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1. What happens to atoms to cause them to release light?
2. Why do different fireworks burn different colors?
I allowed the students to discover the answer for themselves by guiding them through a series of flame tests and atomic spectra observation. Followed by a sing-a-long about flame tests (I can't believe how well this went over with my juniors), I had my students conduct flame tests with unknowns. After successfully identifying the unkowns, they reflected on what they learned since their initial journal entries to the lesson opener.
At the beginning of the experiment, their responses to the chemistry concepts were quite limited and incomplete. However, as you can see from the attached student work samples, their conclusions reflected a growth in terminology and conceptual understanding. I was very proud of them, and very pleased with myself.
Aaron, that sounds like a very cool experiment. You said you started off the lesson with fireworks, did you use a video or really shoot off some bottle rockets and the like? That would be really exciting, especially for high school aged students. I'm used to my 5th graders and what I would trust them with, it must be nice to have students that you can actually trust with conducting "Flame tests". I feel scared letting my students hold cups of water sometimes without it causing a mess. Did you have any issues with safety?
ReplyDeleteNice post, keep up the good work.
Chris
I used a video for the fireworks. Conducting the lab went well though as far as safety. It just takes a constant stream of safety reminders, both before and during the experience.
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