Earlier today, students in Mrs. Phillips’ Second Grade Class participated in another STEM project! They were privileged to the joy and excitement of the “Ziploc Exploding Bag” scenario – and it got wild! Students first had to predict which bag would make the loudest “pop” sound: regular sandwich bags or freezer bags! Next, they measured the amounts of baking soda and vinegar. Once completed, the students poured the vinegar into the bags and placed the baking soda in tissues. Another student in each group would then zip the bags shut before handing the bag off to the designated “shaker” of the bags! The “shaker’s” job was to literally shake the bags in order to mix the ingredients together forming a chemical makeup which would produce carbon dioxide gas. Upon the release of the carbon dioxide, the bags expanded more and more until they burst, releasing a very hearty “pop” sound! Upon the completion of the experiment, students concluded that the freezer bags won the loudest “pop” contest – and then documented this experiment by writing their findings down into their ever-so-handy STEM journals! Now, that’s the way to do it – like real scientists! This is just more proof of hands-on, engaged classroom learning, especially in our early elementary levels! We are excited about the continued use of STEM in all of our classrooms! Way to go, Second Graders!