Fun with chemistry

15-26 October 2018: Here, our students in grades 4-7 science measure the rate of a chemical reaction, the decolorization of beautiful rose-red phenolphthalein.  We did a lot of background study of light, electronics, chemistry, math, and construction techniques.  At the end, we got great results, showing that the decline of the colored compound went at a rate directly proportional to its current concentration – we verified the hypothesis that it is a first-order reaction.  They enjoyed lots of hands-on work and the satisfying results.  Teacher Vince Gutschick has a PhD in chemistry from Caltech – he is a compulsive experimenter.  It’s great to see students light up.