From inflating balloons with gas produced by a chemical reaction to making butter, Godley Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade students recently explored science through hands-on lessons that turned classroom concepts into observable results.

An investigation using pennies, salt and vinegar challenged students to predict what would happen when familiar materials came together. They watched the solution work on the pennies, observed changes and recorded their findings, practicing the skills scientists use to investigate questions.

In another experiment, students watched a balloon inflate as a chemical reaction produced gas. Making butter provided another opportunity to put their learning into action as they wrapped up a unit.

Eighth-grade honors science students took a closer look at what happens during chemical reactions by creating projects that modeled reactants and products. Their work demonstrated the law of conservation of mass: Matter is neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction.

Honors students also used color changes to uncover clues about acids and bases. By testing a variety of liquids with litmus paper, they gathered evidence to determine whether each substance was acidic or basic.

Across the lessons, students moved beyond reading about science to making predictions, testing ideas and using their observations to explain what happened.