Chemical Reactions and Real-life Applications

Written by Athena Agnew, Griffith STEM Ambassador – Year 9

Science Club is always a great opportunity to be able to interact with other students from different levels (Years 7 to 12) that all share an interest in science. The activities conducted during science club allows students to get involved in different experiments and ultimately develop scientific skills and deeper understanding of the three branches of science.

To start the year, in Week 1, we had a Taste of Science Day on the Quad where selected activities were set to promote and renew curiosity about the Club. It was a successful lunch time activity.

In Week 3, one of the first experiments that the students were able to participate in was the testing of foods for sugar, starch, protein, and fats content. This gave students a chance to understand what makes up different types of foods and how these foods can be tested in the laboratory using some chemicals and simple methodology. In Week 5, another experiment that the students were able to partake involved chemical reactions between acid and carbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas. This was a great opportunity to see the real-life context behind ocean acidification. When carbon dioxide gas is mixed with water, the pH of water decreases, making it acidic. We were able to visibly determine the change in pH by identifying the change in colour with the universal indicator.

The other experiment conducted was collecting oxygen from the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide using manganese oxide as a catalyst. This was done using the water displacement method. To test this gas, we used an extinguished taper and attempted to relight it inside the gas jar. The Year 7s was assisted by our Year 12s and we could see that they had so much fun! Especially when they fail to relight their stick! It just made them think about improving their method and re-try collecting more gas.

These experiments provide the opportunity to learn whilst collaborating with others in a safe and enjoyable environment. If you are Science enthusiast like us, come and join us in Week 7, Thursday A (3:30-4:30) and we can show you more chemical reactions!

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