Kiddie Chem
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Quick Facts: |
- Grades: K-3 only
- 50-55 minutes
- Accompanies "Combustion" show
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Chemistry 0.101 - a kid's very first glimpse into the field of solids,
liquids and gases. Designed to entertain as much as teach, this program
will be most little kids' first exposure to the amazing characteristics
of dry ice, liquid nitrogen, catalysts, helium, hydrogen, and chemical
reactions. Created to accompany the "Combustion" program which is too
somber and may be too scary for such young audiences.
Scroll down to look at show requirements,
study guides, and a quicktime video of the assembly.
- What is a solid?
- What is a liquid?
- What is a gas?
- What is dry ice?
- What is air?
- If you leave an old car outside for a long time, what happens? Is this chemistry?
- If you fold a piece of paper, is that chemistry?
- If you rip a piece of paper, is that chemistry?
- If you burn a piece of paper, is that chemistry?
- If you bake cookies, is that chemistry?
- If you break open a peanut, is that chemistry?
- If you eat a peanut, is that chemistry?
- Is the window made of chemicals? Yes, silicon.
- Is the salt shaker full of chemicals? Yes, NaCl.
- Is the sink made of chemicals? Yes, iron (sometimes aluminum).
Introduction:
Sometimes a word on good manners for guests is
appropriate, but normally not necessary. This is also an opportunity
for the PTA to let the children know they arranged for this program
(i.e. "This program is sponsored by the PTA. If you wondered where
the money from the wrapping paper went, now you know."). Dr. Quark
will take over after hearing the end of the introduction which is as
follows:
"Today we have a guest Chemist. Let's have a warm ______________
School welcome for Dr. Quinton Quark."
Special Considerations:
Some smoke will be generated during "Combustion." Although heat
sensors will not be bothered, smoke detectors over the stage will
probably be activated. It is the school's responsibility to take
appropriate precautions:
- many stages have the smoke detectors on a switch - disable them
during the show. WE ARE NOT SUGGESTING DISABLING THE ENTIRE SCHOOL'S
SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM - JUST THE SENSORS OVER THE STAGE
We have seen some other methods of isolating the stage from activating
the alarm system:
- some detectors unscrew like light bulbs, and they
are removed during the show and replaced afterwards
- some schools
wrap plastic bags around the sensors for the duration of the program
- some schools say "It's not that sensitive" and cross their fingers -
about one third of the time this means a fire drill happens during the
show.
- turn on all ventilators during the show, or somehow create a
draft away from the sensors by opening doors and windows
- a week in advance, and again of the day of the show, advise the
fire department that a program which may set off the alarm will be
appearing on that day, and invite them to send a representative to watch
the show. We always appreciate feedback from fire professionals, and in
case a sensor is set off, the local fireman can call the station and
cancel the trucks.
Show Requirements:
- clean and clear stage
- lined garbage barrel on stage
- a table on stage
- if school has a large dolly to lend, that's very helpful
- 75 to 90 minutes to set up
- 75 to 90 minutes to tear down
Volunteers:
For Kiddie Chem, about a half dozen students will be asked to come on
stage; to earn the privilege of joining the stage they must get the
right answer to a question about something that was just discussed.
For Combustion, only three student volunteers will get to come on stage,
and one of these will be selected primarily based on her/his clothing
choice for the day. In Connecticut, one adult with a sense of humor
will also be needed on stage for a couple of minutes to comply with CT
fire laws..
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