Class 3 were treated to a science masterclass today. Our visitor, Sophie, teaches science at Thirsk School. We wrote to Sophie at the beginning of our topic on States of Matter asking her all the tricky questions that we had about the subject. Today all our questions were answered as Sophie talked us through the explanations and conducted some fantastic demonstrations.
Using syringes blocked at one end we found out we definitely couldn't compress solids or liquids - but we were able to squash gases.
Sophie used a jar full of 'particles' to demonstrate how when energy is added the particles start to move more and take up more space.
Using models of molecules, we learnt how when we add energy bonds can be broken. Some substances require a lot more energy to break the bonds - that is why some metals melt at very high temperatures.
The class also had a first hand demonstration of evaporation. We put a small amount of liquid acetone in our palms and watched it evaporate in front of our eyes.
Not all substances act in the same way. Sophie brought in some solid iodine crystals which we heated in a flame. We watched as they turned from a solid straight into a purple gas - this process is called sublimation.
The class made lots of very useful notes and asked very thoughtful questions.
For our last activity we investigated corn flour mixed with a small amount of water. We saw how it sometimes acted like a solid, but when left untouched it flowed like a liquid. This would be a great experiment to try at home!
Class 3 would like to say a big thank-you to Mrs.King for giving up her time to come and answer our questions. The staff would like to say an even bigger thank-you for bringing in the homemade cookies which went down a storm!
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