Category

Chemistry

Earth's AtmosphereGeologyWater and Solutions

Cloud in a Glass

As you're studying weather, take a few minutes to make a cloud in a glass to help explain the process of condensation and cloud formation. What you'll need: clear glass or jar, kitchen matches, ice cubes, small plate or pan that will completely cover top of glass or jar (metal works best), boiling or very hot water Procedure: 1. Fill the plate or pan with ice cubes and have it ready to quickly place over…
Cheryl Taylor
February 27, 2017
BiologyChemistryPlantsProperties of MatterTeaching ScienceWater and Solutions

Using Popcorn to Practice Scientific Method

This is a fairly common science fair project that I actually helped my grandson carry out for an elementary science fair. It's definitely not a new idea, but a great way to let children work through the scientific method using a fun topic . . . POPCORN! The question to be answered is: "Does storage temperature affect how well popcorn pops?" Children will be storing popcorn in a warm environment, room temperature, cold, and frozen.…
Cheryl Taylor
May 23, 2016
ChemistryProperties of Matter

Separating a Mixture

A mixture contains two or more substances that are not chemically combined. Each substance retains its original properties, and can be separated by physical means. Challenge your student to design a method to separate a mixture into its separate components. First, you'll need to make the mixture that will be separated. A suggestion would be to mix salt, sand, pebbles, and iron filings. Home improvement stores sell "play sand" which works well for many science…
Cheryl Taylor
October 12, 2014
ChemistryProperties of Matter

Measuring Volume

Many science activities rely on taking an accurate measurement of the volume of liquids and solids. Below you'll find a reference for how to measure the volume of different types of matter. Activities in this blog that require students to measure volume will include a link back to this page for reference. VOLUME OF A LIQUID This one is easy . . . add the liquid to a container that measures volume! :-) One suggestion…
Cheryl Taylor
September 15, 2014
Acids and BasesChemistry

Testing the pH of Soap

We usually think of soap as being a very mild substance that is good for the skin. But, the cleansing effect of soap is due, in part, to the fact that it is a basic substance. Some soaps can dry out the skin, or even damage skin with frequent use. When you teach your children about acids and bases and the pH scale, have them explore the pH of different soaps in your house. Test…
Cheryl Taylor
August 19, 2014
ChemistryInteractions of Matter

Invisible Ink as a Chemical Reaction

Kids love spy gadgets and mystery! Use homemade invisible ink to write secret notes, then teach your child the science behind the process used to reveal the hidden messages. There are many ways to make invisible ink. To use one of the safest methods, just use a Q-tip to write or draw on white paper with lemon juice. Actually, any fruit juice that contains citric acid will work, but lemon juice tends to dry the…
Cheryl Taylor
July 14, 2014
ChemistryEarth MaterialsGeologyWater and Solutions

Growing Crystals with Common Chemicals

Crystal growing is a fun activity for kids and it is relevant to several areas of science, such as chemistry, as well as mineral formation in geology. Schools often use commercial chemicals to grow crystals in the classroom, and these chemicals can be difficult, if not impossible, to purchase as an individual. Here are a few household chemicals that can be used to grow crystals at home: Aluminum potassium sulfate (alum) can be purchased in…
Cheryl Taylor
April 14, 2014
ChemistryInteractions of Matter

Cooking Up a Chemical Change

Chemical change can be a hard concept for children to understand. It's much easier to explain a physical change. Water freezes into ice. The ice is still water and can be melted back into liquid water. Tear a piece of paper in half, and you still have the same paper. Both are physical changes. But how do you demonstrate chemical change? The easiest example of a chemical change is burning a piece of paper. The…
Cheryl Taylor
April 11, 2014
ChemistryProperties of Matter

Periodic Table Basics

If your child has already learned about the parts of an atom (proton, neutron, and electron) they can understand the basics of the periodic table. From a basic periodic table, a young student can find: 1) the abbreviation for the element's name, 2) how many protons an atom of the element has, 3) how many neutrons an average atom of the element has, 4) the number of electrons a neutral atom of the element has.…
Cheryl Taylor
April 4, 2014
Acids and BasesChemistry

Red Cabbage as a pH Indicator

pH is a hard concept for younger children to learn. Add a little excitement to the subject of acids and bases by using a natural pH indicator. First, the science . . . an indicator is a chemical that "indicates" or shows the presence of a substance, usually by a color change. There are many pH indicators, each working for a different range on the pH scale. A wide-range indicator detects substances on the entire…
Cheryl Taylor
March 24, 2014