Experiment Ingredients!
by Amy LV
by Amy LV
Students - have you ever watched a person have a blast with a project of their own making? Well, this summer it's been loads of fun to witness our son Henry's experiments, many of which include baking soda and vinegar. He's sent all sorts of things flying across our yard, and so far all people and pets are safe (though our one-eyed Mini cat did look a bit nervous this afternoon.) I wrote this poem from my own pleasure of watching Hen have such a super time exploring science.
Are you looking for summer projects which could be more exciting than world travel? If yes, don't miss this book, Henry's recent inspiration and go-to manual. It is full of directions for everything from a "Frankenstein's Hand" to "Dancing Mothballs."
If you're on the hunt for a good gift, consider this book along with a gallon of vinegar and a large box of baking soda!
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Parents and teachers - I encourage you to take a peek at this TED talk by Tinkering School founder, Gever Tully, all about the "5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do."
Elaine Magliaro, word and science lover extraordinaire, is hosting today's Poetry Friday at Wild Rose Reader. Head on over to her place to see what kind of words she is experimenting with today.
(Please click on POST A COMMENT below to share a thought.)
This one, like so many of your creations, reminds me exactly why I so enjoy being with you! Thank you for the regular confirmation that it's okay (and encouraged) to let kids be kids - and for adults to join in the fun! Looking forward to some BOOM with our families together this summer!
ReplyDeleteLove the BOOM! -- great writing move!
ReplyDeleteAnd science as play...what could be better?!?
The video was refreshing - that's how I grew up. I did all those thing except the mp3 thing... It reminds me that our kids will probably never know what it is like to spend a whole day riding bikes anywhere - just riding in the woods, on the side streets - no worries and free. They have to live in a world of my fears now.
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteTo think that I was using baking soda and vinegar to clean the drains in my house...I could be doing something much more fun! Yes, I too like the "Boom." Thank you for sharing the Ted talk. You pick some great ones!
Amy,
ReplyDeleteThis may be too tame for your son after his own explorations, but if he wants to try another cool experiment along the same lines - have him fill a film canister 3/4 full with water, drop in an alka-selzer tablet, and quickly cap it. In a few moments, the top will explode off with a very satisfying "POP!". I do this with my students every year and for some, it is the high point of second grade - which is a little depressing for me. If you don't have alka selzer, you could probably just use baking soda and vinegar. The hard part is finding a film canister.
Bill M