Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Experiments from Around the House (Volume 4) (Lab for Kids, 4) - Softcover

Heinecke, Liz Lee

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1592539254 ISBN 13: 9781592539253

Publisher: Quarry Books, 2014

Synopsis

Conduct physics, chemistry, and biology experiments with tools and ingredients found in any kitchen! These 52 labs created by mom and scientist Liz Lee Heinecke introduce fundamental scientific principles in a fun and accessible format.

Have fun:

• exploring physics: marshmallow slingshots serve as a lesson on the transformation of energy and an egg-throwing experiment demonstrates the law of motion.
• learning about microbiology by growing your own microbe zoo on a homemade petri plate. 
• learning about rocket science by making and launching bottle rockets, using water and a bike pump.

Other great projects explore the exciting science of crystals, static electricity, acidification, and solar energy. The experiments can be used as individual projects, for parties, or as educational activities for groups. It's the perfect resource for Girl Scout Brownies looking to earn their Home Scientist badges! Many of the experiments are safe enough for children as young as toddlers and exciting enough for older kids, so families can discover the joy of science together.

The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

About this title

Review:

Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Experiments from Around the House (Hands-On Family)

Fizzy Balloons
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Fizzy Balloons!

Watch a bubbly chemical reaction inflate a balloon with invisible carbon dioxide gas.

The Science Behind the Fun:

The scientific name for baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Kitchen vinegar is diluted acetic acid. When mixed together, these two chemicals react to form some new chemicals, including carbon dioxide gas, which inflates the balloon. We know a reaction is happening because we can see bubbles forming, the bottle feels cold, and the balloon inflates with the invisible gas.

Protocol:

Step 1: Pour 1/3 cup vinegar into the soda bottle. Step 2: Hold the mouth of the balloon open and use a spoon to pour 3 tsp. or so of baking soda into the balloon. This takes two people, one to hold the balloon open and one to add the soda. Step 3: Shake the soda down into the “bulb” or the main part of the balloon. Carefully stretch the mouth of the balloon completely over the mouth of the bottle, keeping the main part of the balloon off to one side, so the baking soda isn’t dumped into the bottle until you’re ready. Step 4: Holding the mouth of the balloon on the bottle, shake the soda into the bottle, all at once.

Materials:

• Medium-sized balloon
• An empty 16 oz soda or water bottle
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Spoon

About the Author:

Liz Lee Heinecke has loved science since she was old enough to inspect her first butterfly. After working in molecular biology research for 10 years and earning her master’s degree, she left the lab to kick off a new chapter in her life as a stay-at-home mom. Soon, she found herself sharing her love of science with her three kids as they grew, chronicling their science adventures on her KitchenPantryScientist website. Her desire to share her enthusiasm for science led to regular television appearances, an opportunity to serve as an Earth Ambassador for NASA, and the creation of an iPhone app. Her goal is to make it simple for parents to do science with kids of all ages, and for kids to experiment safely on their own. Liz graduated from Luther College and received her master’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is the author of Kitchen Science Lab for Kids, Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: Edible Edition, Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, and STEAM Lab for Kids.

About this edition

• Publisher: Quarry Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1592539254
• ISBN 13: 9781592539253
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144