Blinded by the Light ...

Hello everyone,

Here are some fun photos from last week's year 7 science classes.
We were learning about chemical reactions and how different compounds, molecules, elements can be combined to make new products.

In the photos the girls are burning magnesium, therefore combining the metal with oxygen molecules from the surrounding air. 

This reaction is always quite spectacular!

Do you know some other signs of a chemical reaction?

P.S. Happy half term girls! See ya in a week. 

                    

 

     

In search for Starch!

In year 9 we are currently learning about plants! 

Last week, the girls carried out an investigation to test for presence of starch in leaves that have been exposed to light and leaves that have been kept in the dark. First, the leaves had to be soaked in ethanol and placed in a hot bath to remove chlorophyll (you know that chemical in plant cells that gives leaves the colour green). The girls then used iodine to test for starch. The leaves that turned dark blue/black tested positive for presence of starch.

Which leaves do you think turned dark blue/black and what's PHOTOSYNTHESIS got to do with it? 

The one on the left is clearly positive for starch!

Looking impressed and amazed :P

She took her goggles off only for the photo snap! 

The nicest water bath you've seen in Science!

      

Soaked in Ethanol!

DNA once again!

Last month the year 9s got to extract DNA from green peas. This Friday, some of the year 8 girls got to have a go as well at doing this very extensive practical. You did a great job and I hope you had fun! 

Below are the results! Not bad girls:) 

The fuzzy bits between the the bottom, greenish pea juice layer and the top, ethanol layer is the DNA! 

P.S. If you could repeat the experiment, what would you do differently to get even better results?

The scientists in action! 

Is it an elements, a molecule or a compound?

I must admit, it can be a bit confusing to tell these particles apart. 
Asiya (7S) did such a great job this week explaining the difference between a molecule and a compound. She definitely deserves a shout out, well done Asiya! :)

Do you know the difference between a molecule and a compound? 

Slime!

Hi Year 7s!

Welcome to Science:)
Now that you know all about the 3 states of matter, can you tell us please - what is slime?

 hmmmmm …….is it a solid or a liquid? This is a tricky one.

Ethanol on fire!

In year 11 Chemistry last week we were learning how to calcualte and compare the amount of energy released by various types of fuel in kJ/mole. Some heavy calculations and serous brain power!

The girls carried out an experiment, testing 4 fuels including ethanol, paper, wax and sugar puffs. Afterwords, they calculated the energy released by each fuel. Fantastic work girls! I was impressed and am so proud that you figured out how to do those extensive calculations using nothing but your "smarticles";)

Can you guess which fuel released most energy?