Overview
Description:
"Exploring Properties - Surface Area" is a hands-on activity demonstrating how a material can act differently when it's nanometer-sized. Visitors compare the reaction rate of an effervescent antacid tablet that is broken in half with one that is broken into many pieces.
Checklist
Scientist reviewed
Peer reviewed
Visitor evaluation
Permissions
Creative Commons
Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike
Standards
Physical science:
K-4: Properties of objects and materials
5-8: Properties and changes of properties in matter
9-12: Chemical reactions
9-12: Structure and properties of matter
Science and Technology:
K-4: Abilities of technological design
Science as inquiry:
K-4: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
5-8: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
Resources
Files:
Spanish files:
Evaluations
This product does not have any linked evaluations.
Ways for participants to grind the antacid tablet
I have used a simple method for kids to break an antacid tablet into tiny pieces without making an extraordinary mess and without using a mallet.
You will need a sheet of 8.5 by 11 inch paper. The paper can be used and ready for recycling.
You will also need a marker. Used up markers work well as The participants will not be writing with the marker. Braod tip, children's non-toxic markers are fine. The marker cannot have a clip on it. 3/4 inch dowels cut into 5 inch lengths will also work.
Fold the sheet of paper in half (either vcertically or horizontially). Place one antacid tablet in the middle on the center of the crease. Press down and roll marker (or dowel) back and forth over the paper with the antacid inside. Press down hard and continue until the antacid tablet is a fine powder. Tap the powder gently into the center of the crease. Lift the paper and gently pour the powder into the cylinder.
Visitors grind alka-seltzer?
I definitely recommend getting your small pieces of alka-seltzer into as small of pieces as possible - grind or pound that stuff into a powder!
One idea for extra visitor involvement - have them do the grinding. You could use a mortar and pestle or simply have them tap on the tablet with a hammer repeatedly.