21.9.12

Beginning General Science ~ density in nature experiment

     Two years ago my oldest daughter completed Apologia's General Science and all three of my kids had fun trying out the experiments together. Last year I tried to make all three of their science lessons blend a bit more so the experiments would be meaningful for all of them. While my older daughter worked on biology, the younger two studied anatomy. It worked, to an extent.
     This year, however, they are learning different topics. Heather is now studying Chemistry. Emily has begun General Science, and with it the experiments she vaguely remembers details from when she observed them two years ago. In the meantime,  I've discovered Pinterest. When a picture from Steve Spangler's science reminded me of an experiment my oldest daughter had done, I pinned it knowing Em might enjoy the variations.
     First, she completed the experiment as shown in her textbook.
     Then we tried to duplicate the seven layer density column.
     Only I just looked at the pinned picture with labels identifying each layer. I didn't click over to the original website which clearly shows a food baster- a tool we didn't use. So another scientific truth was clear from this experiment: go to the original source! I also didn't have my computer right beside me and guided the kids from memory. So the rubbing alcohol and vegetable oil were out of order. Another lesson learned- follow directions!
     The Steve Spangler website shared "The layers will always even themselves out because of the varying densities." We left ours sitting on the kitchen counter to see if that would work for us.
Jennifer

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous9/28/2012

    That's a really cool experiment. I'm going to start my daughter on General Science when we get moved and settled next month. Think I'll start hitting Pinterst now!

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    1. There are so many great ideas there. It helps me to change things up a bit.

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  2. That's very cool. And pretty for oil and rubbing alcohol!

    Note to self: do more science experiments!

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    1. Science experiments are among my son's favorite things about schoolwork.

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  3. Very cool experiment! I've found some great ideas on Pinterest too, and am discovering the truth that you shared - go to the original source! LOL

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  4. I remember doing that one. Very cool!

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  5. You can also try dropping small object like raisins and see which layer they end up in. Hint: it's not always the bottom.

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  6. I love that experiment. My oldest daughter did it not too long ago. My oldest son is in Biology this year. The younger children haven't started science yet. We unschool science for them. Yeah, that's it ;-)

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    Replies
    1. Somehow experiments are so much more fun with my kids than they were when I was in school.

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