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Science Experiments and Science Fair Ideas for Kids, Parents, and Teachers: Chemistry

Parent and teacher resources about the scientific method, conducting experiments, and local citizen scientist opportunities.

MAS Ultra

  • "The Subatomic Assembly of H[sub 2]." Presents a science experiment that produced hydrogen. Materials used in the activity; Advantage of using graphite rods; Source of graphite rods.
  • Mix Up a Party: Advises parents on how to hold a chemistry party for their children and friends. Supplies to be prepared; Selection of chemistry activities; Material preparations before the party; Instructions for some chemistry activities; Safety measures.

Explora Elementary

  • Bathtub Chemicals: Presents a chemistry experiment for children.
  • The Molecule: The article describes a chemistry experiment that will change sugar grains to sugar molecules and allow the sugar form into large crystals.
  • Chemistry: The article describes two experiments in chemistry suitable for Boy Scouts in observing what will happen including placing a glass over a burning candle in a bowl of water and dropping pieces of effervescent antacid tablet in a container with water.
  • The Case of the Secret Message: The article describes an activity program which asks students to make erupting volcanoes using vinegar, baking soda and newspapers, which teaches concepts about acids and bases.
  • Bathtub Chemistry: The article describes a science experiment on mixing chemicals including baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch to make bubbles that would be appropriate for children in elementary school.
  • Magic Candle Snuffer: Instructions are provided for an experiment that proves pure carbon dioxide is heavier than other gases in the air.
  • A Chemistry Experiment: Teaches how to make plastic from two liquids yourself. What you need; What to do.
  • Carbon Dioxide Candy: Did you know that cooking is really science? We don't call cooking ingredients chemicals, but they are! Do this kitchen chemistry cooking experiment with your grandmother or any adult family member.
  • Engrave an Egg: Presents a chemistry experiment on engraving letters on an egg.
  • The Case of the Foxy Forger: Presents steps in making scientific experiment. Situations presented; Use of chemistry to solve the mystery.
  • Six-Minute Science Experiments: Presents experiments to learn about chemistry, colors, frogs, tightrope walking, fish and smells.

Scholastic Teachables

  • The Acid Test (Acids and Bases): Students experiment with some common acids and bases.
  • Mixed-Up Matter (Mixtures, Suspensions, Solutions): Students investigate the difference between mixtures and compound through a demonstration and hands-on investigation.
  • Getting Physical (Physical Changes in Matter): Students observe how physical changes happen in matter through a demonstration and hands-on investigation.
  • It's a Gas (Properties of Gases): Students investigate the special properties of gases through a demonstration and hands-on investigations.
  • Wet and Wild (Properties of Liquids): Students explore some of the properties of liquids through a demonstration and hands-on investigation.

What Is Chemistry from Free Animated Education

Academic Search Elite

  • Investigating Toothpastes through Inquiry-Based Practical Work: This authentic inquiry-based chemistry experiment provides high school students with an opportunity to investigate the effect of toothpastes on the rate of tooth decay. Students need to design and carry out a fair test to compare the effects of different brands of toothpaste. The author has developed rubrics for assessing students' planning skills and written laboratory reports.
  • An Experiment with Magnesium Oxide: Discusses the procedures and likely observations and comments with regard to a small-scale experiment with magnesium oxide. Relevance to course-work involving La Chatelier and qualitative aspects of equilibrium and problem-solving; Materials and equipment required; Set of instructions.
  • Modeling the Millikan Oil Drop Experiment: The article discusses how to perform the Millikan Oil Drop science experiment, originally developed by physicist Robert Millikan. Topics discussed include the ways the experiment can help chemistry students study the structure of the atom and the discovery of subatomic particles, the ways the experiment allows students to measure the charge of electrons, and the measuring of mass.
  • Inside the Black Box: The article describes a science experiment, called a "black box" activity, in which students use remote imaging and scanning probe microscopy to examine an unknown "mystery landscape" in a black box. Using the data that they collect from the scans, the students make a marshmallow model of what they believe is contained in the black box. This experiment can be used by teachers of chemistry or other physical science classes.
  • Corrosion in the Classroom: The article presents two science experiments, called Corrosion process experiment and Building Bridges project, to make high school students more aware of corrosion of steel and the process used to prevent or control it. A list of materials is provided, along with laboratory and safety instructions, and typical student observations. A chart representing the corrosion of steel life cycle is also presented.
  • Juan's Dilemma: The article describes a ninth-grade physical science classroom activity called Juan's Dilemma which is a new twist on the familiar lemon-battery activity. The activity integrates oxidation and reduction chemistry with circuit theory through a fun, real-world exercise. The article also presents an experiment aimed to help students understand the electron transfer process and study electric circuits.
  • Food Enzymes: The article discusses how studying enzymes can help students understand how biology and chemistry are related. Several inquiry-based lab activities demonstrating how hydrolase and oxidoreductase enzymes function in food are described. A demonstration using marbles and bits of pineapple in gelatin will demonstrate how the enzyme bromelain reacts with gelatin. Suggestions are provided on helping students design experiments to measure how temperature, pH, and concentration affect fruit enzymes.

Middle Search Plus

  • Home Chemistry-II: The article offers step-by-step instructions for a science experiment that mixes oil and water.
  • Chemistry with Dr. Seuss: The article presents a science experiment to best understand non-Newtonian fluids, such as the oobleck of Dr. Seuss, that do not behave in a linear fashion and change their viscosity when a force of pressure is applied to them. It also provides a list of materials needed and the procedure for making and experiencing oobleck.
  • The Phantom Cookie Thief: The article presents a science experiment that uses chromatography to solve a mystery on who among participant-friends stole one's cookies through hands-on experience with materials like felt-tip pens, blotter paper and glass tumblers. It also provides a list of the needed materials and the mechanics of the activity.