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Tall Tower Challenge

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Splitting Molecules: Electrolysis

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Students are always excited when they get to do something that they perceive as difficult. Splitting a water molecule sounds pretty complicated! In reality this is a pretty simple process. As a teacher who is two years through Open Sci Ed implementation, I am always looking for opportunities for students to do a little more because in some instances the curriculum can get a little discussion and observation heavy. The electrolysis demonstration in 7.1 Lesson 10 was a perfect opportunity for students to complete the set up and observe the process. My challenge was to come up with a simple set up using materials that were easy to obtain and inexpensive. Material Notes (per set up) 8 oz plastic cup - clear works best for easy viewing 2 thumb tacks Styrofoam - I just used some form a package we received Masking tape 9V battery Distilled or deionized water Magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) 2 test tubes (150mm) with stoppers Test tube tongs Matches or lighter Wooden splints The Set-Up Step...
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Tall Tower Challenge

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  The Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world, but there are many tall buildings across the globe that are considered to be architectural wonders and there is a constant battle to build these structures that are taller and taller.  While there are a variety of materials that I have seen used to challenge students to create tall structures, I have found some very simple materials that allow students to build towers from floor to ceiling. Material List and Notes -  Index cards Masking tape Coffee stirrers Newspaper Tennis balls Scissors Prior to the Challenge -  Before students get into the meat of this challenge, I have them discover the strength of shapes.  The challenge is to use 4 index cards and 12 inches of tape to build a structure that can hold a textbook at least one inch off the table.  After students are able to do this, we start adding more textbooks until the structure crumbles.  I do allow students to use scissors, but I...
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