Ms. D’Amico’s Chemistry Class Tackle a Titration Lab by Tegan Lee
Students in Ms. D’Amico’s chemistry class at Melbourne High School recently tackled a titration, one of the most precise labs of the year. The process, which involves carefully adding one solution to another drop by drop until a reaction occurs, tested students’ patience and focus. “It’s easy to become frustrated when going at such a slow pace,” said Sophomore Evan Blackwell. “But I wanted the procedure to go perfectly, so I kept that in mind.” After one practice run, Blackwell nailed a perfect titration on his second try.
Not every student found success so quickly. Sophomore Malachi Riley said it took him 12 tries to get it right, but each attempt taught him something new. “I focused on trying to succeed after failing over and over,” Riley said. “It teaches me how to focus and make sure everything is done right to succeed,” Riley said. For many, the lab became a lesson in perseverance as much as precision.
Other students appreciated the experiment’s visual flair. “The coolest part was that it turned clear repeatedly,” said Sophomore Ajayla Capleton, who described the lab as “fun, exciting, interesting.” She also noted how hands-on labs have changed her view of science, giving her a better understanding of what scientists do. Through a simple solution and a few careful drops, students got a real taste of chemistry in action.
Caption: Junior Evan Blackwell performs a titration during a chemistry lab in Ms. D’Amico’s classroom. Using a burette, he slowly adds solution to the flask, carefully watching for the color to change, a sign the reaction is complete. The lab required steady hands, patience, and precise technique. “Doing the titration taught me that precision relies heavily on your own patience and effort,” Blackwell said.