The Early Years students were fascinated to watch a kernel of corn heated in the popcorn machine change its state. They were delighted when fluffy while corn came cascading into the bowl. It looked different, felt different, tasted and smelled different. Of course, they taste tested it, before pasting it onto card to make a Father’s Day card.

The Primary grades are looking at what happens when different materials are combined. Some substances dissolve in water, some become soft or soggy, while others don’t change very much at all. We tried various combinations with water, oil, food colouring, paper clips and other classroom items.

The Secondary students are experimenting with creating a chemical reaction by combining common kitchen substances, like bi-carb soda and vinegar to make carbon dioxide. We made raisins ‘dance’ in the mixture, watching the fizzy bubbles attach to the dried fruit and take it for a ride to the surface, dropping back down as the bubble burst at the top.