Explore the wonders of physics and chemistry with five quick experiments. You'll learn about surface tension, air pressure, and chemical reactions using common household items.

Tools

• scissors
• measuring spoons
• small bowl

Materials

• water (2 cups)
• dish soap (1 tsp)
• black pepper (1 tsp)
• milk (1 cup)
• food coloring (3 different colors, 1 drop each)
• cotton swabs (5)
• baking soda (2 tbsp)
• white vinegar (1/2 cup)
• balloon (1)
• empty plastic water bottle (500ml, 1)
• small piece of cardboard (3x3 inches, 1)
• coin (1)

Safety

• Adult supervision required when handling vinegar and baking soda to avoid spills.
• Be careful with food coloring as it can stain clothes and surfaces.
• Do not ingest any of the materials used in the experiments.
• Adult supervision required for hot materials. Burn risk.
• Adult supervision required for sharp objects.
• Do not eat or drink any materials used in this project.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Experiment 1 (Pepper Magic): Fill a small bowl with 1 cup of water. Sprinkle 1 tsp of black pepper evenly across the surface. Dip a cotton swab in 1 tsp of dish soap and touch the center of the water. Watch the pepper race to the edges!
2. Experiment 2 (Magic Milk): Pour 1 cup of milk into a shallow bowl. Add one drop of three different food colors in the center. Dip a cotton swab in dish soap and touch the colors. Watch the colors swirl and dance.
3. Experiment 3 (Baking Soda Volcano): Place 2 tbsp of baking soda into the bottom of the empty plastic water bottle. Carefully pour in 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Stand back and watch the chemical reaction create a fizzy eruption.
4. Experiment 4 (Balloon Air Pressure): Stretch the opening of a balloon over the mouth of the empty plastic water bottle. Use a hair dryer (or warm water) to heat the air inside the bottle. Watch the balloon inflate as the air expands.
5. Experiment 5 (The Coin Balance): Place the 3x3 inch piece of cardboard over the mouth of the water bottle. Place a coin on top of the cardboard, centered over the hole. Gently pull the cardboard away quickly to see if the coin drops straight down due to gravity and air pressure.