Activities

Some of the links below will show you what styrofoam atom models look like. You can also access the Hands-on Activities by clicking on some of the links below.

Matter:

• models of atoms—styrofoam spheres of various sizes and colors, representing important atoms H, C, O, N, Na, Cl,...
• models of molecules—combine atoms above with toothpicks or pipecleaners (representing chemical bonds) to make various important molecules (e.g. H₂O, CO₂, O₂, CH₄, NaCl, (NaCl)_x
• models of phases of matter: solid, liquid, gas, using molecule models above
• dissolve salts of different types, and observe the process carefully (microscopically as well)
• crystallization of salt solution—observe over a few days
• models of processes: dissolving, crystallization, melting, boiling, heat expansion...
• density, buoyancy, and stratification: measure with hydrometer, float a potato, create an "estuary"
  

Energy:

• various interconversions among different types (heat from motion in banging a nail, chemical batteries, photocells, bike generators...)
• burning fuels to release heat/light energy
• effects of heat/cold on dissolving
  
  

Life Processes:

• photosynthesis and respiration: disassemble, reassemble models of molecules involved, with energy tags (yellow paper slips), showing reactions of process
• set up and observe over time small closed ecosystems (photosynthetic producers like seaweed, consumers like brine shrimp)
• "salty chalk soda" reaction to make seashell material, compare with sample shells (mollusk, coral, echinoderm)
• CO₂ detection—blow through straw into bromthymol blue solution; compare to effects of seltzer