Search Results

This is written as a static display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on experiment for learners to conduct.

In this activity, learners examine fingerprints. Learners leave a hidden print on a surface and then make their own print detecting powder from graphite (found in pencils).

Learners are given mysterious white powders and have to determine their identity with chemical tests.

Learners smell balloons filled with different scents to guess what's inside. From this, they infer the presence and motion of scented molecules.

Learners use a simple process to extract DNA from strawberries.

Learners observe an electrochemical cell constructed from a small jar containing zinc and copper strips immersed in separate solutions. The strips are connected to a motor that turns a small fan.

In this activity, learners investigate the process of osmosis by adding salt to a sealed bag of raw carrots and comparing it to a control.

Using yeast, sugar, and water, learners create a chemical reaction which produces carbon dioxide (CO2) gas inside a 2-liter bottle. They use this gas to inflate a balloon.

Learners make their own acid-base indicator from red cabbage. They use this indicator to test substances around the house.

In this activity (on page 2 of the PDF), learners (with adult help and supervision) investigate how heat affects polystyrene plastic.

During this activity, learners will make different versions of "ooze" using varied proportions of detergent and glue.

In this activity, learners discover that there is space between molecules even in a cup "full" of water. They first fill a cup with marbles, and then add sand to fill the gaps between the marbles.

In this hands-on activity (on page 2 of the PDF), learners experiment with lemon juice and paper to create a message that can only be revealed using chemistry.

Learners pour equal amounts of coffee, mineral oil, corn syrup, and alcohol into a beaker. The liquids resolve into stacked layers, and learners can infer which liquids are the most and least dense.

Learners write an invisible message using lemon juice on a piece of paper. They then develop the message by soaking the paper in a dilute iodine solution.

In this activity, learners add dilute bleach solution to water that has been dyed with yellow, blue, and green food color.

This activity uses turmeric, a common spice in curry, as an indicator for acidity and basicity. Turmeric is yellow in acid and neutral substances, but turns bright red with bases.

In two separate bags, learners mix water with Epsom salts and detergent.

In this activity, learners mix ingredients in a plastic bag, and then identify three characteristics of a chemical reaction: production of heat, color change, and production of a gas.

In this activity, learners will explore how metals react with each other. They will see these metals change before their eyes as they coat a paperclip with the copper taken from a penny.