Elements – our last two sessions
January 4th
At Cogitania, during the Elements session we built models of the simplest elements and inves- tigated their properties. Using pipe cleaners, beads, wire and sequins, we first built a hydrogen atom. Then we built a helium model and discussed the function of neutrons.
We compared the properties of hydrogen (one “lonely” electron who “seeks company” with other atoms) and helium (2 electrons fill the shell, so helium is safe “left alone”. An example we stud- ied was the phenomenon of a blimp, in which hydrogen can explosively combine with oxygen when exposed to a spark, while helium would not react.
January 11th
At Cogitania, during the Elements session we reviewed the structure of an atom with a short
video: “Just how small is an atom? (TED-Ed) The most striking image: Enlarge an atom to the size of a football stadium, and the nucleus would only be the size of a marble, with the rest of the atom as empty space! Building models of lithium, beryllium and boron, we discussed interesting properties. By mixing borax, water and white glue we created a colloid called Gluep.
