Chemical Reactions are Exciting with Science Dave

Science Dave thrilled students at Somers Intermediate School with chemical energy and energy transfer demonstrations at an engaging assembly.

The assembly began with a quick lesson on what chemical energy means and how energy transfers from one state to another because of it. Students had great answers when asked how they might know if there’s been a chemical reaction.

“A change in color,” said Quinn.

“A change in volume,” added another student from the audience.

In one demonstration, Science Dave mixed hydrogen peroxide and dish soap with sodium iodide, creating a foam that expanded out of the top of the container. In another, he used simple ingredients like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), warm water, and a film canister. Warm water was poured into the film canister, filling it about halfway. Then a bit of baking soda was added to the water, and the lid to the canister was closed. The chemical reaction inside created bubbles and gas that quickly made the canister lids pop, sending them up to the ceiling.

“A solution is when you combine a solid and a liquid and they mix pretty evenly,” said Science Dave, explaining ingredients they’d use for their next demonstration.

Students drew a picture using clear wax crayons on special paper. Then, using a paper towel dipped in a baking soda solution, they rubbed it over the page. When they did, the solution reacted with the paper and revealed their drawings.

Science Dave ended the assembly with a bang by taking students outside to launch a rocket. When the rocket didn’t launch the first or second time, Science Dave took the opportunity to explain how failure is an important part of science.

“Sometimes things don’t work out the way we expect them to,” said Science Dave. “That’s when we must reflect on what we tried and investigate to see what we can change. Then we open our minds and become thinkers to problem solve how we can fix things.”

Science Dave eventually replaced each component of the rocket that could be the problem, trying to launch it again and again. With great perseverance, he proved to students that hard work and practice pay off as the rocket shot into the sky!