In Grade 6 Science we have been learning about air and aerodynamics. Some of the things we have learned about include how an airplane flies, how the shape of an airplane wing provides lift, that air can be considered a fluid, and what air is made of.
This week we conducted an experiment called Gone to Rust - we set up an upside-down test tube with a piece of damp steel wool inside. Underneath the test tube we had a beaker filled with water. The test tube was then lowered into the water to create an air-tight seal, allowing nothing else to enter the test tube.
This week we conducted an experiment called Gone to Rust - we set up an upside-down test tube with a piece of damp steel wool inside. Underneath the test tube we had a beaker filled with water. The test tube was then lowered into the water to create an air-tight seal, allowing nothing else to enter the test tube.
The purpose of the experiment was to observe the process of oxidation. Over the course of one and a half days, we observed:
Following the procedure we concluded that:
This post was written by Kennedy, Declan, Chance, Dylan and Mr. P
- the steel wool started to rust
- the water level in the beaker decreased, while the water level in the test tube increased
- small pieces of steel wool were resting on the bottom of the beaker
Following the procedure we concluded that:
- air, steel and moisture can combine to create oxidation (rust)
- the increasing water level in the test tube demonstrates that the amount of oxygen in the test tube is reducing, and therefore that air takes up space
- will we ever run out of air on the planet (will we pollute the environment to a point that it cannot produce enough clean air)?
- will we ever be able to repair the damage we've caused to the atmosphere?
This post was written by Kennedy, Declan, Chance, Dylan and Mr. P