since your M&M's are new they shouldn't fall apart as much as ours. Our M&M's have been used for this lab many times; and because they have been stored with Uraninite they are now slightly radioactive and inedible.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_I2zKB0PkxxxxO8LPetneOuC7h9ZBb5QXPCNTDCF4sAzJEbfAkeRwQqEhzdwgqytG8rM0NQIcEDiftHtZmLrTRwe0ykUeoO00282DGb9_rjuqW4QW1pOg5ti4NfhXZuYRH2TToA_Bno/s1600/100_1489%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_I2zKB0PkxxxxO8LPetneOuC7h9ZBb5QXPCNTDCF4sAzJEbfAkeRwQqEhzdwgqytG8rM0NQIcEDiftHtZmLrTRwe0ykUeoO00282DGb9_rjuqW4QW1pOg5ti4NfhXZuYRH2TToA_Bno/s320/100_1489%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step Four:</b> Pour out the M&M's on the table and separate the M&M's that have the M showing from those without.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMp3sZSpDdQJOAKjZMzUnuVItwewqJx-Lnldvmspu6p-t7opnNb1BwCI9RW-OUCFGhhTI-D-Tfw5qH2yfUpQmUy2E9kpSpPirO3ROkBfRG_i9got33G3gtLBMMqdf-PpPEDsoXVGuJqA/s1600/100_1494%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMp3sZSpDdQJOAKjZMzUnuVItwewqJx-Lnldvmspu6p-t7opnNb1BwCI9RW-OUCFGhhTI-D-Tfw5qH2yfUpQmUy2E9kpSpPirO3ROkBfRG_i9got33G3gtLBMMqdf-PpPEDsoXVGuJqA/s320/100_1494%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step Five: </b>Count how many M&M's that have 'decayed.' These would be the M&M's with the letters showing. By doing this multiple times you are showing that each throw of the M&M's should produce around have with letters and half without. A simple demonstration for the concept of half life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTBbuGsyMfT5y5Z6MV7L40gu86n5pQHQc1eRaJwU-N6votQOnovQ8Bv048Ow0iyMifDNplOeNTF1FnFSxcFleLgC-z-vyt0VnrF8SQVvZwGe3ZpmXTJ2Xp6u1f2TmhkW5-vTy6YX_pVM/s1600/100_1493%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTBbuGsyMfT5y5Z6MV7L40gu86n5pQHQc1eRaJwU-N6votQOnovQ8Bv048Ow0iyMifDNplOeNTF1FnFSxcFleLgC-z-vyt0VnrF8SQVvZwGe3ZpmXTJ2Xp6u1f2TmhkW5-vTy6YX_pVM/s320/100_1493%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><b>Step Six: </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Have the students repeat this procedure about 5-7 times. Remember to keep the M&M's that have decayed and the still active ones apart.</span></b></div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">If you would like the lesson plan, activity sheet, or more information on this activity contact: </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">notsysy.science.gmail.com</span></div>
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<br /></div>rachel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09047210879045730347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-18572724565078886542011-10-31T20:57:00.000-07:002012-02-04T19:56:03.345-08:00Benefits of FieldworkAs Rachel mentioned in the last blog, I was unable to attend the<a href="http://www.ista-il.org/"> ISTA</a> conference this year. I am sad that I missed the opportunity to listen to many great sessions from some seasoned teachers in the science field. Last year I enjoyed learning about new activities that could be used in the classroom from teachers who have tried the lessons themselves.<br />
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At ISTA the teachers are not afraid of tell you of the hardships they had with the lessons and possible places of editing. I really appreciated the honesty and helpfulness the teachers gave me as I looked into becoming a teacher.<br />
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This past weekend I was, again as Rachel said, on a field trip for my Sedimentology and Stratigraphy class. We drove to Southern Illinois and went to many outcrops, quarries and state parks looking at the sedimentary structures. The greatest thing about the trip was not only the bonding that occurred between us students, but the hands-on experience that came from being outside of the classroom.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Fluorite I retrieved on my trip</td></tr>
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Already as a 'pre-service' teacher I have learned the importance of interactive learning. Students are very different in their learning styles. For example, I am a very kinesthetic learner; I love hands on learning. That is part of the reason I am a science major. My friend, however, is a audio/visual learner. If you write notes on the board in class she jots every one down, along with what you are saying. She cannot understand lab science; she is an English/Social Science major.<br />
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To me one of the best ways to bring all types of learning together is through field work. Sure, it may have a lot of kinesthetics in it but if you have them work in groups and have them fill out field guides you can easily get all involved.<br />
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Some examples of interactive learning that has inspired me:<br />
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<li>Workbooks with questions to ask people outside class</li>
<li>Field Trips (to a museum, geocaching, to the library, planetarium, IMax, Play... list goes on)</li>
<li>Songs (I learned the metric system through a song and remember it today)</li>
<li>Guest speakers</li>
<li>Movies (not too long, sleep is so nice at school)</li>
<li>Games</li>
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If you have any interactive tricks you have learned over the years, whether through teaching or being the student, please share them!<br />
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The key is for your students to have as much fun learning as you are teaching, and vice versa!<br />
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~Caroll<br />
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Note on Field Work: I understand that this may not work for every classroom. Sometimes there are limitations that the school gives and field work is also more age specific. It is harder to keep the attention and safety of younger children in check but using the outdoors and outside school tools for teaching are some of the best, most interactive forms of learning.<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-91464837419675246232011-10-30T11:55:00.000-07:002012-02-04T19:56:20.335-08:00Teaching and LearningHello Readers!<br />
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It is always a pleasure for Caroll and I (Rachel) to share with you many creative ideas of teaching science in the classroom. Although it may focus on elementary and intermediate levels, just understand that many of these activities can be used for different levels. Today, I will not be sharing an activity. Hopefully, there will be an activity up tomorrow or next week. Instead, I would like to tell you about my experience with Illinois Science Teacher Association (ISTA). Attending a college in Illinois, I had the privilege of attending one of their state conferences focusing on Science. Although the association does focus mainly on science benefiting the secondary levels, they also invite teachers who work with Kindergarten to Middle school levels. <br />
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October 28 and 29 of 2011, ISTA hosted a conference at Tinley Park, Illinois. It was located approximately 30 minutes south from Chicago, approximately 3 hours north from Springfield, an hour south east from Aurora, and and hour from Kankakee (all cities from Illinois). This is my second year of attending the <a href="http://www.ista-il.org/">ISTA </a>conference. Caroll was able to attend it last year, but was not able to attend this year, due to her Sedimentary Field trip. So what did I do at the conference as a Pre-service elementary teacher? Well, besides receiving free stuff,such as many lesson plans, activities, materials, and more. I was able to hear other ideas from various teachers about teaching science. I was able to help out presenters with setting up and getting their "workshops" put in order. By doing this, I was able, as a student, to hear lectures, get free membership, and free materials. <br />
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I'm guessing you are wondering what do these presenters have that would be important for me (more from the minds of pre-service teachers). These presenters either focused specifically on science, or introduced the integration of science with math, reading, social studies, foreign language, and more. There were exhibit booths that had so much information, catalogs, and materials that are beneficial for you and your classroom. I must admit, some teachers may say it is not free. There is a fee when you become a member of ISTA and receive various materials from companies. But once you are part of it, you receive various newsletters, ideas, and resources for the classroom. Again, pre-service teachers, if you volunteer at an earlier time in college, there is a greater opportunity of activity collections. <br />
For those who do not live in Illinois, go find a science teacher conference that you can attend. There is also the National Science Teacher Association (<a href="http://nsta.org/">NSTA</a>). It is a great way for teachers to come together, learn, and share their pedagogy used in their classroom. YAY teachers!! We live to learn and teach everyone else about what we were taught. (:<br />
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By the way, NSTA has a conference this March. It is possibly the 22nd, 23rd, 24th. So go sign up. It'll be worth your time.rachel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09047210879045730347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077222374427756518.post-74398862329014367582011-10-26T18:56:00.000-07:002012-02-04T19:43:33.949-08:00Fun Science: IntroductionDear Reader,<br />
Welcome!<br />
You are about to join us on an adventure that could change the way you look at science, or even your life!<br />
Rachel and I (Caroll) are starting this blog as an endeavor to show the exciting, interactive and awe-inspiring parts of science. While this blog will be geared towards teaching younger generations (3-7th grade) every age should be able to enjoy the fun, simple activities we will be putting up here.<br />
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We will try and update about things we find interesting in science and how you can make learning fun for your students. We plan on using the ideas we put on here in our own classroom. So take this as a place where we store our ideas but are sharing them with you.<br />
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Since both Rachel and I are in school this blog cannot be updated everyday. However we will try our best to have a new activity up every month. The first two months may be slow, but our plan is to share with you some of the experiments we have done and how they can be used in the classroom or be done at home.<br />
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If you ever have questions just send a message and one of us will get back to you!<br />
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~Caroll<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And Remember: <b><i><u>Science is fun!</u></i></b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017755634699002547noreply@blogger.com0