Mckynzie Bouches

Learning Activity: Elephant Toothpaste

Domain: Science

Grade Level: Pre-K

Standard: Virginia Foundation Block 4: Matter/Simple Physical and Chemical Reactions

b) Observe and conduct simple experiments that explore what will happen when substances are
combined.

Objective: The student will conduct an experiment, combining substances to learn about chemical
reactions.

Materials needed to make the activity:

 Empty soda bottle

 Cookie sheet
 2 Tbsp. warm water
 1 tsp. yeast
 ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
 4-5 drops of food coloring
 Liquid dish soap

Materials needed to do the activity:

 Empty soda bottle

 Cookie sheet
 2 Tbsp. warm water
 1 tsp. yeast
 ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
 4-5 drops of food coloring
 Liquid dish soap

Instructions:

1. Place the empty soda bottle on the cookie sheet.

2. Add the hydrogen peroxide to the bottle.
3. Squirt in the dish soap and swirl around to mix.
4. Add 4-5 drops of food coloring.
5. In a small dish, mix the warm water and yeast. Stir until well dissolved.
6. Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle and watch it grow!
 Mckynzie Bouches

Visual Representation:

How do you recommend using this activity?

One way I recommend using this activity as a whole group activity for the students to observe
the reaction. Another way to implement this activity is in small groups so that they could each make
their own smaller version of this experiment.

Source:

E. (2013, May 31). Elephant Toothpaste {Science Experiment}. Retrieved March 25, 2017, from
http://makingmemorieswithyourkids.com/2012/05/elephant-toothpaste-science-experiment/
 Mckynzie Bouches

Learning Activity: Glowing Water and Oil

Domain: Science

Grade Level: 1st grade

Standard: Virginia Standards of Learning-Science

1.3 The student will investigate and understand how different common materials interact with
water

a) Some liquids will separate when mixed with water, but others will not

Objective: The students will learn whether water and oil mix when combined in a hands on experiment.

Materials needed to make the activity:

 Baby oil
 Shallow container
 Pipettes
 Rainbow glow water

Materials needed to do the activity:

 Baby oil
 Shallow container
 Pipettes
 Rainbow glow water
 Black light

Instructions:

1. Fill shallow container with oil.

2. Set out glowing water colors in separate containers.
3. Have the student use the pipette to transfer the colored glow waters into the container of oil.
a. As the water is added to the oil it will bead up, never mixing with the water.
i. Can be poured into tall vase to create a lava lamp
 Mckynzie Bouches

Visual Representation:

How do you recommend using this activity?

I recommend using this activity during small group time so that each student can have their own
container. This activity is engaging and easy for students to manipulate individually and reflect on the
experiment based on their containers of water and oil.

Source:

C. (n.d.). Glowing Oil & Water Experiment. Retrieved March 25, 2017, from
http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/09/glowing-oil-water-experiment.html?m=1#aa
 Mckynzie Bouches

Learning Activity: Pulleys

Domain: science

Grade Level: 3rd grade

Standard: Virginia Standards of Learning- Science

3.2 The student will investigate and understand simple machines and their uses.

a) Purpose and function of simple machines;

Objective: The student will create a simple machine out of household objects to understand their
purpose.

Materials needed to make the activity:

 Large sheet of cardboard

 Empty recycled cans (two different sizes)
 Yarn or rope
 Bottle of water
 Small bucket
 Weights
 Hot glue

Materials needed to do the activity:

 Large sheet of cardboard

 Empty recycled cans (two different sizes)
 Yarn or rope
 Bottle of water
 Small bucket
 Weights
 Hot glue

Instructions:

1. Have the students glue the cans onto the cardboard.

a. Place the larger cans over the smaller cans to make a pulley that turns easily.
2. Attach the string to the bucket and the bottle of water.
3. Loop the sting over the cans to create a pulley.
4. Add weights until the bottle of water moves.
5. Pull the bottle of water to raise or lower the bucket.
 Mckynzie Bouches

Visual Representation:

How do you recommend using this activity?

I recommend using this activity in small groups. I think it would be useful to have one completed so that
you can explain what a pulley is and how it works. Then, have the students break out into groups and
work together to create a useful pulley.

Source:

Gorden, B. (February 14). Teach your child to engineer their own pulleys! Retrieved March 25, 2017,
from http://www.123homeschool4me.com/2017/02/teach-your-child-to-engineer-their-
own.html