12.+Responding+with+Wonderment+and+Awe

While one might at first assume that wonderment in awe might not be found in a chemistry room in any form, I beg to disagree. I share both my teacher's and parent's enthusiasm towards science, though it may not be apparent all the time. However, I believe that I displayed growth in this habit of mind this quarter, when we burned magnesium.

Admittently, before this school year I have seen magnesium burn. Once in 7th, once in 8th and twice in 9th grade, have I watched my eyes wince at the uncomfortably bright light that is released upon its combustion. However, this was the first time I had responsibility over burning a designated amount of magnesium myself, so I was a bit 'giddy' with excitement, if you will. Genuinely, the new responsibility and task at hand made the seemingly interesting task, all the more entertainment.

The video is attached in the "Taking Responsible Risks" (Figure 12).

When the magnesium combusted, not only did I smile, I found myself saying "Whoa!", both at the brightness of the underestimated reaction, and at my own interest towards the matter at hand. Altogether, I found this as another example of my growth in Chemistry, towards responding with wonderment and awe.