Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to conduct exciting science experiments and understand the scientific principles behind them.
Materials and Prep
Materials needed:
- Water
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Food coloring
- Cups
- Plastic bags
- Plastic bottles
- String
- Pencils
- Paper
Before starting the lesson, make sure to have a clear workspace and read through the experiment instructions carefully.
Activities
1. Create a baking soda and vinegar volcano eruption. Mix baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring in a plastic bottle for a bubbly explosion.
2. Make a Cartesian diver using a plastic bag, water, and a pencil. Learn about density and buoyancy as you make the diver float and sink.
3. Build a paper airplane and test different designs for flight distance. Explore aerodynamics and the forces that affect flight.
Talking Points
- Did you know that when you mix baking soda and vinegar, a chemical reaction occurs that produces carbon dioxide gas? This gas creates bubbles and causes the eruption in our volcano experiment.
- When you change the amount of water in the plastic bag for the Cartesian diver, you are changing its density. This affects whether it floats or sinks in the water.
- For the paper airplane experiment, the shape of the wings and body affect how air flows around the plane. This airflow determines how far the plane can fly.