Science Experiment in Mrs. Clare's Class

Submitted by sarah.ledingham on
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In third grade we had a fun science experiment where my students learned to talk about the importance of making good observations in the scientific method. Students were given ice-globes, salt, sugar, magnifying glasses and flashlights. As they poured salt and sugar on the ice-globe they were encouraged to observe the difference between the two. Even though salt and sugar look identical, we observed they have different chemical compositions because one melts ice, where the other does not. This experiment then led to another important step in the scientific method, questioning. Students then formed questions such as, why salt melts ice and sugar does not? Also, why do we use salt to melt ice? But we also use it to make frozen treats such as ice-cream? Students were then encouraged to research their questions at home to learn more about the differences between salt and sugar. 

Attributions
Aubrey Clare