| Doing easy elementary science projects need not be | | | | - 5 Soil samples from different kinds of soil (go |
| kept only for science fairs. There are many good | | | | exploring with the kids to find samples in different |
| reasons why you and your kids should do science | | | | places) |
| experiments all the time. | | | | - Labels |
| Here are a few of those reasons: | | | | - A pen |
| | | | - A notebook |
| 1. It gives you and the kids the opportunity to spend | | | | What you have to do: |
| some quality time together | | | | |
| 2. Kids love exploring and it is good to use this natural | | | | 1. Fill your jars halfway full with your soil samples. One |
| curiosity to teach them basic science without them | | | | kind of soil into each jar. |
| even noticing. | | | | 2. Mark each jar with a name that will help you |
| 3. Science experiments using easy to obtain supplies | | | | remember which soil you placed in which jar. |
| are also very suitable for homeschoolers. | | | | 3. Fill the jars with water until they are almost full. |
| Our easy elementary science project for today falls in | | | | 4. Now observe what happens. |
| to the category of "fun." It is a very simple experiment | | | | 5. You will see that bubbles start rising to the top of |
| and the kids will be able to do it with very little help | | | | the water. |
| from you. You will have to supervise though; otherwise | | | | 6. Can you explain why there are more bubbles in |
| you will have a big mess on your hands! | | | | some of the bottles than in others? |
| To start, explain to the kids that the earth consists of | | | | 7. Make notes of all your results, it is also a good idea |
| rocks, sand, humus, water and air. This is all the | | | | to take photos of your result if you are doing this as a |
| "ingredients" necessary for life on earth. Plants, animals | | | | science fair project or as part of your science lessons |
| and humans all need them in order to be able to | | | | for homeschooling. |
| survive. In our science project we are going to have a | | | | You will note that the soil that is the most tightly |
| look at soil. We are going to find out how much air is | | | | packed will have less air in it than for instance a soil |
| trapped in different kinds of soil. | | | | with lots of humus, taken maybe from a flower bed. |
| What you need: | | | | Do you think plants grow better in well aerated soil or |
| - 5 Small clear jars | | | | in soil more densely packed? This can be the subject |
| - Water | | | | of a later easy elementary science project. Have fun! |