Fun Science Experiments

A full glass of water becomes a fun science experiment.

Reading science lessons can, for many kids, be boring. Giving kids science experiments to perform helps them become more involved in their learning. If a child is having fun with the science lesson, he may be more likely to retain the information learned. Many science experiments are fun and educational at the same time.

Dancing Raisins

This experiment deals with carbon dioxide and pressure. Soft drinks fizz because of the presence of the gas carbon dioxide. When soft drinks are put into a can, they are pressurized by carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide causes the noise you hear when you open the soda can. The bubbles in soft drinks are carbon dioxide gas escaping the drink.

For this experiment, you will need a clear soft drink like Sprite or 7-Up, a clear glass or cup, and some raisins. Pour the soft drink into the glass, then drop in several of the raisins. The raisins will begin to float and sink in the drink, making them look as if they're dancing. This happens because the carbon dioxide escaping attaches to the rough surface of the raisins, making them float. The raisins sink as the bubbles pop because they lose buoyancy. The longer the raisins are in the soft drink, the less likely they are to float because they become too heavy. This experiment works with any object with a density that is slightly higher than water's and with a rough surface, such as mothballs or uncooked pasta pieces.

Gravity-Defying Water

Turning a glass of water upside down usually results in a mess on the floor. However, with this experiment, water bends the rules of gravity and stays in a glass when turned upside down. To perform this trick, you'll need a glass of water filled to the brim and a piece of cardboard. Place the cardboard over the top of the glass, taking care to keep air bubbles out. Stand over a sink, then turn the glass upside down as you hold the cardboard in place. Then, remove your hand from the cardboard. The cardboard should remain in place, with the water remaining in the glass.

The water remains inside the glass because the inside of the glass lacks air. Therefore, the air pressure outside of the glass is higher than air pressure inside the glass. That added air pressure holds the cardboard in place, which also holds the water in the glass. After practicing this trick a few times, you may reach a point where you can perform it without standing over a sink.

Mold Terrarium

Mold grows from small mold spores that float in the atmosphere. When these spores encounter damp food, they adhere to it and begin to grow into mold. Mold is a fungus that helps food rot, breaking it down so that it can turn into nutrients for the soil as part of the life cycle. When food begins to mold, it should be thrown out, but creating a mold terrarium as an experiment can be fun.

To make a mold terrarium, you will need a clear container with a lid, such as a glass jar or plastic food-saver container. This container will need to be thrown out after the experiment is over. You will also need tape, water and some leftovers such as bread, fruit, cheese or vegetables. Stay away from using meat or fish because they will begin to smell as they decompose. Cut the food up if necessary, then dip the pieces into water before arranging them in the container. Place the lid on the container and tape it shut to keep the mold from coming out. Make sure the container is labeled so that no one will disturb it or throw it out. After a few days, you will begin to see the mold growing and decomposing the food.

References

• Science is Fun Home Experiments: Dancing Raisins
• Science Kids: Gravity Free Water
• Exploratorium: Mold Terrarium