Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basics of chemistry through fun activities related to veterinary pretend play.

Materials and Prep

Materials needed: water, baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, small containers, and a toy veterinary kit.

Before the lesson, make sure to have the materials ready and set up a pretend play veterinary clinic using the toy veterinary kit.

Activities

1. Create fizzing potions: Mix water, baking soda, and a few drops of food coloring in small containers. Add vinegar to observe the fizzing reaction.

2. Veterinary check-up: Use the toy veterinary kit to examine and "treat" stuffed animal patients, discussing the importance of caring for animals and how chemistry is involved in creating medicines.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Chemistry is the study of different materials and how they can change and react with each other."
• "When we mix baking soda and vinegar, they make bubbles and fizz. This is a chemical reaction."
• "Just like how we mix different things to help our stuffed animal patients feel better, scientists mix different things to make medicines for animals."