Gathering+Data+Through+All+Senses

__Gathering Data Through All Senses__

__My Understanding of this Habit:__ My understanding of this habit is being able to use our five senses to experience science ALIVE allowing us to really get involved in the experiment, to develop our five senses, and to have a more thorough understanding. No quote here sorry ><

__How I Applied this Habit to Chemistry:__ At the beginning of the school year, we had to complete a series of in class activities under the unit of Measurement. The activities inside this packet that particularly speak to our five senses are Activity 1 and Activity 2. In Activity 1, our task was to use the equipment provided and spend approximately twenty minutes creating new knowledge about the properties of an aspirin tablet. At first I thought this was quite straight forward, weigh the tablet, comment on its color, activity done. However, as I figured out, there was a lot more than just the visual aspect of the aspirin tablet. My partner and I analyzed the smell associated with the tablet after it was manipulated in a few ways and the color changes which sometimes accompanied these reactions. In Activity 2, we were introduced more specifically to how scientists know, by using our five senses develop to the fullest to identify new characteristics for certain objects. In the experiment, we measured 10ml of 0.1 mol dm^-3 HCL in a graduated cylinder and placed in a 125 ml Erlenmeyer flask the quantity of acid. Then we added a magnesium strip and timed the reaction. At first I just payed attention to the color of the Magnesium strip, then I noticed bubbles forming around the edges of the strip, and the interior of the glass becoming noticeably foggy. Then I tried using my sense of smell to wave the smell towards me (To avoid harmful chemicals from shooting upwards if possible or any other injuries) and commented on the faint smell of the magnesium and HCL reaction. The other three senses could not be applied here since it would not be appropriate or safe for any matter to, for example, taste acid. This suggests that even though you must use any senses as possible, do not do foolish things.

A cartoon depiction of a student using some of his senses while trying to make out what is occurring in the chemical reaction. I hope that even though his tongue is sticking out, he does not try to taste the fluid.