The 8th grade students conducted a flame test lab on different chloride solutions to identify different characteristics of metallic elements. They were also given a mystery chloride solution and were asked to determine which metal was in the chloride. We got some interesting results, as you can see!
The 6th graders worked on an activity involving indian corn, to determine which colors were dominant and which were recessive. The color that occurs more often is the dominant color. We have been studying traits, and how those traits are passed on from one generation to the next.
Here's a picture of the pickle electrocution lab!! Pickles taste great because they have a lot of salt. When the sodium atoms are excited by electricity, they give off a yellow color (and a really bad smell -- just ask my students!). This demonstration is EXTREMELY dangerous, and it should not be attempted at home. Plus -- if you've ever read The Lethal Gorilla by Paul Zindel, this lab is in his book! It's a long story, but he got the idea from me, and I am in the book as well. Check it out!!
Here is a link to the claymation movie the 8th graders made last year that is now on youtube: Future Dictators of the Body of Carl
Please leave us comments on what you think of the movie. We all worked very hard on creating something special and unique!