It's All About ENERGY!!!!

First grade is currently studying the types of matter (solid, liquid, gas, and plasma) in science class. They have already learned about some of the differences between each type including the differences in molecular structure.

The students recently learned that the most common way to encourage matter to change state is to add or decrease the energy of the molecules. In class, the students practiced changing the energy of molecules by making thermometers. Although the thermometers weren’t an accurate gauge of temperature, they were able to experiment with the science behind how actual thermometers work. The students rubbed their hands together to create friction and heat energy and then transferred the energy to the liquid water and rubbing alcohol inside the “thermometer” by gently touching the sides. By doing this they were able to see that as the molecules in the liquid gained energy they became more active and began traveling up the straw.  We then took our “thermometers” outside into the cold air and watched the molecules lose energy. The students noticed that as the molecules lost energy the liquid began to bubble under the straw and realized that it happened because instead of gaining energy and traveling up it was losing energy and pushing back down.

There was much fascination as students observed the different reactions of the liquid in their thermometers and discussed their thoughts as to what was happening!