The Dynamic Duo

The Dynamic Duo Experiment Site

This site is great for 5th-6th graders to learn about an experiment and the scientist associated with it. For other great chemistry ideas click on Chemistry.

*Click a link below to view the Dynamic Duo movie*

The Dynamic Duo

Here is the balanced chemical equation:

C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ + KNO₃ ------> K₂O + N₂ + CO₂ + H₂O

For this Experiment you will need:

Lab Apron and Safety Goggles

1/3 cup potassium nitrate

Well Ventilated Area

Matches

Supervision

Tray and Spatula

1/3 cup sugar

Tape and Meter Stick

Safety Tips: 1. Wear your goggles and apron.

2. Have supervision always.

3. Let the experiment cool for 12 hours before touching.

Procedures for Experiment:

1. Put on your apron and safety goggles.

7. Strike the matches and light the piles.

2. Go to a well ventilated area.

8. Be sure to stand back and observe.

3. Drag your supervisor along.

9. Take out the match heads .

4. Make a pile of Sugar and Potassium Nitrate on the tray.

10. Make a new pile by combining the two piles.

5. Put 5 match heads in each pile.

11. Tape new matches to the meter stick and strike away.

6. Tape 2 to 3 matches to the meter stick.

12. Stand back and observe. Clean Up!!!

QUIZ

1) What happened when the pile of sugar was lit on fire?

2) Where should you do the experiment?

3) Why did the combined pile combust?

Melvin Calvin-(191l-1997)

Melvin Calvin, an organic chemist, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was a professor of chemistry for the University of California from 1947-1971. While at the University he also became the head of the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory from 1963-1980. His work with tracing immediate reactions in carbon dioxide assimilation and oxygen release in plants during photosynthesis, won him the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1961. He died in later in 1997.

What Was Happening In 1961;

Cultural Event- Peace Corps are founded by Pres. Kennedy.

Scientific Event- Melvin Calvin is awarded Noble Prize for chemistry

Social Event- Fidel Castro accuses U.S. of plotting military aggression against Cuba- US breaks their diplomatic ties with Cuba.

Lab Apron and Safety Goggles	1/3 cup potassium nitrate
Well Ventilated Area	Matches
Supervision	Tray and Spatula
1/3 cup sugar	Tape and Meter Stick

1. Put on your apron and safety goggles.	7. Strike the matches and light the piles.
2. Go to a well ventilated area.	8. Be sure to stand back and observe.
3. Drag your supervisor along.	9. Take out the match heads .
4. Make a pile of Sugar and Potassium Nitrate on the tray.	10. Make a new pile by combining the two piles.
5. Put 5 match heads in each pile.	11. Tape new matches to the meter stick and strike away.
6. Tape 2 to 3 matches to the meter stick.	12. Stand back and observe. Clean Up!!!