Instead of learning about solutions and solvents through a presentation, Savremena’s students rolled up their sleeves, put on their lab gear and protective gloves and learned about a new kind of substance – solvents.

„Chemical coktail masters” mix a colourful display of solutions

In the introductory part of the class, students familiarised themselves with the concept of solvency whereby they found out which mixtures can be deemed as solutions and what elements are required to form a solution.

With their newly-acquired knowledge on solvency, students began mixing together solvents and solutes to form solutions of their own. Like true “chemical cocktail masters” Savremena’s students mixed a number of colourful concoction which were useful in teaching them how certain elements and substances react with each other due to their chemical properties.

The charms of chemistry in a laboratory

When they finished making the chemical cocktails, it came time for our lab chemists to uncover some more solvency secrets so that this time round, they mixed together two solutions they had previously made. At first, the young scientists didn’t notice a difference. However, when they mixed vinegar and sodium bicarbonate, a large number of gas bubbles were released.

The students used the gas to inflate a balloon and this experience showed them how important chemistry knowledge is because it allows us to predict how certain elements and substances will react with each other.

The importance of chemical experiments

At the end of the class, much like all responsible scientists, our students made sure they washed and cleaned all of the lab equipment they used, making it ready for the next round of exciting and insightful experiments.

By learning about chemical compounds through practical examples, students are able to discover the true charms of chemistry and witness its power which on paper, is nowhere near as magnificent as in practice. The vivid experiments also help solidify the knowledge they have acquired making them applicable in everyday life.

More pictures in our gallery.