On February 2 and 3, Elmwood second-graders became scientists on as they took part in the Discovery Science Museum’s Traveling Science Workshop. Using scientific method and their eyes to observe, ears to listen and learn, and fingers to discover and explore, new scientists in Mrs. Nash’s class were led through various experiments by educator Barbara Stella.
The first were done with water to see various forms of solid, liquid and gas. A great example of seeing water in liquid and gas form were in the shower – water comes out of the shower head, but steam condenses on the mirror when the hot gas meets the cold mirror.
Carbon dioxide (also known as dry ice) was introduced next. When it was removed from the cooler, students were surprised to see it skip the liquid phase and go straight to gas! They learned this process is called sublimation. Throughout the rest of the presentation, students watched w
hat happened when dry ice was placed inside a balloon. The balloon continued to expand and finally popped, giving everyone a scare.
The final substance in the science workshop came in a protective container and needed special gloves for handling – liquid nitrogen, which students learned freezes at a temperature of -238 degrees. Various objects were placed in the liquid nitrogen to see what would happen as their temperature fell. A piece of rubber band hardened and could not stretch, but as it warmed it became stretchy again. A carnation shattered like glass, while the molecules in a banana came together so tightly, it could be used to hammer a nail!
The closing demonstration fascinated the group as they witnessed liquid nitrogen being poured onto the carpet, leaving behind only a puff of smoke and pieces of shattered carnation! All the students enjoyed this learning opportunity, and can explore other programs offered from the Discovery Museum at www.discoverymuseum.org.
Photos and article by Kerri Torgerson
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