Science education is not just about memorizing facts from textbooks; it's about engaging in hands-on activities that spark curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the natural world. One fascinating area of study is the three states of matter: solid, liquid and gas. The Year 4’s at Astor International School embarked on a series of captivating experiments to explore these states first-hand as part of their International Primary Curriculum (IPC) unit; ‘Shake It!’.
The journey began with water, a substance familiar to us all. The students understood that water exists in three states depending on its temperature: solid as ice, liquid as water, and gas as water vapor. To witness this transformation, they conducted an experiment involving freezing and boiling water. The students observed with wonder as the liquid water transformed into solid ice, exemplifying the solid state of matter. Next, they moved on to the boiling experiment. Heating water in a pot on a stove, they eagerly awaited the moment when it reached its boiling point. They witnessed the transition from liquid to gas, as water molecules gained enough energy to break free from their liquid state and enter the gaseous phase, demonstrating the third state of matter.
The excitement didn't stop there. The Year 4’s had the opportunity to explore other substances and their transformations between states of matter. With a simple kitchen experiment, they turned liquid milk into solid butter by vigorously shaking it in a jar. Through this process, the fat molecules in the milk began to clump together, separating from the liquid to form butter. This experiment not only illustrated the transition from liquid to solid but also provided a tasty result to enjoy on toast!
Furthering their exploration of liquids transforming into solids, the students embarked on an adventure in making homemade ice cream. Using a mixture of milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, they poured the ingredients into a sealable plastic bag. Placing this bag inside a larger bag filled with ice and salt, they shook vigorously for several minutes. The cold temperature of the ice caused the milk mixture to freeze, transforming it into creamy vanilla ice cream. This delicious experiment not only demonstrated the transition between states of matter but also showcased the science behind a favourite frozen treat!
Continuing their scientific journey, the year 4’s turned their attention to a natural ingredient: coconuts. They cracked open fresh coconuts and extracted the flesh, which they then blended with water. After straining the mixture, they were left with liquid coconut milk—a staple ingredient in many culinary delights. This experiment highlighted the versatility of coconuts and allowed the students to witness the transformation from solid to liquid, further enriching their understanding of the states of matter.
Through these engaging experiments, the students gained a deeper appreciation for the three states of matter and the processes that drive their transformations. They learned that matter is not static but rather dynamic, constantly changing in response to various factors such as temperature and pressure. Moreover, they discovered the importance of observation, experimentation, and hands-on learning in the field of science!
コメント