Made homemade laundry detergent

English Language Arts

• The seventh-grade child practiced following written instructions and directions while making the homemade laundry detergent.
• They had the opportunity to read ingredient labels and measurement quantities.
• They may have written or followed a recipe, reinforcing their understanding of procedural writing.
• They communicated their experience by discussing the process and outcome with others, enhancing their oral communication skills.

Math

• The child measured and mixed ingredients, applying their knowledge of fractions and ratios.
• They may have calculated the cost per load or compared the cost of homemade detergent to store-bought options, strengthening their understanding of decimals and percentages.
• They practiced basic arithmetic skills while measuring and adjusting ingredient quantities.
• They may have created a chart or graph to compare the effectiveness of the homemade detergent to other products, exercising data representation and analysis.

Science

• The child learned about the chemical properties and interactions of the ingredients used in the homemade detergent.
• They observed and experimented with different combinations of ingredients, exploring the concept of chemical reactions.
• They learned about surfactants and how they help remove dirt and stains from clothes.
• They may have discussed environmental impacts of homemade detergents versus commercial ones, considering concepts of sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Continued Development Tips: Encourage the child to research and experiment with other natural cleaning products. They can explore the science behind different ingredients and their effectiveness, write informative blog posts or articles sharing their findings, and even create their own line of homemade cleaning products to sell or give as gifts.

Book Recommendations

• The Science of Everyday Life: Why Teapots Dribble, Toast Burns and Light Bulbs Shine by Marty Jopson: This book explores the science behind everyday occurrences, including cleaning products, providing fascinating insights for curious minds.
• Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith: This humorous story helps students see the math in everyday life, making connections between mathematical concepts and real-world situations.
• Garbage: Investigate What Happens When You Throw It Out by Donna Latham: This book delves into the science and environmental impact of waste management, including a section on cleaning products and homemade alternatives.