Activities
Under ConstructionPurple Tea Acids and Bases
This activity is a quick introduction to identifying acids and bases using blue butterfly pea flower tea as a pH indicator, drawing particle diagrams, and an introduction to reversible reactions and equilibrium. Blue pea flower tea is in expensive, non-toxic, and easy to use.
Under ConstructionMeasuring brightness with a grease spot photometer
A piece of white paper stained with oil or grease allows students to compare the intensity of light sources. The device takes seconds to make: just rub a small amount of oil or grease onto a piece of paper. Then place one light source on either side of the paper and observe whether the grease spot looks light or dark.
Under ConstructionWhich is bigger, the moon or the sun? Introduction to angular size
Students use graph paper targets to compare the angular size to the true size for objects at different distances
Under ConstructionGummy Bear Osmosis
Students explore the effect of sugar concentration on the rate of osmosis. Students create sugar solutions of various concentrations. Then students place gummy bears in the solutions overnight and observe the changes. Students use a graph to interpret results
Under ConstructionSticky tape part 1
Students explore electric charge with this simple introduction to the invisible world of electron transfer.
Under ConstructionExploring Projectiles: The Free Fall Flicker
Students will build a simple device that launches a pair of small coins, one launched horizontally and one released from rest. Students construct the device and launch pennies, listening to the sound when they land to determine which lands first. Construction is easy and students will likely succeed in providing evidence to challenge a common preconception about falling objects.