They blinded me with science!

Every once in awhile I take off my 'administrative mommy' hat and put on my 'get down and really help with the kids mommy' hat.  That day was today. The boys school supports a fabulous Ontario based science program for elementary school children (K-8) called Scientists in School.

Scientists In School is a non-profit charitable organization that fosters childrens interest in science and technology. The students in our school are lucky enough to have this program brought into their classrooms at least twice a year per class. Scientists is funded by our volunteer run Home & School Association.  Every topic explored in class is in line with the Ontario Elementary Science Curriculum. This year is the 20th Anniversary for the Scientists in School program. 

I have been lucky enough to volunteer at least once a year in each of my son's classes. To be honest with you, sometimes I walk out of the class feeling like the school board should cut me a cheque. It's a little like work. Fun, enjoyable work that is.  Today was the exception. Our topic this morning was Kitchen Chemistry. I heard that this was a fun topic, but had hadn't had the chance to volunteer for this one yet.  The kiddies were wee chemists exploring liquids, solids and gasses (no toot jokes, save those for grade 4). Two of the experiments were particularly fun. One was adding two table spoons of baking soda a balloon (through a funnel) and then putting the balloon over a plastic bottle half filled with vinegar. When you empty the baking soda into the vinegar it neutralizes the vinegar and the gas created causes the balloon to blow up. The kiddies, and the parent volunteers loved it! 

The other experiment that was very popular was creating Magic Mud. Magic Mud is a substance created out of cornstarch and water that behaves like both a liquid and a solid. A little messy, but tons of fun. Here is the recipe, but be warned, lay down lots of newspaper and be prepared for a mess. But hey, what's a little mess in the name of science?

Magic Mud

You need:

A medium bagggie

5 tablespoons of water

1/2 cup cornstarch

Plate or container to pour the minxutre into.

What to do:

In a baggie, mix together the cornstarch and water. Seal the baggie and squish it all together. Dump the contents of the baggie and watch the magic happen.

Have fun!