Mad Science: The Perfect Mix of Mind and Matter
| How can you turn milk into a solid?
When and why do sea creatures glow?
Why are frogs famous for being slimy? The best way to discover the answers to these questions and more is to put on your science goggles and do some testing! With summer break nearly here, what better time to try out cool experiments around the house? By using ordinary kitchen ingredients and following simple formulas, kids can learn all about things that live and grow, slime and flow, ooze and glow. They can even get a jump start on next year’s science fair! With Extreme Secret Formula Lab by SmartLab Toys, kids can play with glowing slime and learn that frogs are slimy because they breathe through their skin (but only if it’s moist). And, that glowing isn’t just for aliens—sea creatures and insects here on earth “glow” through a process called bioluminescence to attract a mate, scare a predator, or entice a potential meal. This best-selling kit lets kids try their hand at mad science using a beaker, funnel, mix-and-measure scoop, squishy-lidded bubble test tubes, and an abundance of glow-in-the-dark powder. The result: 20 experiments that glow, ooze, and stink up the kitchen. From glow-in-the-dark alien blood to scratch-and-sniff stickers, young scientists have never had so much fun with custom-designed tools and commonly found household ingredients! Here’s a sneak peek at one of the experiments. Plastic Rotten Milk Don’t cry over spilled milk. Turn that liquidy mess into a solid with this recipe. Ingredients: ¼ cup skim milk 1 teaspoon white vinegar Flavored coffee creamer (optional) Equipment needed: Measuring cups and spoons Microwave-safe bowl Large bowl Microwave (and an adult) Spoon Coffee filter Step 1: Measure out the milk into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the white vinegar. Microwave the mixture for about one minute. Step 2: Remove the bowl from the microwave. Step 3: Stir the mixture until it looks like cottage cheese. Step 4: Strain off the liquid into a coffee filter, and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Step 5: Once the mixture has cooled, you can play with it. It should feel like rubber. Form the blob into shapes and leave it out to harden overnight! Optional: Now try the experiment using flavored coffee creamer instead of milk. Do you notice a difference? To download an activity sheet of this experiment, click here. And, for more fun free activities like this, check out the Free Zone at www.smartlabtoys.com! |
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