In the past two weeks, the 2/3 class has applied what they learned about solids, liquids, and gases to investigate how matter changes from one phase to another. We acted out how molecules in gases and liquids move faster than molecules in solids, and focused on heat as a source of energy. The students conducted three different experiments to show how heat causes molecules to move faster- watching how a bottle can create a soap bubble when put in hot water, how food coloring dissolves faster in warm water, and how liquids evaporate faster when exposed to heat. They’ll be using these concepts of phase changes and heat energy to create an invention next week- some ideas that they’ve come up with include building a machine to melt ice on the sidewalk, creating the best mix for making popsicles freeze faster, designing solar ovens, and coming up with a kit for students to make rain in a jar. We’re excited to see some great ideas and designs from these engineers and inventors!