How to Make the Things in the Tasty Science Kit

Create fizzy experiments with the Tasty Science kit.

The Tasty Science Kit distributed by Giddy Up encourages children to experiment with everyday items found in the kitchen. The experiments are messy and tasty but none of them is dangerous. However, parents or teachers should always supervise children or students when performing any of these experiments. The flavorings contained in the kit and other liquids tested have the potential to stain clothing and surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Soap
• Milk
• Paper towel
• Clear glass container
• Pencil
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

Acid, Base or Neutral

1. Place the test tubes in the test tube stand.

2. Fill the first three test tubes 1/3 full will water.

3. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the second test tube and 1 teaspoon of citric acid to the third test tube.

4. Fill the fourth test tube with a liquid from your kitchen such as vinegar, lemon juice, soapy water, or milk.

5. Write the ingredient of each tube on a separate label and place the labels on the appropriate test tubes.

6. Lay out four pieces of litmus paper on a paper towel.

7. Use a pipette to place one drop of each liquid on a separate piece of litmus paper. Rinse the pipette in water before sampling a new liquid. If the liquid is neutral, the litmus paper will remain the same. If it is an acid, it will turn red or orange. If it is a base, it will turn green.

8. Continue investigating other liquids.

Explosive Combination

1. Pour the contents of the baking soda test tube into the citric acid test tube from the experiment above.

2. Observe the reaction. The combination of citric acid and baking soda react violently producing carbon dioxide, or fizz.

3. Place a drop of the combined solution on a fresh piece of litmus paper and compare the results to the results of the above experiment when the solutions were separated.

Fizzy Drinks

1. Wash and rinse the test tubes.

2. Combine 2 teaspoons each of baking soda, citric acid, and sugar in a test tube.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of flavoring.

4. Add 1/4 cup of water and observe the reaction.

5. Taste your concoction. You have just created your own fizzy drink.

6. Experiment with different amounts of baking soda, citric acid, sugar and flavoring to create the fizziest, best tasting drink.

Rock Candy

1. Obtain a glass jar, or large glass cup, capable of holding 2 cups of water.

2. Hold a piece of string in the jar and cut it 1 inch above the rim of the container.

3. Tie the string to a pencil that fits across the mouth of the container.

4. Add 2 cups of water to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 3 minutes or until boiling.

5. Add 4 cups of sugar and 1 teaspoon of flavoring to the water and stir until completely dissolved.

6. Use a ladle and a funnel to transfer the hot liquid from the bowl into the container from Step 1.

7. Dip the string into the container, remove it and lay it on a piece of foil to dry.

8. Cover the container and allow it to rest for 3 days.

9. Place the string back into the container with the sugar water and observe the reaction. Crystals will begin to form slowly on the surface of the string over the next several days.

10. Remove the string from the container after 7 days and allow the crystals to dry for 24 hours on a piece of foil.

11. Enjoy your homemade rock candy.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like a new copy of the Tasty Science Kit directions, go to the Giddy Up website and click on "Contact Us." In the comment box, request an copy of the instructions.

References

• Giddy Up: Tasty Science
• Giddy Up: Frequently Asked Questions
• "Tasty Science Kit Instructions." Giddy Up. March 2010.