Oct+13+Gathering+Data+Through+All+Senses+-+Charles+Wang

In Chemistry class, we spent one day going around stations testing out different strengths of bonds within different substances. Some results were lackluster, while some were surprising and enjoyable to experience. Most of the tests involved placing a substance over a fire and watching how long it took to dissolve or burn up (if it did at all!). One of the most exciting results out of all of these tests was the way charcoal burned up in flames in an instant. Not only was it appealing visually, but the subtle crackling noisesand thesudden release of smell made the experience unique. Some others, though less exciting, released more intense smells, but produced less of a "show".

Another test that was very different from the others was one where we had to hit chunks of salt with a hammer. Though it sounds quite dull, it brought a nice contrast to the rest of the way that school works. This was hands on, where we could feel the physical cause and effect. It wasn't just an observation, it showed how we can, in fact, take part in science in several different ways. We could become part of science. Although it sounds obvious, most people fail to realize how relevant science is in our lives, and just imagine it as a class in school that we all have to go through.

These various tests demonstrated how we can experience the science that deals with the tiniest of particles (atoms) through more than just an imagined picture or listening to a lecture. Because of these tests, we could experience atoms through not only imagination, but also through hearing, smell and physical actions (thankfully not taste though!).

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