Chemistry Science Project

Ian and Roger, two of our chemistry students, have designed an experiment.

First, we went over the scientific method:

1. Ask a question.

2. Conduct research.

3.Construct a hypothesis

4.Test your hypothesis by conducting an experiment.

5.Analyze the data and draw your conclusions

6. Communicate your results!

They have asked the question of "will water change color if you place cut-up autumn leaves in it?"

They researched and have found that according to several websites, decomposing and decaying leaves can change the color of water, usually to a reddish-brown color. This is usually caused by the chemical and minerals such as carotene, which gives the leaves their natural orange/yellow color.

They have hypothesised that all of the water will change color, although only slightly.

For this experiment, they went out and collected several different colored leaves, and made score marks in them prior to placing them in the bowls of water. They will check for color change in 24 hours.

Also, as a challenge experiment, they have placed food coloring in two bowl to see if the leaves will continue to absorb water even though they have fallen from the tree. They have placed two maple leaves in blue water, on by the stem, one fully submerged. They think that the water will be drawn into the leaves.