Science Ambassador Activities

Our program is not limited to the topics below. We can design programs to fit your specific needs.

Fireflies (pre-2nd)
This activity teaches young children how fireflies give off light and glow in the dark. A story about fireflies will be read followed by a demonstration of how light is produced.
Is It Magnetic? (K-1st)
This hands-on activity demonstrates the difference between magnetic and non-magnetic objects. Each student will be given a magnet and several household items. The student will then make a prediction and test its validity.
Light (Rainbows, Prisms and Fireworks) (5th)
This topic deals with the properties of light. Prisms are used to change natural light into rainbows. Salts are ignited thus demonstrating the colors produced by fireworks. Chemiluminescences shows how light can be produced without heat and how glow sticks are made.
Acid and Base (6th-9th)
This activity involves finding the pH of various household substances. The terms of solution, solvent, and solute will be mentioned while the students are preparing the solutions. The students will then add the universal indicator to distinguish which is an acid or a base.
Sodium Bicarbonate Cannon (7th-9th)
This experiment will show how chemical energy can be turned into mechanical energy. The combination of vinegar and baking soda in a bottle creates a gas. The gas builds up pressure in the bottle, launching the bottle. The velocity of the cork is calculated.
Physical vs. Chemical Changes (Slime and Goop) (all grades)
This project demonstrates the difference between physical and chemical changes. Two solutions are prepared. The first solution, Goop, is used to demonstrate a physical change. The second solution, a polymer called Slime, demonstrates a chemical change. The activity concludes with slime races.
The Oscilloscope (1st-3rd)
The experiment teaches the concept of vibration, reflection, and sound waves. The oscilloscope will already be constructed and the students will be divided into groups of 4 or 5. Each group will observe the vibrations produced by their voices.
Extraction of Iron from Cereal (7th-9th)
The children will learn the principle of extraction of materials. This activity will allow the children to take cereal and through a series of steps to extract iron from the cereal.
Ice Cream (all grades)
This activity teaches freezing-point depression. This phenomenon happens when freezing point of a liquid is depressed when another compound is added. The children get to enjoy homemade ice cream when they are finished.
Color Changing Milk (all grades)
It's an explosion of color! Some very unusual things happen when you mix a little milk, food coloring, and a drop of liquid soap. The children will learn to amaze their friends and uncover the scientific secrets of soap.
Gooze (all grades)
Gooze is made up of tiny, solid particles of cornstarch suspended in water. Chemists call this type of mixture a colloid. The child will about physical properties of matter.
Elephant Toothpaste (4th – 9th)
This is not a pachyderm hygiene product as it would seem. It is however an excellent way for the children to learn about exothermic reactions and catalysts.
Alka-Seltzer Rockets (2nd – 9th)
This fun activity teaches the children about the properties of a gas and the release of carbon dioxide. The pressure in the rockets will only be matched by the excitement in the children.

 

 


For more information call Dr. Karen Carey at 424-3520 ext. 50302