R.O.C.K. Experiments 2008-2009
Oobleck (grades K-2)
Concept: properties of solids, liquids, and gases; states of matter
The students will learn the definition of matter and the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases by reading Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss and making their very own Oobleck using corn starch and water. **Event can be messy**
Approximated time: 40 minutes
Oily Oceans (grades K-4)
Concept: causes and aftermath of oil spills
The students will learn about the causes of oil spills and the difficult process of the oil spill clean-up by reading Prince William by Gloria and Ted Rand. The students will also learn about density of oil in comparison to water by discussing what happens in mousse demonstration. Finally, the students will be asked to clean up a feather from an oil spill to simulate helping animals after a spill and finding an efficient way to clean it.
Approximated time: 50 minutes
Density Towers (grades K-3)
Concept: density
The students will learn about density of different liquids and solids by building a density tower made of several liquids and roping in solids such as cork, wooden toothpick, and a penny. The students will also get to make their own glitter globe.
Approximated time: 50 minutes
The Chemistry of Food (grades K-3)
Concept: connection between chemistry and food
Students will read the book The Magic School bus Gets Baked in a Cake and then explore the connection between chemistry and food we eat through conducting experiments with baking soda and vinegar, yeast, and milk.
Approximated time: 60 minutes
Keep Them Clean (grades K-3)
Concept: the importance of hand washing
The students will gain understanding of the importance of hand washing by “washing” their hands and removing germs through a simulation with a black light and special hand washing lotion. The students will develop a technique for washing their hands properly and effectively. The students will be able to explain how soap works and why it is important to use soap when cleaning.
Approximated time: 35 minutes
Liquid Nitrogen (grades 9-12)
Concept: Charles’ Law, physical vs. chemical change, applications of liquid nitrogen
The students will learn about Charles’ Law, the difference between physical and chemical change, and the practical uses of liquid nitrogen through a number of liquid nitrogen demonstrations and hands-on experiments. The students will also have an opportunity to make ice cream using liquid nitrogen.
Approximated time: 50 minutes
Static Electricity (grades K-4)
Concept: experiments using charges of atoms ad static electricity
The students will learn about the charges of atoms and their forces. The students will use various experiments to better understand how static electricity works. The students will be made aware of examples witnessed in daily life.
Approximated time: 50 minutes
Cleaning Water with Dirt (grades 2-6)
Concept: concepts of water and water treatment
The students will learn how water treatment systems work and see how water that we use gets cleaned.
Approximated time: 50 minutes
Simple Machines (grades 3-8)
Concept: properties of simple machines
The students will learn about different types of simple machines and everyday examples. The students will expand their vocabulary as they use levers and pulleys. The students will gain an understanding of why simple machines reduce the force necessary to do work.
Approximated time: 50 minutes
Acid Base (grades 4-8)
Concept: properties of acids and bases
Students will learn the definitions of acids and bases, common examples or each, reactions that occur between them, and the characteristics each possess.
Approximated time: 50 minutes
Food Chemistry (grades 6-10)
Concept: chemistry experiments using common foods
The students will use chromatography paper to examine the food colorings used in candy. The students will make invisible ink and learn how it works. The students will learn how to use household products such as powdered milk and vinegar to make glue.
Approximated time: 50 minutes
Slime and Silly Putty (grades K-6)
Concept: polymers
The students will understand the concept of a polymer as it relates to the slime and silly putty. The students will also be able to describe the difference between a monomer and a dimer as well as the distance between molecules in a polymer by making their own slime and/or silly putty using glue and borax solution.
Approximated time: 40 minutes
Chromatography (grades 2-6)
Concept: mixture of chemicals can be separated based on their affinities for the chromatography paper and for the solvent.
The students will be able to understand the concept of chromatography by observing the separation of colors using chromatography paper, markers, and water.
Approximated time: 45 minutes
Optional: the same experiment can also be done with ink and isopropyl alcohol (approximated time: 55 minutes)
The Effects of Temperature on Light sticks (grades 3-6)
Concept: the effect of temperature on the rate of a chemical reaction
The students will learn about the concept of a chemical reaction through observing what happens inside an activated light stick. In particular, the students will gain understanding of how the particles in motion change their speed with varying temperatures by placing the light sticks in beaker filled with hot and cold water.
Note: students will be able to keep the glowsticks if approved by the teacher.
Approximated time: 40 minutes
Eggshell Geodes (grades 3-6)
Concepts: formation of geodes in rocks
The students will learn about the processes of crystallization and geode formation by growing their own alum crystals in eggshell halves.
Approximated time: 45 minutes
Dry Ice (grades 4-8)
Concept: states of matter, sublimation, and properties/uses of dry ice
The students will learn about the process of sublimation, the properties of a gas, what dry ice is and how it is made and its practical uses by making root beer.
Approximated time: 45 minutes
Super Soakers (grades 9-12)
Concept: the diaper chemistry
The students will learn about osmosis and the unique properties of sodium polyacrylate and how it is used in disposable diapers in order to keep babies dry. Saint Francis University R.O.C.K. volunteers will cut the diapers open and remove sodium polyacrylate while your students will be given the opportunity to test it.
Approximated time: 45 minutes