Grade 5: Fun with Liquid Nitrogen
Having just concluded a formal debate as to whether or not there is life on other planets, fifth graders engaged in some entertaining experiments with liquid nitrogen. “With a temperature near -320 degrees Fahrenheit, liquid nitrogen approximates the relative temperature of the outer planets,” explains science teacher, Andy Dodge. “When we consider that the surface temperature of Uranus and Neptune are both below -350 degrees, it’s hard to image just how cold that really is. Liquid nitrogen helps us to better conceptualize that reality.”
Having just concluded a formal debate as to whether or not there is life on other planets, fifth graders engaged in some entertaining experiments with liquid nitrogen.
“With a temperature near -320 degrees Fahrenheit, liquid nitrogen approximates the relative temperature of the outer planets,” explains science teacher, Andy Dodge. “When we consider that the surface temperature of Uranus and Neptune are both below -350 degrees, it’s hard to image just how cold that really is. Liquid nitrogen helps us to better conceptualize that reality.”
Submerged into the bubbling liquid, familiar objects such as grapes were quickly frozen to the hardness of marbles – and then smashed with a hammer. Lettuce shatters like glass when struck on the table, while tennis and racket balls harden to stone, and are then are smashed to bits . . . a theme emerges. “Such experiments are simple, but illuminating,” says Mr. Dodge. “They’re also a great excuse to destroy things in the name of science.”
“With a temperature near -320 degrees Fahrenheit, liquid nitrogen approximates the relative temperature of the outer planets,” explains science teacher, Andy Dodge. “When we consider that the surface temperature of Uranus and Neptune are both below -350 degrees, it’s hard to image just how cold that really is. Liquid nitrogen helps us to better conceptualize that reality.”
Submerged into the bubbling liquid, familiar objects such as grapes were quickly frozen to the hardness of marbles – and then smashed with a hammer. Lettuce shatters like glass when struck on the table, while tennis and racket balls harden to stone, and are then are smashed to bits . . . a theme emerges. “Such experiments are simple, but illuminating,” says Mr. Dodge. “They’re also a great excuse to destroy things in the name of science.”
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
