Few things in science go well without a trial run - especially when using new or different equipment. Well, this happened in 8th grade science class this week - but I was prepared with my backup lesson plan!
To culminate our unit on phase changes, we conduct two major investigations: (1) Boiling Ice - heating solid H2O to liquid, and then gas, and (2) Making Ice Cream - cooling a sugary cream mixture to a solid. Yes, both (especially the latter) are favorites in the 8th grade curriculum. Don't worry, while it seems like fun and games, there is a written assessment scheduled.
In the Boiling Ice experiment, we had a false start when I forgot to turn on the hot plate until 10 minuted into recording temperature and observation data and wondering "Why isn't the ice melting faster?" Then, when the setup was complete, the glass beaker was so shocked with the heat at the bottom, and frigid ice inside that a crack formed - separating the entire bottom from the rest of the beaker. Third time was the charm.
Needless to say we are resilient and ready to learn about density! Our 8th graders will be learning about one of my great geeky heroes: Archimedes - the great Greek scientist, engineer, and mathematician (and the namesake of my cat). Later in the spring we will learn about other great geeky hero: Nikola Tesla - an unsung great mind of electricity and engineering! http://www.propertiesofmatter.si.edu/Archimedes.html
Don't forget, we would love to repurpose your old plastic bottles. The Green Engineering elective will be starting a project with them on Wednesday. (I already bought the worms!)