Chemistry makes a very arresting field for a home school science curriculum, as it deals with the reaction in the middle of two substances, change of colors, and the yield of heat, light and sound energy.
We see change all nearby us such as boiling of an egg, the popping of pop corn, the ripening of bananas, the baking of muffins, the burning of firewood, the bursting of a cracker, the tearing of a paper sheet, the lighting up of a match stick, the rotting of garbage, the rolling of dough, etc. Some changes are desirable, whereas others are unpleasant. Some of the above-mentioned changes are corporal whereas some are chemical changes.
You will learn in your home school science curriculum that there are two types of changes: corporal and chemical changes.
A corporal change is a change in which the substance may look different, but it is the same substance. For example, when you tear a sheet of paper, the end effect is pieces of paper, but it is still paper.
A chemical change is when the atoms within the molecules get rearranged to form a dissimilar substance. Also there is change of color and power is either given out (exothermic) or absorbed (endothermic). For example, when you burn paper, the molecules that paper is made up of feel a change and you get solid ash and gaseous molecules of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
How does one tell either a change is a corporal one or chemical one?
I'll give you Some simple Tips.
It is a chemical change if:
- There is a change in the color
- A new substance is formed
- A precipitate is formed
- A gas (bubbles) is released
- Energy is released in the form of heat, light and sound (exothermic) and the substance gets hot
- Energy is absorbed (endothermic) and the substance becomes cold
Do This Now!
Your Home Chemistry Lab
The Lab Setup: You will want a sturdy table (a granite countertop is great). Cover the table with a plastic tablecloth. On the table place some small bottles with discrete liquids or powders (reactants), measuring spoons and muffin cups (instead of test tubes).
Materials: Water, rubbing alcohol, vinegar (acetic acid), citric acid (from your grocery store), clear dish liquid (Ivory), hydrogen peroxide, washing soda (sodium carbonate), baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), salt (sodium chloride), sugar, cream of tartar (grocery store), etc.
Objective: To decree which reactions are chemical changes and which ones are corporal changes (tips, above).
Procedure: Take the muffin cups and mix two or more liquids and/ or powders and see what happens. Touch the cups and feel for a rise or fall in temperature. Initially you can mix whatever you want.
Precaution: Although these materials are safe for activities of a home school science curriculum, they may cause dry and itchy skin and sore eyes. So wear gloves and protective goggles.
Try the following combinations and write your observations:
Citric acid + water + baking soda
Baking soda + vinegar
Baking soda + water
Salt + water + liquid soap
Sugar + water
Salt + water
Sugar + salt + water
Citric acid + liquid soap
Washing soda + Vinegar
Baking soda + cream of tartar
Vinegar + water
You will be amazed at the color changes, bubbling sounds and heat production. Enjoy!
Chemistry was never so much fun, was it? Check out the free "Home school Parent's Guide to Teaching Science", for great science experiments and activities by clicking the link below.
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