How can the behaviour of matter be explained by the kinetic molecular theory and atomic theory?
In this scimatics unit we studied the the kinetic molecular theory and the atomic theory. For this project we had to individually create a simulator or a game with a coding program called Scratch. For one of our milestones we had to draw different types of atomic models. For another milestone we had to weigh and find the mass of 3 gem stones and figure out if they where real sapphires by measuring there density.
Evidence of Learning
I learned a lot about matter when we did an experiment using a water bottle and eye dropper. In the experiment we put an eye dropper in a plastic water bottle filled with water and when you squeezed it the eye dropper sank to the bottom. When you released pressure the eye dropper returned back to the top. They air filled eye dropper was less dense than the one filled with water. The eye dropper sank because it was full of water so it became more dense than the water. We also learned about density and matter when when we did the gem stone identification experiment.
Curricular Competencies
Questioning and predicting
One of the first things I did to show my learning was to make a mind map. It was about what I know and what I wondered about the behaviour of matter and how it is explained by the kinetic molecular theory and atomic theory. This showed my existing knowledge on that topic and it made me want to know more about the topic. At the end of my project I added all the new things I learned throughout the project.
Scientific communication
I demonstrated this competency by researching and drawing atomic models for the element carbon. I chose to draw the the Bohr and the Rutherford models and include them in my simulation. I learned about the different sub atomic particles and their charges. I also learned more about the periodic table and the elements and the different molecules that form the different elements. When we studied density I learned how to calculate it using the formula D=M/V.
Reasoning and analyzing
I learned how to use scratch by helping my classmates also learning form my peers mistakes and help from my classmates. I learned how to code a simulation that shows the kinetic molecular theory. I used logic to plan every step. For example at -78 carbon turns into a gas and I need to program it so it looked as real as possible. I thought the coding would be moderately easy, but it turned out to be so much harder than expected. I ended having to restart my entire code 3 times because I could figure out what wasn’t working so I thought it would be easier.
How can the behaviour of matter be explained by the kinetic molecular theory and atomic theory?
By creating my simulation in Scratch I showed how the element carbon can behave differently depending on the temperature. This relates to the kinetic molecular theory which says that molecules are constantly moving. Carbon changes it’s state of matter depending on temperature, for example if carbon is above -78 is a gas but any degree above it is a solid. I also learned about the atomic theory by drawing the Bohr and Rutherford models of carbon.
Thank you Fraser and Faith for helping me to improve my code and teach me how to use Scratch