Spectral Fingerprints

Today was an awesome science day!  For the past few days, we have been studying about atoms.  Our oldest daughter had read that elements can be identified by their spectral "fingerprint".  What exactly is this?  In short, an element releases energy when it moves from a higher energy level to a lower one.  The energy released comes out as different colors of light.  More specifically, the different colors of light correspond to the differences in energy between the energy levels.  For example, red light corresponds to a fall from the 3rd to the 2nd energy level.  Check out the following diagram from CPO Physical Science for more details.

Okay, you have to admit this is pretty cool!  We decided to take things a step further.  With the assistance of their dad, Dr. Rhett Allain, our children were able to use a spectroscope to actually see the "fingerprints" of different elements.  Needless to say, they were blown away!  Our oldest, age 11, decided to use her iPod Touch to take pictures of each element's spectrum.  Here are some of her images:

 Hydrogen

ArgonYou can view a full slideshow here.  

This was a wonderful opportunity for our kids to do "real science" at a very young age.  Our kids vary in age from 5 to 11.  Every one of them was engaged and having fun!!  For more resources check out these great materials:

• Phet Simulations
  • Molecules and Light
  • Bending Light
• Spectral Fingerprints Activity-- We used this as a follow-up activity!
• Spectra Database
• Spectral Lines

States of Matter: Ice Cream Fun!

Science is so much fun!  Around our house, we are deep in exploring the states of matter.  Trying to move beyond the classic "three states of matter" discussion, I want to provide lots of hands-on activities for our children so they can discover the various properties for themselves.  I am currently compiling several activities to post, but couldn't wait to share our latest lab, homemade ice cream.

In this experiment, simple household ingredients are gathered to explore the phase change of water.  The goal is for kids to see that NaCl (aka table salt) lowers the freezing point of ice making the ice  "colder." Obviously, this is what makes the ice cream freeze.  I have included a lab activity sheet in which you can record your observations and conclusions.

Enjoy!

Understanding Motion

For science this year, we are exploring concepts in physical science.  First topic, motion.  Fun!  To kick-start the lesson, I asked our kids to brainstorm how they would define motion.  They created a wordle to share their ideas.  Check it out!

Afterwards, we discussed that motion involves movement.  We discussed the three basic types of movement:

• straight line
• vibration
• curve (aka loop-de-loops!)
• rotation

Next, they explored motion graphs involving the one and only Moving Man.  Adapted from a high school lesson, elementary-level kids are able to explore advance concepts such as velocity and acceleration.  They had so much fun!  The website offers several resources for teachers to use.  I chose materials posted by Sarah Borenstein.  Implementation was simple and the kids were able to complete the activity independently.  To give you an idea of the type of activities included in the lab, I wanted to share responses from the last question. 

************************************************************************************Lab Lab Question- Write a story to interpret the following motion graph.

Ellie (3rd grade):

A man was under a tree.  He was tired and decided to go back to his house.  Along the way, he dropped his keys and stopped to pick them up.  "Wait a minute!  These aren't my keys," the man said.  So, he ran back to the tree to search for his keys.  

Luc (4th Grade):

A man was climbing in a tree.  He fell out and broke his arm.  "Ouch!" he cried.  "I need to go home and get my phone." He started home and then stopped to think.  "Wait a minute! I am close to the hospital right now. I think I'll just walk there myself."  So, he headed to the emergency room.

************************************************************************************

Finally, as a fun reward, the kids tried their luck at the super awesome, Graphing Challenge game.  Shhh, don't tell them their "reward" was really learning in disguise.  Our little secret!!  All in all, they had a fun week exploring motion while tackling advance concepts.  Super proud of them and more importantly, excited they had fun learning!