WA: Physical Science Update

The class is learning how to name and write formulas, how to predict the type of chemical reactions, and how to balance equations.  Whew!  Each class, the girls are reviewing either the names of the elements or nomenclature.  The girls are preparing lessons for the second and third graders.  This week is Sumi Nagashi or Paper Marbling, which coincides with the second grade's Chinese lesson.  The Chinese first invented paper marbling, which was popularized by the Japanese, much later.  The underlying science has to do with miscibility and adsorption--not absorption.  The girls experimented with Glo Germs in preparation for a lesson on germs, too, time permitting.  Germs are pertinent now with the Ebola crisis generating so much news.  The kids have many misconceptions.  It is useful to generate a discussion with kids to help them understand just what is happening.