Science Activities for Children
Science rules, but not every kid knows it. To most kids, science is the domain of old guys in white lab coats doing weird things with beakers. You can rid children of these stereotypes by teaching them the actual process science uses---the scientific method---all without seeming preachy or boring.
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The Scientific Method
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Science isn't just a bunch of random experiments; there's a method to it. Teaching kids this method should be the core of any science activity done with children. Before starting an experiment, ask them to predict what will happen and tell them they just formed a hypothesis. Have them write down their hypothesis before beginning the experiment and go over their predictions with them after the experiment is done.
Surface Tension
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Here's a fun way to teach kids about surface tension: drop a needle into a glass of water. Will the metal float? Have the kids make predictions and then drop in the pin. Drop it in vertically, and it won't float; drop it in horizontally, and it will float. Use this to demonstrate the principle of surface tension. Dropped straight in, the needle pierces the surface of the water and sinks; laid on its side, the needle is spread across a wider surface of the water, and the forces between the water molecules are enough to hold up the needle.
Water Density
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Fill a cup to the brim with ice cubes and let it melt. Ask the kids how long it will take for the ice cubes to melt enough to overflow from the glass, not letting on that the question is a trick. When the water level actually goes down, use the opportunity to explain that water is more dense than ice.
Mentos and Coke
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This one's just fun. Ask the kids what will happen if you drop a Mentos mint in a Coke bottle. Be sure to conduct this particular experiment outside because when you do, the pressure in the bottle will cause the Coke to shoot out like a water fountain. It's thought that the explosion happens because of microscopic holes on the surface of the mint that allows the carbon gas in the Coke to form bubbles. Discuss this with the kids and ask them what they think might cause such a reaction.
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