Science Learning Hub Resources

Thanks to the brilliant Science Learning Hub team for these engaging, expert classroom resources*

Explore a range of Science Learning Hub resources which make Chemistry EASY AZ

Discussion Starters

Continue the conversation after the show!

• Google the 'Waterfall Effect'

• The first time we did the 'Swirl-a-Tron' demo you saw our head growing bigger, the second time something different happened - we changed a variable. Do you remember what it was?

• When we take two or more things and put them together, sometimes we can make a mixture. We mixed vinegar and baking soda together lots during the show. Each time a variable changed and we understood something new. Can you remember what happened each time? 

• What mixtures do you make in the kitchen?

• What happens when you mix oil and water together? Do they mix? Or do they separate?

• We mixed vinegar and baking soda together we saw a reaction. We then observed the same same experiment but using a bottle and a balloon on top. The balloon expanded with a gas called carbon dioxide. The balloon got bigger but we didn't 'sneak in' any extra material.... hmmmm ... did it have more 'stuff'? (hint ... gases take up more room than solids and liquids).

• The properties of a material are what they look like and how they behave. We can use all our senses to work out the properties of a material. It can be fun to figure out the properties of the materials you can find in your classroom and then put them into categories of ones that are similar (eg: books, pencils and chairs are all hard/solid).

• We nearly poured a cup of blue water over your teacher's head! What happened to the water?

• Can you think of other super absorbent polymers? (eg: the stuff in babies nappies, instant snow).

• Why did we say that the properties of super absorbent polymers make them good to use in babies nappies?

• How did the vinegar and baking soda look after it was mixed? The Infrared Thermometer helped us but showing it also changed temperature too. If you recreate this experiment and hold the bottle - can you feel it getting warmer (exothermic reaction) or colder (an endothermic reaction)?  

• Don't forget to explore the 'hot ice experiment'.

• Did you like "Purple Potion of Papatoetoe"/Ph tester demo? Here's a resource that tells you how to make it and some ideas for classroom activities. We love it too - check us out (during lockdown) in our garage having fun with it!

• Remember, the scientific process is easy. It's all about ask a question, have a think (prediction/guess), test it out, make observations (use your senses, what's are we experiencing?) and then onto explanations (why did this happen?) .... and then you can start the cycle again as you'll probably have more questions :)

• Want to figure something else out? Change a variable and try the process again. 

♨️Click Heat Pad Instructions

To re-set

• Place the hardened pack into boiling water.

• Continue to boil for approximately 5 minutes or until crystals are completely liquefied. 

• Use tongs to remove the pack.

• The pack can be reused once it cools down.

To reheat

• Flex metal disc back and forth until crystals form.

• Knead pack to soften. The temperature can reach up to 50+ deg C (depends on physical environment).

• Want to buy your own? We purchased our from Marine Deals.

🫖Instructions so you can make your own Red Cabbage Tea