Flame tests

Flame tests with a difference!  I did the ethanol sprays which the pupils enjoyed, but I decided to do sodium/potassium chlorate fireworks. Notice the yellow/orange flame from the Sodium chlorate and the lilac flame for the potassium chlorate. http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377 http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377

Exothermic reactions

Glowsticks (from Poundland).

Using a data logger to measure change in temperature during respiration of yeast

We used the following set up.  We were trialling plastic delivery tubes – unfortunately the tubes weren’t the most convenient shape and so we had to use these large plastic bowls. We allowed the thermometer time to equalise to the temperature of the yeast/sugar mixture then we started logging.  We saw rapid production of gas …

Design an alien

We had a whole school competition in which pupils had to design an alien that could appear on Doctor Who.  Pupils of all ages and abilities took part, some submitting multiple entries with lots of detail and information about their aliens, friendly or hostile.I hope you are as impressed by the drawings and imagination of …

Digestive system on a tie!

Year 8&9 pupils made a model digestive system on a tie.  By the end of the lesson pupils were able to point out major organs of the digestive system and also their location.  More able pupils could also give functions of each organ. Pupils really enjoyed making their ties and were keen to show them …

Whoosh Bottle

Demonstrate combustion with a bang!  Simply vaporise 5ml acetone in a plastic water cooler bottle. Light carefully! Make sure you carry out a full risk assessment (and that you have practiced a few times before you do it in front of the children).  I’ve done this several times – I have blown the bottom off …