(Part 3) No Supplies Required Science Experiments : Density and Molecular Motion

So you've learned that matter is always in motion and it responds to changes in temperature (energy), now, I want you to help me solve a problem. Can you help me figure out a way to get yellow water to set on top of blue water without anything in between them? Can we keep them from mixing? Maybe we can even add a third color!  Let's consider what we know and figure it out together.   

We will begin class with an engaging demonstration of layering water upon water. What is happening?  How does this work?  That is for you to discover! Next we'll enter into an investigation and discussion to better understand the concept of density and how it applies to "Matter in Motion."  Finally, we'll revisit how to set up a controlled experiment (Part 1) before carrying out a new experiment to test our discovery and see how we can apply it in a new way.  


Students might already know things about matter, but can they support what they think they know with scientific evidence? Can they think critically like scientists? Does your student love engaging experiments? Allow me! This is part of a series of four classes that will provide students the opportunity to discover the basics of molecular motion (the Kinetic Theory of Matter) through observation and inquiry. Students will be challenged to consider that all matter, despite appearances, does move.  They should not take my word for it, though! They will watch closely to collect evidence that either supports or rejects the idea. Students should come with a basic understanding of the 3 main states of matter (solids, liquids, and gases) and be ready to stretch their thinking, while having fun. 

Each class can be done as stand-alone class, but they are most effective when done together in order.

(Part 1) No Supplies Required Experiments: Solids and Liquids in Motion  We’ll begin with a brief overview of the 3 main states of matter, but this class will focus on the motion of solid and liquid matter. Students will engage in planning and carrying out a controlled experiment and then use the results to consider whether or not my proposal that all matter moves is supported by the evidence. Students will be encouraged to use what they’ve learned to make predictions before we do a follow up experiment.
 
(Part 2) No Supplies Required Science Experiments: Gas in Motion Students will observe an untouched coin click upon the lip of a bottle and then set out to gather evidence-based ideas about what is going on. Students will be challenged to consider the fact that molecules are always in motion and respond to temperature change. They will have the opportunity to apply this concept as they predict the outcome of multiple demonstrations involving air.   
  
(Part 3) No Supplies Required Science Experiments: Density and Molecular Motion  Student will discover a property called density and combine this new knowledge with what they've learned in parts 1 & 2 to propose how I can layer water upon water. We will design an experiment and collect data to see if it supports our ideas.

 (Part 4) No Supplies Required Science Experiments: Collisions & Chemical Change Students will discover what can happen when molecules in motion collide with each other! First, we will have to discuss a few physical and chemical properties of oxygen gas, hydrogen gas, and carbon dioxide gas. Next we'll discover which gas is being released during various chemical reactions.  Along the way we'll have a very brief introduction to the Periodic Table of Elements, identify the differences between atoms and molecules, and learn a few basic chemical names and formulas.