Students hold fire in their hands safely… wait what?? That’s right, it was like something out of a fantasy world! Mr. Richter’s chemistry experiments have sent a wave of excitement through his classes. “The methane bubbles demonstration relates to the concepts of energy and specific heat that are covered in class. Lab activities such as this, help students learn

abstract concepts by applying them to activities that they can see firsthand. These
activities also provide a memorable experience for students that we can refer back to
in class throughout the year – plus they are a lot of fun,” said Richter.

Students wet their hands and then scooped methane bubbles into their hands. Richter caught the bubbles on fire causing a flame to leap from students’ hands. “I felt like the god of flame… it was awesome,” said Adam Sarp, Junior. The goal of this lab was to show the conversion of chemical energy into kinetic energy, and how water’s high specific heat protects students’ hands while the methane burns. 1st period of the day thought Richter was crazy, lighting hands on fire in a school setting. “Are you crazy?!?” said Aubrey Marquis, sophomore.

Student were shocked and amazed at this fun, yet incredibly safe experiment. “The methane that is used in the Bunsen burners is the most flammable substance that students work with directly. More flammable substances are reserved for demonstrations by the teacher,” said Richter. Students wear lab aprons and goggles whenever entering the laboratory.

Many fire precautions taken in the lab. “A fire blanket and fire extinguisher are available at all times in the lab. Any demonstration that releases a lot of smoke or are at the risk of explosion are done in the fume hood with a reinforced glass sash between the reaction and the students,” said Richter.

Richter’s experiments have amazed the student body and everyone can’t wait to see what his next experiment is!

It’s a Rap!

Sirgey has taken a new approach to learning, Rapping. Her classes rapped about the history of the atomic theory. Some students argued that the project wasn’t sufficient for chemistry but great for video editing. Reaugh’s classes are ahead and already learning iconic learning and covalent bonding.