Last week we learned about measurements, significant zeroes, how to read a graduated cylinder and much more. We started off with a POGIL titled "Significant Digits and Measurements" which dealt with valid and invalid measurements, along with an introduction to significant digits. For these POGILs we had to work with our new table groups and help each other out and I think that was better than any ice-breaker exercise that we could've done because we immediately got to work together and share our thoughts and everything. Below is a picture of the worksheet.

The second POGIL was titled "Significant Zeroes" and taught us about what significant zeroes are and what placeholder zeroes are and also told us the five rules of determining what's significant and what isn't. The end of the packet had us dealing with scientific notation and expanded notation and how to write numbers in each form. I still struggle with finding which numbers are significant and which are placeholders. The following is a picture of the packet.

 

Then we went on to learn about how to read graduated cylinders. Dr. Finnan filled seven different sized graduated cylinders with varying colored liquid and had everyone read them and compare answers. It was interesting because the increments were different so most of the time you were guessing and it was cool to see how everyone had their own ideas of how full the graduated cylinder was.

 

We finished the week on more practice with significant numbers because it was difficult for a lot of people to understand and the practice really helped everyone even if they didn't struggle.



Last week we ran multiple experiments about mass chemical reactions. There were six parts overall that included burning steel wool, melting ice, dissolving sugar, dissolving Alka-seltzer, and taking the before and after mass of each. I liked this because it yielded different results than I expected and it gave me an opportunity to work in lab groups and get back into the mentality of doing real experiments after having a whole summer off. Each station took about 5-10 minutes depending on what had to be done, for example dissolving the sugar took longer than simply mixing solutions. We also learned how to use a tri-beam scale instead of a digital scale, which is actually a lot easier than it sounds. I particularly enjoyed burning the steel wool partly because I enjoy burning stuff in general but also because it was actually quite a cool experiment. We also had to figure out the pom poms attached to the pvc pipe, which took a lot longer than one might expect. Eventually the class agreed on a conclusion after a couple days but it took a lot of brainstorming with our groups. Overall it was a productive first two weeks.