Science Smarts: Get a head start on those oozing, frightening Halloween potions

By Patty Rooks on September 21, 2024.

Everywhere I look lately, I see signs of Halloween! It is a fun time of the year, especially when it comes to science, in my opinion. What other time of the year can you make oozing, bubbling, gooey potions and mixtures to frighten people with? I have to so many to share and such little time so here is one of my favourites. Let’s get started!

*An adult MUST help you with this experiment.

Materials

– 1 bar of Ivoryâ„¢ soap

– Rubbing alcohol

– Measuring spoon

– Bowl

– Spoon

– Small jar with a tight fitting lid

– Laxative pills containing phenolphthalein (Correctol, Ex-Lax)

– Goggles

Note: Only an adult should demonstrate this experiment.

Procedure

1. Put your goggles on.

2. Take two laxative pills and place them in a bowl.

3. With the back of a spoon crush the laxative pills up.

4. Pour the crushed pills into the jar.

5. Measure out two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and pour into the jar.

6. Shake up very well.

7. Dip your hands in the laxative mixture, shake off and allow to dry.

8. Wash your hands with the bar of soap.

9. Observe what happens.

Explanation

The soapy water should have turned bright red. This occurs because of a chemical reaction. The laxative pills contain a “chemical” phenolphthalein. Soap is essentially made by mixing together fats and lye or alkali. When phenolphthalein reacts with alkali (soap) it turns bright red looking like your hands are covered in blood!

Exciting news – we receive a small grant to update a few of our hands on learning kits and lend them out – if you are interested in borrowing some hands on materials for your classroom please email me your needs and we will be happy to assist!

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant 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. Address: 12 826 11th Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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