Science Week

It's Lockwood Science Week!
Below are several experiments compiled from Generation Genius that your students can do at home with common household supplies.


Photos of students completed experiments can be submitted to the yearbook
or emailed our events team for inclusion in our science week slideshow

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

Introduction to Sound

Communication Over Distance (Sound Waves Part 2)

Introduction to Light

Engineering with Candy

Heating and Cooling

Pollination & Seed Dispersal

Pushes and Pulls

3rd - 5th Grade

Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

Brain Processing of Senses

Physical vs. Chemical Change

Weather Cycle

Energy Transfer

Conservation of Matter

Weather and Erosion

Fun For All Ages - Parent Supervision Required

Elephant Toothpaste (Chemical Reaction)

**Any time you experiment or demonstrate with liquids, heat, or glass you should use protective eye gear -- kids LOVE wearing science goggles!**

Let your kids direct the experiment! The foam created is safe to touch. It is simply water, oxygen gas and soap, so if your child has no soap allergies, they can experience and experiment with the texture, temperature, and feel of the foam! If your child does have soap allergies or sensitive skin (or if you're just concerned), I'd encourage you to use gloves--you can still enjoy touching it with gloves on!

Supplies Needed:

  • Water bottle or soda pop bottle

  • Pan to catch the toothpaste (or do this experiment outside)

  • 2 Tbls warm water

  • 1 tsp yeast

  • ½ cup 6% hydrogen peroxide (It is important to use at least 6%. You can use 8% or more (available on Amazon), or you can use Salon Care Professional Stabilized Formula. 20 Volume Clear Developer from Sally Beauty Supply works fine too. 3% from the grocery store will NOT work as well. 😉 )

  • 4-5 drops of food coloring

  • Squirt of dish soap


Directions:

  1. Set a water bottle or soda pop bottle in the middle of a pan to catch the toothpaste.

  2. Mix warm water and yeast in a separate container and swirl together for a minute. The yeast will catalyze (or speed up) the reaction. Woo hoo!

  3. Mix peroxide, food coloring and dish soap in the soda pop bottle.

  4. Pour yeast mixture into the soda pop bottle and watch the reaction.


How it Works:

The reaction is summarized by this formula:

2 H2O2 --> 2 H2O + 02.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) naturally breaks down into water and oxygen. It is stored in opaque containers to help slow down this process. Catalase (an enzyme in all living things, including yeast) speeds up the reaction. Dish soap catches the oxygen and makes bigger bubbles and the food coloring makes it look cool. The foam and bottle feel warm because the reaction is exothermic--it releases energy as heat.

I found this peroxide (6%) on Amazon and it can be an Amazon Smile donation too!


Balloon Experiment

Supplies Needed:

  • balloon (a 12-inch balloon works best)

  • water bottle (or soda bottle)

  • vinegar

  • baking soda

  • 1-ply bathroom tissue or paper towel (we create this by tearing a paper towel in half)

  • a pan to catch everything


Directions:

  1. Set the bottle in the pan.

  2. If you haven't mixed vinegar and baking soda before, do this in the pan or in a separate bowl. Your children should know that vinegar and baking soda will react.

  3. Fill the bottle 1/3 - 1/2 full of vinegar.

  4. Place about 2 tablespoons of baking soda in the tissue and wrap it up. Ask what your children think will happen if you add the baking soda and place the balloon on top of the bottle.

  5. Squish the baking soda inside the bottle and quickly add the balloon. Watch the excitement!

  6. Ask your children what they would like to test next and help them do it!


How it Works:

During this science experiment, the vinegar and baking soda react, producing carbon dioxide. The balloon is filled with carbon dioxide. Try a variation on this science project by blowing up another balloon and comparing which balloon is heavier!