Advanced chemistry students participated in a hands-on calorimetry lab during class on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
The lab consisted of completely burning a Cheeto under a pop can filled with water to determine temperature change, allowing students to calculate the calories within the Cheeto.
“Basically, you light a Cheeto on fire over a soda can full of water,” advanced chemistry teacher, Madalyn Younger explained. “When you heat up your Cheeto, the heat lost from your Cheeto goes to your water, and then your water gains temperature. Your change in temperature is what helps you discover how many calories are in your Cheeto.”
This lab was meant to help students understand the concept of calorimetry in a fun, easy experiment.
“I liked how easy-going it was,” senior Sophia Doan said. “It wasn’t too complicated, which is my style of learning.”
Though the lab was simple, students learned a lot more about the concept, especially how it applies to real life.
“I understand how to determine calories of food, which was interesting,” Doan said. “If I wanted to find calories of something I could do it myself. It’s nice understanding it by physically doing it with soda cans instead of an actual calorimeter.”
This calorimetry lab is often done in college classes, with machines worth thousands of dollars. Doing it in advanced chemistry prepares students for the college version of the lab while using much more affordable materials.
“Advanced chemistry is kind of challenging, but it’s one of the most fun subjects to do in my opinion,” Younger said. “I’m hoping the students just had fun, and that they understood it a little better so when they get to college, they recognize the lab.”
