If the chemicals for the experiment I planned are not going to be available (I haven't been informed about it yet), we are going to attempt this DIY:
No session on 16/05/17
Session on 14/03/17 session postponed till 21/03/17, please feel free to bring the tins before the session
As requested, another DIY session. We will do the tin lanterns (click here for instructions). Make sure you get a few empty tins for the session. I will ask DT for nails and hammers. Also, if you can get a spray paint, we can decorate the lanterns too.
Session on 28/02/17 session postponed till 07/03/17
Unfortunately we cannot use any of the food rooms. If you still want to go ahead with spherification, this is what we are going to
need:
- a hand held blender or a whisk
- small plastic bowls x2
- a tall glass or a jar
- a sieve
- a skimmer (utensil)
- any juice you want to turn into edible caviar: orange, apple, tomato etc. Coca-Cola works well too, Ribena?
Session on 31/01 and 07/02 Session on 31/01 postponed due to reward trip
As discussed, we will be testing Coca-Cola; here are your allocations:
- regular Coca-Cola - Havilah
- diet - Charis
- zero - Lewis
- cherry - Ellie
- life - Clare and Rokas
Please bring 0.5l bottle of Coca-Cola that you chose, I will have everything else ready.
Session on 24/01/17
Another DIY session as requested :) Let's bring some colour to our lives with these beautiful butterflies (click)
Please bring:
- baby wipes (we could also test face wipes or make-up remover wipes)
- Washable markers and/or liquid watercolours
Session on 17/01/17
We will be making foam fire extinguishers. No need to bring anything.
Session on 03/01/17 session postponed till 10/01/17
We are going to conduct Clock reactions. No need to bring anything.
Session on 21/11/16
As the session on 15/11/16 was rescheduled (see below for details), We are going to meet on 21/11 to get back on schedule. As discussed, we will do more flame test as an introduction to forensic science sessions we are going to do. Have a look at the following before the session:
Metal ion flame tests
The chemistry of fireworks
Session on 08/11/16
Session moved to 15/11/16 due to SPRD
We are going to conduct an experiment called "Disappearing worms". Before the session, research the uses of sodium alginate.
Session on 18/10/16
Halloween is coming, how about doing some decorations?
Below are some suggestions and a list of materials that we will need to do it. As always, bring what you can and we will share.
Materials needed:
- glass jars or wine glass - this is important, make sure you have one, remove any labels
- paints (spray paint, acrylic etc.)
- bandages
- scraps of any fabric or tissue
- permanent markers or sharpies
- ribbons
- black card
- any materials you have for decorations
Ideas to look at:
- Mason jar decorations - click here
- More ideas - click here
Session on 20/09/16
First session of the new school year :)
We are going to extract DNA from a fruit. Please bring 1 strawberry, 1/2 kiwi or 1/2 banana. See you in SC4.
2015/2016
Session on 20/06/16
This is going to be our last session this school year. You are going to complete a student questionnaire and give me your feedback and suggestions for next year.
Session on 13/06/16
1. We are going to finish the two remaining experiments from this year's Global Experiment.
2. As requested, we will make the stress balls as well. Watch the video below for instructions:
- an empty and dry (important) plastic bottle (0.5l or 0.3l)
- about 300g of flour
- balloons (3 of one colour and 1 black or of a darker colour - contrast colours are going to work well, ie. yellow and blue)
- a spoon
3. Think about the Rocket Science experiment and this year's Global Experiment we've done. Would you like to take it further? If yes, read this leaflet (click) and let me know your thoughts on Monday.
Session on 06/06/16
One-pot copper reactions - please read the instructions carefully (click here). Print out a copy of the instructions and bring it to our session.
Session on 23/05/16
Session cancelled. Please use this time to finish the experiment instructions for the partner school. Email them to me by Wednesday, 25th May.
Session on 16/05/19
1. Our last partner school challenge: we are going to prepare a set of instructions, with photos, for this fun experiment we've done before:
- an empty bottle,
- a clean sock or a cloth (J-cloth will work)
- a camera (or your phone) - make sure you will be able to upload the photos to a computer on the day!
Session on 09/05/16
1. We are going to continue with the Global Experiment.
2. Partner school challenge 2 - bring wrappers/labels from your favourite snacks and drinks.
No session on 02/05/16 - Bank Holiday
Session on 25/04/15
1. We are going to take part in this year's Global Experiment organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Watch this clip:
- a piece of cotton (e.g. from an old white t-shirt)
- a piece of polyester (e.g. old sports top)
- aluminium foil
- HDPE plastic (from a milk carton)
- cling film
- transparent plastic cups
- demerara, icing, caster, granulated sugar (a teaspoon per test)
Session on 18/04/16
Partner school challenge
1. As a part of our international co-operation project we are going to take part in a few challenges set by our partner school. We will also set a few challenges for our friend in Poland.
2. Bring at least 3 empty mineral water bottles. Make sure they are all different brands. We will be comparing their mineral content. The ideal scenario would be to have 0.5l bottles but any other size will be OK too.
3. See me in SC3 if you have any questions.
Session on 11/04/16
1. The session is going to take place in Food and Catering - Mr Hargreaves' room.
2. We are going to attempt molecular gastronomy - spherification. Watch this video before the session:
3. Please research this process, which liquids work best then bring:
- the liquid of your choice to turn into "caviar"
Let me know asap what kitchen appliances are available to us in the Food and Catering room. Whatever is missing (e.g. whisks, bowls) you will have to bring.
I have the syringes, calcium chloride and sodium alginate.
Our partner school has already done this experiment, click here for inspiration. Give it g+1 too! :)
Session on 21/03/16
Trip - please return your reply slips asap.
Session on 14/03/16
1. Start collecting egg shells (wash them please) and bring whatever you manage to collect to our session.
2. Please bring also 1 raw egg (optional).
3. For the next few weeks (between now and the end of our Easter break) please collect any empty jars with lids and yoghurt pots for future experiments.
4. Picture of the week - thank you to those of you who are sending me photos regularly. As for the rest of the group, please contribute at least one photo by 24/03.
Session on 07/03/16
1. We are going to make "magic mud" to explore the idea of fluorescence. Watch this clip:
2. Please bring (pair up with someone to share the equipment):
- 1kg of potatos (per pair)
- 2 large bowls
- a sieve
- 0.5l jar with lid (empty)
- vegetable grater
Session on 29/02/16
1. We are going to conduct this experiment:
Watch the video before coming to the session. You will not be able to do the experiment if you fail to do so (safety).
2. We have 4 hot plates in Science (Food Technology rooms are being used). This means that 4 pairs will be able to do the experiment at a time. If you have a portable electrical cooker at home, can you bring it?
3. Equipment and substances needed: I have 10 aluminium trays (1 per pair, bring your own if you don't want to share), 4.5kg of sugar, and other substances that we need. Please bring: a saucepan you can use to do the experiment in, a wooden spoon for stirring, oven gloves for safety.
Session on 22/02/16
1. We are going to finish our string art projects.
2. If time allows, we are going to attempt some "fire writing". Please have a look at this worksheet before the session.
Session on 08/02/16
1. Let's finish this term with an art project - string art. Click here for more details.
a) Decide before the session what you want to do (a word, a letter, a shape etc.) and bring a printout of your choice. A few ideas below.
b) Please bring - a piece of wood or a wooden picture frame. If you have more than one, please bring it to the session. I have none therefore I rely on what you are going to bring.
c) I have some sewing strings in different colours but please bring more.
2. Unfortunately we won't be able to go to Wembley as it is one of our trips days.
Session on 01/02/16
1. We are going to learn about neutralisation reaction and conduct a rainbow fizz experiment.
2. Don't forget to bring your lab coats.
3. I signed us up to participate in the Rocket Science Experiment - click here to read more or watch the video:
Fantastic learning opportunity!
- Go to www.penpalschools.com
- Use the code ehzxli to set up - this needs to be done by 26/01/16
- More information when I see you on Monday
Session on 25/01/16
1. We are going to make a chemical garden. Please watch this video before the session:
2. Please bring: a tall jar (jam jar, coffee jar etc.)
Session on 18/01/16
1. Photos of the week - please have a look at your photo albums, any photos we could use on the website? If yes, please email them to me.
2. We will be making soaps (melt and pour technique). Please bring (all or any, we will share):
- moulds - silicone ice cube moulds, cupcake moulds etc.
- grounded coffee, seashells, beads etc. for decoration (google this for inspiration)
- very important: Pyrex measuring jug (glass), see the clip below.
Session on 11/01/16
1. We are going to conduct a series of flame tests to identify unknown substances. Please familiarise yourself with this worksheet.
Session on 04/01/16
1. We are going to test exothermic reactions and make handwarmers. Please bring sealable freezer bags or sandwich bags (large and small, if possible).
2. Don't forget to collect empty glass jars, yoghurt pots, and 0.33l coca-cola and sprite cans.
Session on 14/12/15
This will be our last meeting in 2015.
We are going to continue with our candles project. Please bring:
- 2-3 empty cans (0.33l, coca-cola, fanta, sprite etc.)
If we have time, we will set up this experiment:
Please bring: one 0.5l jar (400g nutella, jam jar, etc.)
Session on 07/12/15
1. Please have a look at this website - click. This is the craft project we are going to do. Please bring the following:
- paper cups (e.g. Dixie cups, McDonalds coffee cups etc.)
- old wax crayons (e.g. Crayola)
See me in SC3 if you have any questions.
Session on 23/11/15
1. Return the reply slips as soon as possible.
2. Spectroscopy in a suitcase - visit the website to find out more about the session - click here
3. Research spectroscopy on the internet. Find out how it works and what are its uses.
Session on 16/11/15
1. Prepare and bring to the session a "business card" about yourself (see the template here). We are going to post this to our partner school. Make sure you include a photo of yourself. One page A4 is enough. Ensure it is colourful, interesting and without any spelling mistakes.
2. I am still waiting for the photos of the week. You will be banned from the next session if I don't receive your photo by 3pm on Sunday, 15th November.
3. We will do the silver mirror test. Familiarise yourself with this video:
Session on 09/11/15
1. Familiarise yourself with the following video:
- empty plastic 0.5 l bottle
- old sock (clean please) or cloth
3. I'm still waiting for some of you to email me your photos of the week. Please do this as soon as possible.
