Kids, there are many different ways to separate the components of a mixture. This time we will separate the substances used to color candy by using a technique called chromatography. The candy you will need is the brown color of M&Ms©, Reeses's pieces©, and Skittles©. Please no...

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Kids, the scientific concept to be learned in this experiment is lowering the freezing point. The fun to be had is in making and eating your very own ice cream. The recipe is actually more like a well-known Wisconsin treat called frozen custard. Please note: All chemicals and experiments can entai...

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Kids, a while back we learned how to make slime in this column. Now it is time to make GACK, a similar material that is made from easy-to-find ingredients. Please note: All chemicals and experiments can entail an element of risk, and no experiments should be performed without proper adult s...

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Kids, did you know that chemical reactions are going on all the time right in your mouth, especially when you chew? Let's see what happens to starch in our mouths. Please note: All chemicals and experiments can entail an element of risk, and no experiments should be performed without proper adul...

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Kids, our purpose in this experiment is to make a green, jelly-like blob from mixing two liquids. One liquid is made by dissolving steel wool. You will need vinegar, steel wool (pure - no soap), household ammonia, and 2 small baby food jars. Please note: All chemicals and experiments can entail ...

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Kids, while you were enjoying the outdoors this summer, we hope that you were on the lookout for recreational products made from recycled materials. If not, try it during your free time this fall! Here are just a few examples. Please note: All chemicals and experiments can entail an element of...

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Kids, can you guess what carbon dioxide gas will do to the flame from a candle? Here is how to check your guess. You will need a wide-mouth bottle or jar (or a 250 ml beaker), 3-4 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/4 cup vinegar, a birthday candle, a square of cardboard that will fit inside the jar, matc...

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Kids, you all know what Slime is, right? Did you know that you can make your own slime at home? Slime is made by reacting just two compounds or ingredients. One is a long chain molecule, a polymer called polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This is crosslinked with a simple solution of borax (sodium borate). ...

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Kids, did you ever notice at your summer family picnics that all the cans of diet soda float on top in a cooler of ice water, while regular sodas have to be fished from the bottom of the freezing cold water? It is obvious that the densities of the two are quite different. Density is a property use...

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Kids, let's learn how fossils are formed and preserved. Please note: All chemicals and experiments can entail an element of risk, and no experiments should be performed without proper adult supervision. Use fresh play dough that is soft and pack it into an empty margarine tub until the tub i...

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