Keeping children entertained can be quite a tough exercise, especially during the summer break. You have to keep them active, out of trouble and, in the process, educate them. One such way of doing so is conducting home experiments with the kids.
While you might not have been a science major, there are some neat water experiments you can do using the bare minimum. With that in mind here some educational activities you and the kids will definitely enjoy.
- Instant sub zero
Usually water takes centuries to freeze completely, but imagine if you could turn liquid into solid ice in no time at all. Well the good news is you can and it’s not magic or rocket science. For this, you’ll need a plastic bottle filled with pure H20. You can use distilled water, as it’s already free of particulates. Place the bottle in the freezer and leave it for about two hours and forty-five minutes.
When it’s time, take the bottle out of the freezer and you can either:
- Tap the bottle – Give the bottle a sharp jolt and watch as it flash freezes in an instant. Your kids can tell their unsuspecting friends its magic.
- Water on ice – Carefully remove the cap from the bottle and pour it on ice-cubes. You’ll notice that the water will immediately crystalize, allowing you to create your own ice-sculptures.
- Add some ice – Pour the pure water into a glass and add an ice-cube. The result will be instantly frozen water.
- Scared pepper
Do you want to see seasoning scamper away like a colony of scared ants? Then fill a glass bowl with water and add pepper. If you dip your finger into the container, the pepper won’t be disturbed and you’ll create a few ripples. However, dip the same finger in some liquid soap and try the same action again. As you’ll notice, the pepper instantly disperses to the outer rim of the bowl and will only return to normal once you remove your finger.
- Laser bender
Physics dictates that you can’t bend light being emitted by laser. But with a plastic bottle of water, anything is possible. Make a tiny incision through the container where water will spurt out. From the opposite side of the container, aim the laser pointer directly at the hole. No, you’re not imagining things; you’ve actually made light bend – how awesome is that?
- Colour my carnations
Plain coloured flowers are a drag to look at sometimes, so why not just change their appearance? Apart from being visually astounding, this next experiment will also teach children just how plants react to water. You’ll need plastic cups filled with water, white carnations and your choice of food colouring: we recommend red, blue or green.
Create a fresh cut on the flowers stem before placing it in the cup of water. Thereafter, add up to 20 to 30 drops of food colouring in the container. Leave for about 24 hours and check again to see the results. You’ll be surprised to see that your white flower has changed colour.
These are just some of the experiments you can perform with just water and utensils laying in and around your home. They’re all safe and exciting for the entire family to enjoy. So next time you’re out of ideas on how to entertain the kids, think water.
