Parents everywhere want their child to get ahead of the academic-curve. It is important, not only so they advance in school, but so that they are knowledgeable about the world around them. Studies show the vast majority of successful people in STEM-related fields started their scientific questioning early on. If you want to get your child involved in science without boring them to death, try any of the exciting experiments that enlighten and elate.
Diet Coke and Mentos apart are just fine, but together can be a delightfully explosive combination. Children of all ages love the incredible outcome that such simple ingredients create. The scientific process behind it? A fun little thing called nucleation. This experiment will require one large bottle of Diet Coke, about half of a pack of Mentos, and a geyser tube. The instructions for the experiment can be found here: Diet Coke & Mentos Eruption. For more information about the science, check out this link with a quirky explanation The Science of Coke and Mentos.
Quicksand is one of those eternal elements of cartoons that your child will rarely see in real life. Want to fix that? It’s surprisingly easy with this experiment that analyzes viscosity. For it, you will need: one cup of maize cornflour, a half of a cup of water, a large plastic container, and a spoon. Further instructions can be found at this link: Make Your Own Quick Sand. Additionally, if your child is interested in more of this wacky science, try making a non-newtonian fluid!
A Make-Your-Own Lava Lamp. Impossible you say? Lacking in academic value? Well say that no more, for this recipe for 70’s themed fun will prove you wrong. For this groovy experiment you will need water, a clear plastic bottle, vegetable oil, food coloring, and an Alka Seltzer or other fizzy tablet. Check out further instructions here: Make an Easy Lava Lamp. Can you dig it?
Many people think that the arts and the sciences are two separate beasts, but this next experiment proves they two can create something beautiful. Salt Crystal Feathers utilize the chemical process of crystallization to adorn feathers with shiny “gems”. You will need faux feathers, salt, mason jars, and clothespins for this experiment. Try out this experiment to learn a little bit about chemistry and make a super pretty decoration! The step-by-step process can be found here: Crystal Science: How to Make The Best Salt Crystals.
Sometimes, kids are less interested in educational and more interested in something that blows up. Luckily, you can provide with the Film Canister Rocket, a blend of gas and energy that will make your child’s interest in science soar. You will need a plastic bottle with a snap top or the canister for a 35mm piece of film, water, Alka-Seltzer tablets, and thin cardboard for the fins and nose of the rocket. Check out further building instructions here: Explosive Chemistry for Kids | Film Canister Rocket.
