Class 9EG Science Experiment

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Class 9EG have been learning about how to devise and set up a scientific experiment. We have seen how all experiments need to have an aim, a method, and then be able to deliver some results that can lead us to form a conclusion.

We have used the current class theme of learning about the human digestive system to help think of an experiment that can show the affect various food or drinks can have on our inner workings.

The students have also been learning how we can simulate some situations by using differing apparatus in the Turney School science lab. This was the case for our experiment that had the aim of investigating the impact that acid has on our digestive system.

We needed to simulate saliva, acid, food in the stomach and the intestine system itself. Water was used instead of saliva; Coca Cola was the acid substitute. Some chopped up pieces of bread simulated the food in our stomach, with a small plastic bag carrying out the role of our intestines.

The method involved slowly pouring some water into the bag containing the bread. We observed any changes that took place. This process was then repeated, but we replaced the water with the Coca Cola. We soon saw how the bread soaked up the acid drink and changed the colour of the food.

Finally the plastic bag was squeezed. This simulated the our muscles that squeeze the intestines. The students were able to see how the mixture of bread and Coca Cola then interacted together.

Some new key vocabulary was learnt by the Class 9EG students. These included: liver, absorb, stomach, molars and gums.

The pupils have also been learning about the different types of teeth in the human mouth, and what role they play in helping us to digest food. The students have seen how some teeth are sharper than others. This is so they can cut through tough foods such as meat.