STEM

The grade Prep/Ones have been using the scientific method to explore simple chemical reactions. In this process we ask a question, guess or predict what might happen and then we test and observe what happens. Last week we participated in the skittle experiment. We placed the skittles carefully around the bowl and then added water to the bowl – just enough to cover the skittles. Then we waited to see what happened. Below are some photos of the results and the drawings of some of the children showing what they observed.

The skittles began to dissolve into the water causing the colour to spread out creating a rainbow-like pattern. This experiment demonstrates the process of diffusion - Diffusion is the movement of particles (in this case, sugar) from a space of higher concentration (the outer curve of the plate) to a place of lower concentration (the middle of the plate). Skittles are made with colourful dyes and sugar. The water dissolves this dye and sugar, and they move towards a place where there is less dye and sugar, in this case, the middle of the plate!

                                                                         Charlie F/1KH

                                                                           Edward F/1 KH

                                                                               Cleo F/1KH