Simple Science
by: Deborah Shelton
Help children develop a love for science, or nurture their already-growing interest, with these simple experiments.
Cloud Maker
Ever wanted to catch a cloud in a bottle? Now�s your chance! Pour just a splash of water into a 2-liter plastic bottle. Light a match (a grownup�s job) and drop it into the bottle. Immediately replace the lid and squeeze the bottle a few times to watch your cloud form.
Magic Flowers
Create your own unique flowers with this neat trick. Fill a vase with water and 8-10 drops of food coloring. Cut the stem of a white carnation at a diagonal, and place the flower into the vase. After a few hours you will notice a slight change of color in the petals. Let the flower soak overnight and observe the dramatic change in the morning.
Mouth Lightning
Don�t worry--this doesn�t hurt a bit! In fact, you may want to try this at your next sleepover party. Stand in front of a mirror and turn off all of the lights. Pop a wintergreen- flavored Life Saver into your mouth and chew. Can you believe your eyes? This �lightning� phenomenon is called triboluminescence. To find out more about triboluminescence, visit http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa060601a.htm
About The Author
Deborah Shelton edits The Five Minute Parent email newsletter. For your free subscription, send a blank email to
[email protected] or visit FiveMinuteParent.com for more family-friendly ideas.
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