Students in the chemistry class at SCATS are always busy doing experiments! Today they learned about density. The were asked to create a density column deomstrating that liquids of different densities arrange themselves in layers rather than mixing. The liquids were created using water, sugar, and food coloring. The concocted three or more luquids of varying densities by adding different quantities of sugar. The food coloring was used so that they could tell them apart.
Class got even more exciting after that. The next experiment involved water bottle “rockets.” With isopropyl alcohol, vigorous shaking, and a quick light, they created “rockets” that skidded across the floor. Teamwork was very important for this experiment. The bottle had to be put down and lit quickly or all the gas created from shaking the alcohol would dissipate. When they weren’t fast enough, the experiment failed.
It’s not all fun and games though. The students collected data on volume of alcohol used and distance the “rocket” traveled. They had to do the math to determine molar ratio. After the exciting time with alcohol “rockets”, they didn’t seem to mind the math.
