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lab Archives - Taylor Made Science

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
PhysicsWaves

Earthquake Waves

The general properties of waves can be investigated through an activity on earthquakes. First, have your child research the three different types of earthquake waves. Encourage them to find the following information about each wave: 1. name of the wave 2. how quickly it travels compared to the other two 3. what part of the Earth does it travel through 4. type of wave, based on motion (compression wave, transverse wave, etc.) 5. does it…
Cheryl Taylor
November 1, 2014
BiologyCells and Microbiology

Yeast – Examining Living Cells

Yeast . . . it turns grapes into wine . . . it makes bread rise . . . but did you know it's actually a living one-celled fungus? Yeast provides a safe way for children to observe a few of the life processes of living cells. 1. Living Cells Need Water - Add dry yeast to very warm water to activate them. Explain to children that the yeast must have water in order to…
Cheryl Taylor
October 26, 2014
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
MotionPhysics

Rotational Motion with a Pinwheel

Kids love to play with pinwheels. Whether you buy one at the store or make your own (pinwheel making tutorial), add a little Physics to the fun! 1. Use a string and ruler to measure the outside distance around the outside of the pinwheel. 2. Mark one spot on the pinwheel in some way. Use color, a piece of tape, etc. Just make sure the mark is very visible, even when the pinwheel is spinning.…
Cheryl Taylor
September 8, 2014
Earth's AtmosphereEnergyGeologyPhysics

How do colors affect temperature absorption?

We've all heard the fashion sayings . . . "never wear white after Labor Day" . . . "pastel colors should be worn at Easter" . . . etc. You know the traditions, but did you know they are actually based on science? The color of the clothing you wear can affect how hot or cold you feel when standing outside during the day. The light reaching us from the Sun is known as "white…
Cheryl Taylor
August 25, 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
AnimalsBiology

Fingerprints

A fun way to teach kids about their skin is through an activity on fingerprints. The skin has two layers: the dermis and the epidermis. The epidermis is the layer of dead cells on the outside of the body that waterproofs and protects the living tissues underneath. The dermis is the living skin layer that contains blood vessels, sensory receptors, and the dividing cells that create the epidermal layer. The upper part of the dermis…
Cheryl Taylor
July 30, 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