The Great Coral Reef Experiment
Area:Chemical change, physical change, scientific method
Purpose:Children of all ages can learn about physical and chemical properties of matter through this experiment. This activity allows children to make a prediction, perform an experiment, and record their findings. Depending on the grade level, this activity can focus on the order of an experiment, how to form a hypothesis, how to record data, or observation of physical change.
Standards:
Objectives:TSW perform an experiment. TSW make a prediction. TSW draw a picture.
Materials:
-one bottle liquid blueing
-measuring spoons
-one can non-iodized salt
-one jug ammonia
-food coloring
-aluminum pans
-charcoal
*For the exact recipe to perform this experiment, go here.
Procedures:
1.Give each child an aluminum plate with a few walnut-sized pieces of charcoal.
2. Post experiment recipe where all the children can see it and encourage them to follow along as the teacher guides the experiment.
3. Have each child make a prediction concerning what will happen when everything is mixed together in the pan.
4. Have children record their predictions either by dictation or their own writing (depending on grade level).
5. Perform the experiment.
6. Have the children draw a "before" picture of the mixture in their pans.
7. After the coral reef has had a chance to grow for several days, have children observe their experiments and draw an "after" picture.
8. Have children record what actually happened to their pans, noting changes in shape, color, and size.
9.Have a class discussion about why the changes happened, environmental factors involved, and why the recipe was important.
Extension:Have children predict what may happen if the coral is left for several more days. Also, children can speculate on what they think caused the changes in shape and color.
Assessment:Observational assessment of students performing the experiment. The two pictures and data recording will be graded on a 100 point scale, with each part being worth 25 points.
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