We were recently learning about materials and change in science. We started off by discussing the three different states of matter: solids, liquids and gases. Our first experiment then involved trying to identify different solids using the senses of touch and smell alone. We tested cous cous, talcum powder, flour and sugar to identify them.
Next, we learned about how materials can change states, such as water changing to ice and steam. We discovered that applying force, pressure or heat to a material can cause it to change. Some changes are reversible (such as stretching an elastic band), while others are not (such as baking dough into bread). Our next experiment sought to find out what applying force to cream would do. We placed cream in a jar and shook it vigorously for two minutes at a time, checking the changes at regular intervals. The cream transformed from runny and milky, to thick and whipped, to lumpy and finally... We created butter! It was a very exciting moment! The butter comes together in a lump and the liquid surrounding it is buttermilk (which is used for baking). Ms. Kirby drained, washed and salted the butter, and today we enjoyed it spread on crackers. Yum! We all really enjoyed it!
Later this week, we will be learning about other materials called insulators and experimenting to find out how they work. We will also discuss materials known as acids and bases, and how they react to one another.
Later this week, we will be learning about other materials called insulators and experimenting to find out how they work. We will also discuss materials known as acids and bases, and how they react to one another.