Kids, did you ever imagine that there might be chemistry involved in braces? How about eyeglass frames? There is a special metal alloy called Nitinol that is often involved in both of these applications. It is a nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) alloy developed by chemists at the Naval Ordinance Lab (NOL) &sh...

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Kids, let¹s look at the cool chemistry that makes color-changing markers work. These special colored markers are used to make colorful masterpieces, and when they are drawn over with a special white marker the colors change. Let¹s be investigative about this and look at the science of this...

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Kids, did you ever wonder what crayons are made of and how all those different colors arise? You probably know that they are "wax" crayons, but let¹s go a little bit deeper than that. Waxes are a mixture of chemicals called esters, fatty acids, alcohols and hydrocarbons. They are for the most p...

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Kids, last month we learned about teflon and this month we'll learn about another amazing polymer (which is actually a really, really big molecule) called Kevlar. Kevlar is also called the "fabric of steel" because of its outstanding strength. Underwater, it is 20 times stronger than steel! Since it...

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Kids, did you know that teflon is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the slipperiest material in the world? The secret lies in its highly stable covalent bonds. Let¹s learn more about teflon's chemistry and do a little test of its amazing properties. Please note: All chemicals and...

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Kids, let's use some chemistry to engrave your name on a hard boiled egg. It's actually a process of reverse-engraving, because we'll make all of the shell disappear EXCEPT for your name Please note: All chemicals and experiments can entail an element of risk, and no experiments should be performe...

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Kids, which has more vitamin C in it: Tang® drink mix or orange juice? Let’s use some chemistry and a color test to find out. Have an adult make an iodine solution by adding 1 teaspoon of tincture of iodine to 1 tablespoon of water in a labeled plastic cup. Please note: All chemicals and...

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Kids, now it's time to use chemistry to make your own plastic ball. Cover a work surface with two layers of paper towels. Into a small plastic cup put one tablespoon of white liquid glue (like Elmer's®). Into another small cup put 1/2 teaspoon each of Epsom salts and water. Swirl the cup until n...

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Kids, can you say "super-saturation"? This is a big word but by using the principle behind it, you can make some cool formations. Follow me... Please note: All chemicals and experiments can entail an element of risk, and no experiments should be performed without proper adult supervision. You'l...

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Kids, let's make your own acid/base pH indicator by doing a little cooking - just by boiling red cabbage. The juice is used to test the pH of different liquids. Please note: All chemicals and experiments can entail an element of risk, and no experiments should be performed without proper adult su...

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