Forgotten Genius

Student Handout

Station Instructions

Station 1
Stir a teaspoon of salt into the vinegar until it has dissolved. Choose a penny. Draw both sides of the penny, noting the location of any discoloration. Drop a penny into the liquid mixture. Watch it for 2 minutes. Use the spoon to take it out. Note any changes in appearance on your original drawing. Drop the screw into the liquid and let sit for 1 minute. Observe the screw in the liquid with the magnifying glass. Record your observations. Put your paper cup and penny at the back of the station.

Station 2
Put a paper towel under your canister. Add 1 milliliter of vinegar to the film canister that contains baking soda, and quickly put the lid on. Record your observations. Place the lid and canister at the back of the station.

Station 3
Slowly add 50 milliliters of water to the granules in your cup. Record your observations. Dispose of the cup in the garbage bag at the station.

Station 4
Pour 50 milliliters of water in the bag. Flatten the bag to remove the air. Seal the bag most of the way. Put a tablet in the bag and hold it at the top of the bag while you finish sealing it. Drop the tablet into the liquid. Observe and record the results. Dispose of the sealable bag in the station's garbage bag.

Station 5
Place 15 milliliters of cabbage juice in a bag. Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar. Seal the bag and shake. Record what you see. Place 15 milliliters of cabbage juice in a second bag. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Seal the bag and shake. Record your observations. Dispose of the sealed bags in the garbage bag at the station.

Station 6
Add about 20 milliliters of water to the cornstarch in the bowl and stir. Gradually add more water and use your hands to mix the substance until all of the cornstarch is wet (your mixture should not be runny or powdery). Squeeze the mixture in your hand. What happens? Now just hold it in your hand. What happens? Record your observations. Put the mixture in the bowl when you are done and place the bowl at the back of the station.