science for kids 3

Science for Kids

Rising Raisins and Pop Bottle Fountains - A Science Inquiry Experience - Part 2

By Thomas Smith

In Part 1 of this experience, students worked with "Rising Raisins". There they found that bubbles prefer to form on a surface and just not come out of solution on their own. Here, we take that knowledge and attempt to get lots of bubbles to form in one small area to create a "Pop Bottle Fountain".

For this, you will need a two liter bottle of seltzer water. Soda will work fine but it tends to make a sticky mess. Seltzer water will just evaporate leaving no sticky residue. As far as clean-up is concerned, seltzer water is the winner.

You will also need a hammer, nail, a piece of string about two feet long, some tape, and a candy Menthos. Menthos are mint flavored chewy candies found in the grocery check-out. There are six or eight in a package.

Have the students make observations about a Mentho. They will note that its white, smooth, and not round. Ask them to observe the shell more closely. It really isn't as smooth as it appears on first glance. What do you think will happen if we place this in seltzer water?

Carefully remove the cap from the seltzer bottle. Some gas will escape. Don't worry. Place the cap on the sidewalk so that the top is facing up. In this way something could be hidden under it, but that's not what is going to happen. Using the hammer, pound the nail through the top of the cap to make a hole. You are done with the hammer and nail.

Run the string through the hole so that the cap is halfway up the string. Attach one Mentho to the end of the string that is going into the cap. Use some tape to do this. This attachment will be flimsy at best. Draw the attached Mentho up into the bottle cap by pulling on the string that leaves the top of the cap. Screw the cap (with the Mentho inside) tightly onto the bottle. Do not let the Mentho touch the seltzer water. You're ready for the fountain. Make sure it is pointing at no one.

Count down, "Three, two, one!", and pull the string. The Mentho will be freed from the string and tape and drop into the seltzer water. There, the Mentho will provide lots of surface for bubbles to form very quickly. The pressure will build inside the bottle and the water will spray from the bottle as a gorgeous, though short lived, fountain. Quite exciting, indeed. Did the students guess correctly?

Next time, more science activities to try. Until then, have fun!

Tom Smith, an elementary science teacher, owns and operates Wonder Workshops, an online mecca of retro toys, puzzles, magic tricks, novelties, books and DVDs all based in science, math, and problem solving. He also offers science workshops around the country for teachers and parents. Be sure to visit the store and workshop site at http://www.wonderworkshops.com for more information and to sign-up for his free newsletter. You'll be glad you did.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Smith

Latest Articles...

Pushing my son out of the nest
A mother listens to her 10-year old son's fears, recalls the terrors of her own childhood, and shares some wisdom..
Pushing My Third Son Out Of The Nest Using Some Of My Best Wisdom

Why books are a great birthday gift for children of all ages - and how to choose the appropriate one!
Books Make The Best Gifts For Kids

Forge A Relationship With Your Children
Whatever we do with our kids when they are young will be absorbed and remembered down the years, and every day you could be making good memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Make an effort to forge a relationship with your children when they are young...

Not a Morning Person? Tips to Make Your Mornings Easier and More Productive
Are mornings the hardest part of your day? Sometimes it's tough to get yourself going no matter how much sleep you've had. And if you need to get your family dressed, fed, and out the door with books, backpacks, and briefcases intact, it can often be a challenging and gruelling morning.

Six Ways To Make Time For You In Your Hectic Life
Do you push yourself to be all that you can be? In the midst of doing it all, do you remember to take time for yourself?

Dealing With Difficult People
If you're human, you're going to be dealing with difficult people from time to time - whatever your age. You'll find them at work, at home, at school, or even while out shopping. While you'll likely to solve a problem with a relative or friend differently than a stranger, there are also some universal ways of communicating effectively with difficult people. Teachers and parents can learn these techniques themselves, and start to teach them to kids, too.

Help Your Child Cope With Moving Away
If you must move a great distance, you can help your child adjust to the idea of moving and how to cope with their new life. Your goal will be to eliminate apprehension and fears and get your children excited about all the new opportunities that await them.

How To Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety
Sometimes children act as if they don't have a care in the world, and other times they may be overwhelmed with anxiety. Although children are not presented with the stresses of adulthood, they do feel anxiety in the same way. Solving these issues is not something to be taken lightly...

Helping Your Child Adjust To Divorce
Children are usually hit hard by divorce and may not be able to fully grasp the subject, blaming themselves. The helpful news is that you can do a lot to get your child through this tough time.

Frugal Family Entertainment - How to Have Low Cost Family Fun
In the first few months of the year, money can be tight for many families as they tighten the purse strings after the holidays. There are some great ideas for family activities which won't break the bank in the article below.