Thinking+Interdependently

**Thinking Interdependently**

For the last few weeks Tait, Lynette, Sam, and I have been working on our first video project. We have managed to work very well as a group and all of us contribute equally in terms of ideas and the actual work and result. In our experiment we mix sodium hydroxide and zinc powder, heat it until boiling, and then place a penny in the solution. The penny then appears silver and if heated it turns gold. We decided to experiment on the different concentrations of sodium hydroxide and document the different weight changes of the pennies after the reaction.

Although this was idea was sourced by Tait, we worked as a group to contribute ideas on how to carry out the experiment. We decided on using five different concentrations and doing five trials in total. We also debated using copper strips instead of pennies, but as a group we decided to stick with the pennies. Tait brought in the pennies and Lynette and I went to order the different concentrations of sodium hydroxide. It was decided that Sam would be the in charge of most of the technology.

When carrying out the experiment we all took turns measuring, weighting, timing, and filming. After doing all five trials, we were challenged with the fact that none of the pennies changed weight. The higher concentrations changed more color than the lower, but what we were documenting did not have any difference. We talked to Mrs. Knowles and collaboratively decided to graph the surface area of the change in color instead.

Overall, I truly believe that our group worked well and equally hard together. Not one of us overshadowed the other three, and not one of us were contributing less than another. When faced with various difficulties and challenges, we endured them as a group and made changes with the consolation of the other three. We all work very well together and this creates a positive environment, one which I believe will help us construct a solid final product.

Working in a group really made me feel like anything was easily accomplished and it also helped me realize flaws in our ideas quicker than I would on my own. I think working with others is a good social experience which results in positive outcomes.