Fizz! Bubble! Boom! (Chemistry Night)

Fizz! Bubble! Boom! (Chemistry Night)

     This week, John M. put on a skill session about chemistry. After opening flags, presented by the Eagles, we formed the usual semicircle around the demonstration table. John began the skill session, accompanied by a book, the periodic table, some baking soda, and a bottle of vinegar. He talked a bit about what chemistry was, and mentioned the Chemistry Merit Badge. He then proceeded to talk about the elements. As he did, John gave us the book, about the elements, to pass around. It had a page or two about every element. We also passed around the periodic table. Then came the experiments. He poured some baking soda and vinegar into a bowl so we could watch the bubbling that resulted. The remaining baking soda was put in the bottle of vinegar. Since he put the cap on before the CO₂ could escape, it became firm from pressure buildup. We passed that concoction around as well. Once we all fell in again it was time for the inevitable: dodgeball. After the chaos was over we tucked in our uniforms and circled up. We knew, however, that we would see each other again on Friday…