Kids
are naturally inquisitive. They want to know how, why, and when everything
works. You can embrace the inquisitive nature of kids by encouraging supervised
experimentation. This not only gives kids something to keep them occupied and
entertained, but it can also be a valuable educational opportunity where
children can learn a valuable lesson and learn to love science in one fell
swoop. Science birthday parties are a fun, creative way to get kids involved in
the scientific method while giving them a birthday party they will never
forget. Here are 5 fun and easy experiments you can do at a birthday party,
most using materials you already have in your home.
To get more ideas, visit also science4fun.info.
Magical Markers
Description:
With the exception of primary colors, most of the colors we know are really a
combination of two or more primary colors. You can teach kids the science of
colors and how different dyes and pigments are added to markers in order to get
a specific color.
Why Is It A Good Experiment?
There is little mess, and only a few items needed to complete this experiment.
It has really interesting results, and even very young children can participate
in this experiment. The items needed for the experiment are non-toxic and safe
if they are touched, smelled, and even tasted.
Setting Up:
Cut a paper towel into several strips, about 2 inches wide. Next, draw a wavy
line with any color marker (NOT a primary color) about an inch from the end of
the strip. Repeat with several different colored markers on all of your paper
towel strips. Fill a cup or glass with water.
The Experiment:
Have your scientists dip the end of the paper towel with the line on it into
the glass of water just below where the lines are drawn on their strips of
paper towel. Leave the strip in the water, and watch as the paper towel begins
to absorb the liquid. As the liquid seeps up the paper towel, the different
dyes in the marker will begin to separate and cause streaks of different
colors. Kids will be amazed at the different colors used to create a single
marker!
Balloon Blowup
Description:
Vinegar and baking soda can create an explosive reaction. By carefully
measuring baking soda into an un-inflated balloon and then quickly adding
vinegar to the baking soda, you can actually blow up a balloon with the gases
from the chemical reaction.
Why This Is A Good Experiment:
Kids love dramatic results when it comes to science. This experiment is fun,
easy to do, and gives them results they can see right before their eyes! It
also teaches them about chemical reactions, and what the results of those
reactions might be.
Setting Up:
Using a funnel and regular-sized balloons, place about 2 tablespoons of baking
soda in each balloon. Fill plastic test tubes with about 2 ounces of vinegar
each.
The Experiment:
Have each scientist carefully secure the end of a balloon over a test tube,
letting the top of the balloon hang down so that no baking soda mixes with the
vinegar. After balloon is secured around the test tube, have the scientists
hold up the end of the balloon so that the baking soda dumps into the test
tube. Watch as the balloons inflate from the gas released as a result of the
vinegar and baking soda reaction.
Elephant Toothpaste
Description:
Another fun experiment to teach kids about chemical reactions. By combining a
bit of dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, food coloring, yeast, and water, you will
get a giant, foamy mess that looks like elephant toothpaste!
Why It Is A Good Experiment:
This experiment requires a lot of supervision and some prep work, but the
resulting foamy fun is well worth the work and the necessary supervision. The
foam is fun for the kids to touch and scoop and play with, and it is another
dramatic result that kids will be excited to try again and again. The reaction
between the yeast, soap, and peroxide creates heat, which is a biproduct of the
chemical reaction.
Setting Up:
To get started, you will need a 6% solution of hydrogen peroxide. You will most
likely have to visit a beauty supply store to get this product. You will also
need an empty 16 oz. plastic water bottle, 1 packet of yeast, a funnel, a few
drops of food coloring, 3 tablespoons warm water, dish soap, safety goggles,
and a large plastic container (to catch the foamy mess).
The Experiment:
While wearing safety glasses, fill a plastic water bottle with 8 ounces of
hydrogen peroxide solution. Next, add about 8 drops of food coloring to the
peroxide. Next, add about a tablespoon of liquid dish soap to the bottle and
swirl it around to lightly mix the solution. In a separate small bowl, mix
water and yeast packet. Stir until all the lumps are gone. Using a funnel, pour
the yeast mixture into the peroxide solution. Watch in amazement as mounds of
colorful foam spill out of the plastic water bottle. The foam is safe to touch
since it is water, oxygen, and soap.
Floating Letters
Description:
This experiment is fun and easy. It requires Skittles, M&Ms and a bowl of
water. It requires a little bit of time, so begin the experiment and move onto
others, then go back to see your letters floating.
Why It Is A Good Experiment:
This experiment is very easy and there is very little cleanup involved. It
teaches kids about water solubility and bouyancy, so it is an interesting and
educational experiment. Plus, unused candies can be eated or added to party
favors for kids to bring home with them.
Setting Up:
Fill a medium-sized clear bowl about 3/4 full with warm water.
The Experiment:
Have each scientist add a few candies to the bowl of warm water, letter side
up. DO NOT STIR! Note that the candies will sink to the bottom of the bowl.
After a few minutes, the candy coating will begin to dissolve, and the letters
on the candies will float to the top. You will see little S's and M's floating
on the top of the water. The letters are printed in edible ink which is not
water soluble, so even while the candies and the coating dissolve, the letters
remain. They are more buoyant and will therefore float to the surface.
Scream For Ice Cream
Description:
Kids will get to make their own ice cream to enjoy at the party. By mixing
together cream, salt, and ice (along with some other ingredients), they learn
the science behind different states of matter.
Why It Is A Good Experiment:
When you are finished with the experiment, your little scientists can eat their
creation. It is easy to do, and all of the ingredients are safe to use (and
eat).
Setting Up:
To prepare for this experiment, you need a gallon-sized plastic bag with a zip
top, a quart-sized plastic bag with a zip top, kosher salt or rock salt, sugar,
ice, half and half, and vanilla extract.
The Experiment:
Have your scientists put two cups of ice and 3/4 cup salt into large plastic
bag. In the small bag, have them mix 1 cup half and half, 1/4 cup sugar, and
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Squeeze out air, and close the bag. Place the
small bag inside the large bag, and have your scientists shake and knead the
bag for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove the small bag from inside
the large bag, rinse it off in cold water, unzip, and hand out spoons. Your
scientists can eat their end results!
Science can be absolutely entertaining and magical for kids of all ages. By
putting together a few fun and educational experiments, you can have a successful
science birthday party that your children and all their guests will remember
for a lifetime.
Alan
Simon is the owner of a Mad Science franchise in St. Louis Missouri, you can
visit the Mad Science website by clicking here.
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