States of Matter and other stuff

We are well into states of matter. This month we are covering several other aspects of matter.

* We have covered the 4 states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, and plasma)
* We have discussed the reactivity of these especially dealing with particle movement and structure
* We have discussed the kinetic energy of these states
* We have discussed phase changes and what is needed for a phase change to occur
* We have also reviewed the temperatures at which these changes occur and the appropriate terminology for these.

We finally can say we have a lab. It is technically a big closet but we will take what we can get. We did a general lab last week dealing with states of matter and the water cycle. Students were able to use a burner (butane) to change states of water and to record temperatures using a celsius thermometer. The other lab station dealt with density of different fluids. Students had to use several different lab instruments to properly complete this station. We have to have rotating lab stations due to classroom size but it is a start.

This week we will complete several lab stations dealing with chemical reactions and reaction rates due to catalysts, temperature changes, surface area, and types of chemicals.

My goal is for your child to have a basic understanding of lab procedures and safety prior to moving to the high school. I hope we succeed. The vast majority seem to love labs and are trying very hard to complete them successfully.