Illuminating Chanukah through Science

Professor Keehn, a Brandeis University Professor Emeritus and BT School grandfather, facilitated experiments related to our studies of ions and the characteristics of the various elements [in reaction] based upon their placement on the periodic table. The students especially enjoyed a colorful Chanukah fire display which demonstrated the identity of various elements using a color-specific flame protocol. The exciting and colorful session ended with an experiment in which we learned that adding glycerin to potassium permanganate can make beautiful fireworks. The students learned all the concepts behind the demos and experiments, and were excited about the application of what they had learned in class.

In the STEAM elective class, BT School parent Dr. Dan Scheffer explained the applications of graphene, a novel material based on single carbon atom thick sheets that is widely used in electronic engineering. The students examined samples of graphene from Vorbeck Materials, a world leader in graphene technology, where Dr. Scheffer is the vice president of research and development. He also demonstrated graphene’s superior electric properties and shared some commercial uses including: wearable electronics that would create heaters that can be incorporated in your clothing; a very flexible battery strap, used for charging computer or smart phone with an exceptional lifetime of seven days; and security and military applications.

The students appreciated Dr. Scheffer’s knowledge and the excitement of cutting-edge materials and technology. Dr. Scheffer emphasized that innovation is the ability to see or find a unique idea and to transform that concept into a new material or product that offer new advantages. The real innovations are the ones that help and change our daily life – and the students are the future innovators!
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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School

Learning together. For life.
Baltimore’s only Jewish independent preparatory school serving PreSchool through Grade 12.