Physical Science

Physical Science

In class we have been going over physical science concepts. This past week everyone in class did a mini demonstration of a physical science lesson. Everyone had a variety of different concepts within physical science. We had activities that involved density, magnetism, physical changes, chemical changes, ramps, and much more. We also explored objects such as prisms, mirrors, lights, ramps, boom whackers, gears, and more. The activity that I did was about density. How hot air rises and cold air sinks. 

Hot vs. Cold

This activity is super simple to do. As you can see all you need is a ballon, a bottle, water, and two containers. Children will find this so fascinating that the balloon just suddenly fills up with only being submerged in water. You can also connect this activity to real life objects such as hot air balloon. This is essentially how a hot air balloon works. 

Electricity 

I thought this activity was so much fun. Again there are simple materials that demonstrate a pretty complex concept. Children can use a balloon and walk around the classroom and start discovering things that attract and other items that repel. 

Magnetism 

Magnetism was also another concept that was presented in class. With just a magnet and some random objects children can explore magnetism. You can start by giving children different objects that may or may not be magnetic, and then let the children explore the magnetic items throughout the classroom. 

Children's books:

bubbles

     Bubbles 

During our last class we read the book the bubble factory by Tomie Depaola. After reading the bubble factory, as a class we came up with questions that children might ask about bubbles. Everyone loves bubbles, and are curious about how they work. Here are the questions we came up with in class, but now with answers:

Bubble questions: 

1. Why do they float?
1.  Bubbles float due to the more dense element of carbon dioxide. 
2. Why are they circular?
1.  Bubbles are circular because of surface tension. This tries to pack the molecules as tight as possible, and that formation is a sphere. 
3. Can bubbles be other shapes?

1.  You can't blow a bubble into a different shape, surface tension will always try to condense the bubble. Although if you create a 3D shape, and dip it into a bubble solution, you can see the bubble inside. 
4. How much do bubbles weigh? 
1.  Bubbles can be all different weights depending on their size. If you really wanted to figure out the average weight of your bubbles you could weigh your solution, blow some bubbles, count your bubbles, weigh your solution again, subtract your amount you used, then divide the amount of bubbles by your weight of the mixture.  
5. What about their color? 
1.  the colors on a bubble are all reflections of light. Different amounts of soap effect the colors that are being reflected onto the bubble.
6. What makes the best bubbles?
1.  There are many different bubble solutions. Some solutions do different things for the bubbles, some make the bubbles float higher, others make the bubbles more durable, and many other characteristics. One solution for a durable bubble is: 2 cups hot water, 1/4 cup dish soap, 1 (.25 oz)  packet gelatin, and 2 tablespoons of glycerin.
7. Can bubbles freeze? 
1.  Yes! It has to be below 5 degrees celsius though. 

Bubble Books:

 

Potions

Potions

Potion #1- The Green Breathing Machine 

Before

After

1/3 Baking soda 

1/3 Baby oil 

5 Squirts of conditioner

10 Seconds of shaving cream 

5 Drops of food coloring 

The first potion we created we saw an instant reaction once we began to stir it together. The green mixture began to grow! We saw bubbles starting to form on the sides of the glass container, which was making the mixture rise. The green goo grew to the top and then stopped. Once it grew to the top, we mixed it up again and it immediately shrunk back down and began to grow again. The green breathing machine was create to help you breathe due to its breathing like reaction. 

Potion #2- The Root Beer Float 

Before

After

 

1/3 Hot chocolate powder 

10 Seconds of shaving cream

1/3 Borax

1/3 Liquid starch 

1/3 Seltzer water 

1/3 Baby oil 

1/3 Baking powder 

4 Caps of apple cider vinegar

The second potion we created was a bit more difficult to get a reaction out of. We starting putting together random materials, and started to think more about what might react with each other better. Once we put the vinegar in, we saw some changes. Our mixture began to rise, similar to a floating motion. This is why we called this potion the root beer float. This potion will make you float!

Take home slime

Toothpaste Putty

1 tbs. white school glue 

2 tbs. cornstarch 

1/2 tbs. water 

1/2 tbs. toothpaste

1-2 drops of food coloring 

Classmates home made slimes:

  

The green slime was created by ashley. I love textures similar to this, and I know many children do as well. 

This was ice cream goo that Mattie created. Similar to ooblek, yet with a more cold feeling. I really enjoyed playing with this slime. 

Grossology

Grossology: Spit 

Our Grossology presentation goes over the causes of spit, what it is, why we have it, and more. Our activity with the class was to smell lemon juice, and well as vinegar. Then ask the class if they noticed anything happen to their mouth or the spit inside of it. This activity is something that can be done with young children as well. You can have these items in a sensory table as well, children can observe more closely what may be happening.