From Powders to Flames by Melissa Lima Amaro
The science lab turned into an experiment zone as students tested different substances to explore chemical and physical changes. From sulfur powder and iron filings to sodium chloride and sucrose, the class observed how each reacted under different conditions. The room filled with curiosity as students mixed, heated, and filtered materials to see what changes would occur. Each step revealed whether the reaction was physical, chemical, or both.
On the first day, students tested the magnetic properties of each material by placing a magnet near sulfur, iron fillings, sand, and other substances. The class quickly learned that only certain materials, like iron, could be pulled by the magnet, showing a physical property. On the second day, the experiments heated up as magnesium ribbon was burned, creating a bright light, and sugar was placed in a test tube to watch how heat changed it. As Marisol Comejo and Cash Grey with their other lab partner Jenna Antaki learned a lot in this experiment and they also had fun. “My most enjoyable part of the lab was getting to see the changes while also working with my friends”, Comejo said.
By the third day, students had gained a clearer understanding of how matter can be separated, changed, and transformed. The experiments with magnets, mixtures, and heat showed the difference between chemical and physical changes in a hands-on way that a textbook could not. The lab left students not only with new knowledge, but also with excitement for what comes next. Many are eager to continue exploring more experiments in future labs and discover even more about the world of science.
Caption:
STRANGE CHANGES. During a lab in Ms.Farrahi class, Marisol Comejo (10) and Cash Grey (10) experiment with chemical and physical change. Many tenth graders take chemistry class because it’s an honors course, but they later find out how fun it can actually be. When Comejo was asked why she joined she said, “I got put in it, and it’s in the honor program, but it’s a lot of fun and I would totally recommend to other students.” Comejo says. The chemistry lab gave students hands-on experience while reinforcing lessons from class. Photo by Melissa Amaro.