Praxis: A snowy show where it’s warm

By Medicine Hat News on December 9, 2017.

I know it may be a but cliche, but with the snowfall earlier this week, the decorations hanging from the light posts, to lights twinkling on the lawns in the evening, I really feel it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This can be such a busy time of the year for many of us. There are also those times though that we are looking for something to do when we have a house full of company. What I like to do is make little “science boxes” and have them stashed away in a closet for when the need arises to entertain a few children! This is a perfect holiday experiment to have on hand. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– clear glass jar

– alka seltzer

– baby oil

– water

– glitter

– white paint

– blue food colouring

– measuring spoons

– measuring cups

– separate bowl

Procedure

1. Measure one cup (250 mL) of water and pour it into the bowl. Add one tablespoon (15 mL) of white paint and stir well. Set aside for now.

2. Fill the clear glass jar about 3/4 full of baby oil.

3. Pour the paint water mixture on top of the baby oil. It is difficult to tell you how much, use your judgement; you want the jar to be full enough so you can still get the lid on it.

4. Sprinkle some glitter on top of the water mixture.

5. Add several drops of blue food colouring.

6. Observe.

7. Break the alka seltzer tablet into small pieces. Add a piece to the glass container.

8. Observe. WOW a snowstorm right before your very own eyes! NOTE: Do not put the lid on until ALL of the alka seltzer has dissolved.

What is going on?

In this experiment, you have oil and water. These two substances DO NOT mix! You can clearly see the white water/paint mixture separate from the oil. You may be asking why does this happen? Oil and water molecules are not attracted to each other because oil molecules are non-polar and hydrophobic or “water-fearing.” Oil has a lower density than water, so it always floats on top. The alka seltzer tablet reacts with the water releasing carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles are attracted to the blobs of coloured water allowing them to float back and forth to the surface. Enjoy your snowstorm inside the warmth of your house this holiday season!

If you are a homeschool educator, do not forget to register for our Science Fair Workshop on Dec. 13 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. I promise, it will not disappoint.

Patty Rooks is senior scientific consultant at PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook.

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