Chemistry Experiments
Chemistry Challenge for Kids Ages 5 Through 12
The following experiments are ideal for kids ages 5 through 12 and can be completed in the classroom or museum setting.
The Sciencenter in Ithaca, N.Y. has created fun, easy, and safe chemistry experiments for use in museums and classrooms. The goal of the program was to develop simple activities so that children can investigate the properties of chemicals to solve puzzles or challenges, such as "Fruit Juice Mystery" and "Disappearing Stains."
These activities can also be used at a school or museum chemistry day event.
Carrying Charges
Can you make a solution that conducts electricity to make the buzzer buzz?
Download Activity: Carrying Charges (PDF)
Changing Colors
Can you make the solution go from clear to yellow to blue, then back to clear?
Download Activity: Changing Colors (PDF)
Disappearing Colors
You just spilled juice all over your new shirt and you are in BIG trouble. Can you make the stain go away?
Download Activity: Disappearing Colors (PDF)
Finding Colors
Can you find five indicator colors (red, orange, yellow, green, and blue) when an acid and a base are reacted together?
Download Activity: Finding Colors (PDF)
Finding Red
Can you discover which combination of chemicals will produce red when mixed together?
Download Activity: Finding Red (PDF)
The Fruit Juice Mystery
Can you discover which juice is a fake made from food color and water and sugar?
Download Activity: The Fruit Juice Mystery (PDF)
Hot and Cold
Can you find the combination of chemicals that could be used to make an instant cold pack?
Download Activity: Hot And Cold (PDF)
The Liquid Rainbow
Can you create a rainbow pattern of colors in a test tube?
Download Activity: The Liquid Rainbow (PDF)
Plant Power
Can you find which plants have an enzyme that breaks hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen?
Download Activity: Plant Power (PDF)
Which Powder
Can identify an unknown powder by comparing it with common household powders?
Download Activity: Which Powder is It? (PDF)
Safety Signs
Signs for posting near kits and at activity tables.
Download Safety Signs (PDF)
List of Experiments
A complete listing of all the experiments. This sign can be posted near the kits.
Download List of all Experiments (PDF)
General Signs
We also have 8 1/2 x 11" signs you can use on the wall or at a table for each activity.
Download Signs (PDF)
Supplies
A list of supplies you will need for the experiments.
Download List of Supplies (PDF)
Take-Home Kit
Below is an instructional sheet for a take home chemistry kit. This can be packaged with the listed materials and given to visitors and students.
Chemsations! Demonstration Show
Acknowledgement
This project is funded by a grant from the Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation and the American Chemical Society.Contact Information
Bob Silberman
Sciencenter
601 First St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Tel: (607) 272-0600 ext. 25
Email: Bobjune@pop.lightlink.com
