Responding+with+wonderment+and+awe

=Responding with wonderment and awe= //Some people are “turned off” to learning. They make statements like “When am I ever going to use this stuff” or “Why do I have to think so much?” or “Does this count for a grade”. Learning can be exciting and fulfilling, if you approach it with wonderment and awe.//

Yesterday, we performed an experiment in class, learning about the periodic trends and properties of elements. We added different metallic elements into different solutions such as water and HCl, observing the different reactions. When my partner and I completed the experiment, we proceeded to do the optional task: To test the combustion property of the gas by bringing a lit match to the space above the metal compounds. At first, we didn’t get anything. We were very disappointed with our results, and therefore consulted Mrs. Knowles for help. She then helped us perform this task by adding more Calcium and Magnesium (which produces carbon dioxide) in HCl. She told us to trap the gas inside the test tube for a few minutes before lighting the match. This enabled us to get a loud “POP” when we brought the lit match above the compounds. By finding the fun within this experiment, my partner and I were able to witness something that was very cool.

Link to a video that demonstrates what we did in class: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxiW2iPUZiw