Strength Explorers

Rutherford's Den

It's all go here in Tangaroa this term!  In addition to our own science experiments in class, we have been exploring Sir Ernest Rutherford's contribution to the world of science in a series of trips to Rutherford's Den at the Art's Centre this week.

We learnt about his work, life and achievements.  We did some hands on play demonstrating some of the theories he worked with, and created our own carbon atom!

It might be cold outside...

It might be cold outside but that doesn't stop Mosiana, Willow, Jaime and Nabraska enjoying ice cream made in science.  This term's focus is chemistry and we are having fun looking at physical and chemical changes.  Watch this space for more exciting experiments.

How to make power out of petrol

How to make power out of petrol

Do you know how to make power out of petrol?  Do you know how a car engine works?  Do you know what a car engine is?  Do you know what petrol is?

Fossil fuels are made from hydrocarbons: the molecules inside consist mostly of carbon and hydrogen and coal can also contain hydrocarbons.

When the hydrocarbons burn in the air their molecules can split apart.

The carbon and hydrogen combine with the air.  It then makes gas and water then the energy that holds the molecules together released as heat. This process is called combustion, it releases a huge lot of energy into the world.

Why do we still use gasoline? Well we use gasoline because they they pack more energy into each litre you use. Gasoline makes your motor sound better

And makes it lighter for big heavy trucks going over hills and bridges.

The way a motor works is the pistons inside the motor move up and down. To make the pistons go down you need petrol because when the petrol is in the motor it explodes and makes the pistons go down. At the bottom of the cylinders, the pistons are attached to an axle.   This is called a crankshaft that then powers the car.

By Kane