Observing Chemical Reactions

The chemistry class completed a lab where they observed chemical reactions and made hypotheses about what was happening and then tried to isolate the variables to determine which variable was causing the reaction. 

Soil Lab

The boys are working on a soil lab from Forensics. The boys performed visual analysis using a microscope as well as chemical analysis measuring the pH and Phosphate levels of soil samples. 

Paleontology

Some photos from this summers Paleontology field trip to the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point. 

Forensic Science

Some photos from the summer Forensics class. The boys did labs identifying soil samples and learning about fingerprinting. They also solved a crime at the end of the quarter by investigating a mock crime scene. 

Chemical Reactions

In physical science the boys did a lab on chemical reactions. They mixed a variety of chemicals and observed the physical properties of the reactions. They then determined what type of chemical bonds were forming and how to identify an unknown solution. 

Limiting Reactants

This weeks experiment had the boys finding the limiting reactant of a reaction. The boys mixed various amounts of Calcium Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide and observed the reactions. They then concluded what was the limiting reactant and what was the excess reactant. 

Double Replacement Reactions

This week in chemistry the boys performed double replacement reactions in the lab. They observed reactions from many different chemicals and reported whether a double replacement reaction occurred or if there was no reaction. They explained why a reaction took place and if there was no reaction they explained why there was reaction. 

Egg in the Wall

Weightlessness

This week in physics the boys tested weightlessness using a foam cup, rubber bands, bolts, and water. 

Covalent Compounds

This week the boys learned about covalent compounds. They then went to work creating various compounds using a molecular model set and with marshmallows and toothpicks. 

Magnesium Lab

The boys performed a chemical reaction with Magnesium ribbon and hydrochloric acid. They added the Magnesium to hydrochloric acid, creating an exothermic reaction releasing hydrogen gas.

Egg In the Wall Experiment

In physics the boys learned about momentum. As part of the lesson they had to construct something that would hold a raw egg and protect it as it was launched into a wall at over 100 mph. The boys had a fun time coming up with ideas they thought would protect their egg.

Balloon Lab

The boys performed an experiment where they had to make a balloon travel from one side of the classroom to the other side and then back again without touching the balloon. We performed this experiment as we learned about Newton's Third law.

Flame Tests

The boys performed flame test to discover what types of salts they had. The boys used methyl alcohol to burn different salts and observe what color the salts radiated. They then determined the base element of the salt.

Hydroponic Garden

The boys put together a hydroponic garden. They have been working on it throughout the summer. It has been a great project and many of the boys have expressed how much they have enjoyed putting it together.

Conservation of Mass Lab

This week in chemistry the boys learned about the conservation of mass. They weighed out all their reactants and then performed a reaction. After the reaction they weighed their products and found that even though the mass of the reactants was now in a different form the mass was still the same.

Inertia Lab

This week in physics the boys learned about inertia. They performed a simple experiment to learn how inertia works. The boys tried to flick an index card from between their finger and a quarter or penny. Due to the inertia of the coin the card would flick out but the coin would stay on their finger. This is similar to when you pull out a tablecloth quickly and the plates stay on the table. This is inertia in action.

Blinky Car Lab

This week in physics the boys did a lab where they calculated the speed of a blinky car. The boys measured the distance a blinky car could travel over a given amount of time. The boys used this data to discuss how vector quantities are different than scalar quantities.  

Observing Chemical Change Lab

In chemistry the boys combined Hydrochloric acid with some Zinc. What they observed was a chemical reaction. Then they put a lit match near the top of the test tube and heard a "pop". That "pop was Hydrogen gas that came out of the reaction and they ignited it.

Mass Lab

This week in Physics the boys performed an experiment measuring the mass of objects and using data from their graphs to predict larger masses.

Match Lab

In chemistry this week the boys performed an experiment involving matches. The boys learned how to account for the change in mass and where the missing matter from the match went.