Dry Ice Workshop

hi-impact’s Phil Gregory captivated an audience of Year 4’s at St Bridget’s C of E recently with his Changing Materials Workshop demonstration; showcasing the science behind dry ice, melting points of chocolate, the burning of magnesium ribbon and the magic chromatography.

The Year 4’s were wowed by Phil’s presentation and, not unlike the paper which feeds on liquid in the first phases of chromatography, absorbed the information at a phenomenal rate.

Phil started his workshop by first teaching the children about the melting points of different types of chocolate; allowing them to partake in a practical experiment in which they grouped up in teams and melted their own chocolate safely in a tin pot using candles. They were then able to track the time it took for the chocolates to melt and discuss their findings. 

In the spirit of a true showman, the magnificent Mr. Gregory then lifted the lid off the mystery box which contained… dry ice.

First explaining to the class the health and safety measures one must take when working with such a potentially hazardous material, he then proceeded to pour warm water on the dry ice; creating a thick mist which sat neatly upon the brim of the container to be gazed upon and studied.

Having intrigued the classroom, Phil then began his experiment to explain the science behind the art of chromatography, by instructing the class to draw three dots ( red, yellow, and blue) on a thin piece of paper; He then placed said paper onto a cup filled with water and stuck a moistened straw through the middle. All the children had to do was wait and watch in amazement as the initially simplistic experiment became an artful masterpiece before their very eyes.