Core Skills Analysis
Chemistry
- Learned the basic chemical reaction of saponification, where oils react with lye to form soap and glycerin.
- Understood the importance of accurate measurement and safety precautions when handling caustic substances like lye.
- Observed how different oils impact the texture and properties of the final soap product.
- Gained insight into the curing process, where soap hardens and becomes milder over several weeks.
Practical Life Skills
- Developed skills in following detailed, step-by-step instructions carefully to achieve a successful product.
- Practiced working patiently through a multi-day process that requires waiting and observation.
- Learned about hygiene and personal safety protocols to prevent chemical burns or other injuries during soap making.
- Experienced how to plan a home project requiring preparation, timing, and cleanup.
Art and Creativity
- Explored personal creativity when choosing scents, colors, and molds for custom soap bars.
- Gained appreciation for craftsmanship by designing visually appealing and functional handmade products.
- Experimented with blending essential oils or natural additives to customize soap characteristics.
- Developed an eye for detail in mixing and pouring to produce aesthetically pleasing results.
Tips
To deepen understanding of soap making, encourage the student to research the chemistry behind saponification through interactive videos or simple experiments with different oils and proportions. Extend the practical lessons by designing a themed soap collection, integrating lessons on marketing and product presentation. Organize a tasting session-like review where students evaluate soap properties such as scent strength, lather texture, and skin feel to develop critical sensory analysis skills. Finally, incorporate environmental science by investigating how natural or synthetic ingredients impact the environment and explore sustainable soap making alternatives.
Book Recommendations
- Soap Making: Beginner to Advanced Guide by Susan Miller Cavitch: A comprehensive guide covering soap making techniques, chemistry, and creative ideas for beginners and beyond.
- The Science of Soapmaking by Kimberly Henneke: An accessible explanation of the science behind soap formulation, safety, and experimentation for young learners.
- Handmade Soap & Cosmetic Recipes by Melanie M. Ervin: A practical collection of recipes and techniques for making a variety of soap and beauty products at home.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3: Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly.
- NGSS MS-PS1-2: Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
- NGSS MS-PS1-5: Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Diagram the saponification chemical reaction with labeled components.
- Writing prompt: Describe the step-by-step soap-making process including safety measures and creative choices.
- Experiment: Make small batches changing one ingredient, then compare texture and scent properties.
Growth Beyond Academics
This activity likely nurtures patience as the soap curing process takes time and careful monitoring. It also promotes responsibility by instilling safety awareness when handling chemicals. The creative aspect bolsters confidence and pride in producing a tangible, useful item. Additionally, managing multiple steps with precision can improve focus and executive functioning.