| It is very important that science fair projects grade one | | | | - Food coloring |
| to three are still easy for the kids to do, yet very visual. | | | | - Moth balls |
| They have to be able to "see" very clearly what | | | | - Felt tipped pen |
| happens to keep their interest. Science fair projects | | | | - Stickers |
| grade one to three must also be done in a short while | | | | - Camera |
| as the little kids' concentration span is not very long | | | | How to do this experiment: |
| yet. | | | | |
| This science fair project is just that, easy, fun and | | | | 1. Fill both the flasks about half full of water |
| visual. It is probably best suited for the grade ones, but | | | | 2. Keep the one as it is with only water in it and mark it |
| grades two and three can do it in a little more detail | | | | as "A" this is your control |
| and it will still be suitable. It may be a good idea to add | | | | 3. Mark the other flask "B" and this is the one that you |
| to it, for instance, repeat it with a soda and explain | | | | are going to do the experiment with |
| why the same happens and what it is in the soda that | | | | 4. Add the bicarbonate of soda and the citric acid to |
| causes it. | | | | the water in the other and stir until all has dissolved |
| After you have done this experiment to find out if gas | | | | 5. Add the vinegar to the same flask and stir it well |
| is less dense than water you should be able to | | | | 6. Color the water with a little food coloring, this is only |
| answer the following questions: | | | | so that you can see what happens better and you |
| | | | can add the coloring to both flasks |
| 1. What makes the moth balls rise after you put it in | | | | 7. Place half the moth balls in your control flask and the |
| the water? | | | | other half in the other flask. |
| 2. What makes the moth balls sink again? | | | | 8. Observe what happens |
| 3. Is the vinegar and acid? | | | | 9. What is your conclusion? |
| 4. Is the bicarbonate of soda an alkali? | | | | Now think about this: |
| 5. What kind of reaction takes place when you mix the | | | | - Moth balls will sink in most liquids. |
| two? | | | | - Why do you think it is the case? |
| 6. What is the gas named that is formed? | | | | - Does it happen to the moth balls in your control? |
| Before you start your experiment you must formulate | | | | - What happens in "B?" |
| your hypothesis, it means you must say what you think | | | | - Why do you think it happens? |
| is going to happen and what it is you want to prove. | | | | Explanation: |
| Then it is important to use the correct scientific | | | | The vinegar (an acid) and the bicarbonate of soda (an |
| method which includes having a control. Now what is a | | | | alkali) mixed, results in a chemical reaction and |
| control? It is the part where you show what happens | | | | produces a gas called carbon dioxide and this gas |
| when you do nothing! Once you have completed your | | | | sticks to the moth balls. The gas is less dense than the |
| project it is important to formulate your conclusion very | | | | water and therefore lifts the moth balls to the surface. |
| clearly. | | | | On the surface the gas escapes and the moth balls |
| Another important thing is to always keep your display | | | | sinks again. This process is repeated over and over |
| in mind. Make meticulous notes and take photos of all | | | | until all the gas has escaped. In your control there is no |
| your steps. | | | | chemical reaction and no gas formed so the moth balls |
| What you will need for this project: | | | | sink and remain at the bottom. |
| - 2 Tall straight flasks | | | | This is one of our science fair projects grade one to |
| - Water | | | | three that the kids can do all by themselves. It is |
| - 2 Teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda | | | | advisable, though, that they so it with adult supervision |
| - 2 Teaspoons of citric acid | | | | to prevent accidents! Remember the moth balls are |
| - 10 Table spoons of white vinegar | | | | poisonous and you should wash your hands thoroughly |
| - A long spoon | | | | after you have handled them. |