Hello GRS Families!

I'm writing to make some requests for the UA Science Lab. We have some projects going on that could use your support!

Fish Tank

The LA classes have been busy with their ongoing aquaponics project and have experienced great success! So much so, that the fish they are raising have outgrown the 200 gallons allotted to them. We'd love to adopt some for display in UA biology, and the water treatment process makes for an excellent and practical chemistry application. However, we need a tank to house these fish. If you have a fish tank that is not being used, we'd love to re-purpose it for our classroom! We have room for up to 50 gallons, and would need a minimum of 20. Please reach out to me if you have a tank your family is willing to donate.

Egg Shells

In our process of designing engaging labs for chemistry students we are often looking for materials. I am planning a simple lab where students can observe a reaction that creates crystals made of calcium acetate. There are a few ways to derive these ionic compounds, but the easiest could be using leftover eggshells. The trick is making sure they are well washed so no membrane (inside or out) remains. This ensures that the reactant in the shell (calcium carbonate) is pure and the shells won't emit an odor while stored. Once washed and dried, they can be pulverized into a powder for easy storage and transport (not required). If your family is able and interested in helping me collect shells for classroom use I'd appreciate it greatly!

Thanks for your consideration!

-Ken Schuster

UA Science Guide

kschuster@greatriverschool.org