Tastes Like Wallaby

Reason #847: Why being a science teacher rocks

Posted by Kristy:  Being as science teacher means being part of a cool department.  Science departments are typically comprised of dynamic folks who love to have a good time.  Exhibit A is the Science Department Tailgate Breakfast.

One of the members of our department came up with the great idea to have some bonding time before our teacher in-service day.  Naturally, we were all enthused and contributed menu items and equipment.  We got some funny looks from our colleagues in other departments as they drove past, but we know that deep down inside they were jealous!  Our AP and Principal (who we never officially asked for permission) also passed us, shaking their heads.  It was as if they were thinking, “Science Department…  At least out here their stoves won’t burn down the school.”

A fantastic season!

 

Posted by Kristy:  Since we have obviously been severely delinquent in keeping the blog up to date, this is a summary picture post of the winter season thus far.  Having Andy back at full strength is awesome!  I love having him as a part of my outdoor adventures again.  Thanks to all the folks who have been joining in the fun!

Reason # 803: Why being a science teacher rocks

I love the demos that I get to do for my students.  The sense of wonder that these demos generate just tickles me and I don’t mind answering questions for days afterwards.  These are some videos of a few of the cool demos that I have gotten to do with my students this year.

  This is a catalytic decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide.  Sometimes this reaction is called “Old Foamey” or “Elephant’s toothpaste”  It produces heat, oxygen, and water vapor.  The foam is made of soap bubbles mixed with a bit of iodine.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A grain silo simulation.  My students call this the “Flaming Can of Death”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The violent reaction of Sodium and water.  Sodium is one of the Alkali metals and only has one valence electron in its outermost level.  Thus, it reacts quite violently with water and creates a very caustic solution.  We have to be extremely careful when handling and storing it.  After the demo, I have to police the area, looking for chunks of sodium that did not react with the water.  Unfortunately, the video did not capture the sharp report when it finally exploded.  I can, however, assure you that it was a good one!  It made that kid sitting on the trash can fall to the ground.

 

 

 

 

This is a single displacement reaction involving Zinc and Hydrochloric Acid.  The balloon is filling with Hydrogen, which I saved and used in the following video.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hindenburg, anyone?  The hydrogen filled balloons that we created in the previous video were the perfect vehicle for demonstrating a combustion reaction.  Middle school girls are notorious for being shrill screamers; thankfully, I had none in that class!  Some of the previous classes screamed so loudly that the math classes next door were completely interrupted.