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Easy Chemistry Experiments to Do at Home
These 12 projects use materials you probably already have
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- Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Want to do science but don't have your own laboratory? Don't worry. This list of science activities will allow you to perform experiments and projects with materials you likely already have in your cupboards .
You don't need esoteric chemicals and a lab to have a good time with chemistry. Yes, your average fourth-grader can make slime , but that doesn't mean it's any less fun when you're older.
Borax Snowflake
Anne Helmenstine
Making a borax snowflake is a crystal-growing project that is safe and easy enough for kids. You can make shapes other than snowflakes, and you can color the crystals. The snowflakes sparkle really nicely. If you use these as Christmas decorations and store them, the borax is a natural insecticide and will help keep your long-term storage area pest-free. If they develop a white precipitant, lightly rinse them but don't dissolve too much crystal.
Mentos and Diet Soda Fountain
This is a backyard activity best accompanied by a garden hose . The Mentos fountain is more spectacular than a baking soda volcano . If you make the volcano and find the eruption to be disappointing, substitute these ingredients.
Penny Chemistry
You can clean pennies, coat them with verdigris, and plate them with copper. This project demonstrates several chemical processes , yet the materials are easy to find and the science is safe enough for kids.
Invisible Ink
Invisible inks either react with another chemical to become visible or else weaken the structure of the paper so the message appears if you hold it over a heat source. But we're not talking about fire here; the heat of a normal light bulb is all that's required to darken the lettering. This baking soda recipe is nice because if you don't want to use a light bulb to reveal the message, you can just swab the paper with grape juice instead.
Colored Fire
Fire is fun. Colored fire is even better. These additives are safe. They won't, in general, produce smoke that is any better or worse for you than normal wood smoke. Depending on what you add, the ashes will have a different elemental composition from a normal wood fire, but if you're burning trash or printed material, you have a similar result. This is suitable for a home fire or campfire, plus most chemicals are found around the house (even of non-chemists).
Seven-Layer Density Column
Make a density column with many liquid layers . Heavier liquids sink to the bottom, while lighter (less dense) liquids float on top. This is an easy, fun, colorful science project that illustrates the concepts of density and miscibility.
Homemade Ice Cream in a Plastic Bag
Science experiments can taste good! Whether you're learning about freezing point depression or not, the ice cream is a delicious result either way. This cooking chemistry project potentially uses no dishes, so cleanup can be very easy.
Hot Ice (Sodium Acetate)
Got vinegar and baking soda ? If so, you can make " hot ice ," or sodium acetate , and then cause it to instantly crystallize from a liquid into "ice." The reaction generates heat, so the ice is hot. It happens so quickly that you can form crystal towers as you pour the liquid into a dish.
Burning Money
The " burning money trick " is a magic trick using chemistry . You can set a bill on fire, yet it won't burn. Are you brave enough to try it? All you need is a real bill.
Coffee Filter Chromatography
Exploring separation chemistry with coffee filter chromatography is a snap. A coffee filter works well, though if you don't drink coffee you can substitute a paper towel. You can also devise a project comparing the separation you get using different brands of paper towels. Leaves from outdoors can provide pigments. Frozen spinach is another good choice.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Foam Fight
The foam fight is a natural extension of the baking soda volcano . It's a lot of fun and a little messy but easy enough to clean up as long as you don't add food coloring to the foam.
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There are a variety of activities for Chemistry. You can find some of our more commonly requested activities below the request form on this page, or you can view our up-to-date complete list of all activities:
Chemistry Middle School complete list
Chemistry high school complete list, chemistry scheduling form for activities below, chemistry feedback form for activities below, new activities for chemistry.
Periodic Table Review – using Spheros
We have large periodic tables available. Teachers can ask a question, and students can drive Spheros to the correct location on the periodic table. Students can also program the Spheros to display the answer (up to two characters). Contact us for suggestions / help planning a unique lesson or review session!
Review / Test prep activities
We can design fun, unique review sessions for nearly any topic using our programmable Spheros. (No prior programming experience needed.) Ask us for suggestions for your next review session!
Commonly Requested Activities for Chemistry
Alternative energy
Fuel cell cars: Students use solar panels to induce electrolysis of water and collect the hydrogen produced. The hydrogen is then used to run fuel cell cars. Students may also calculate the mpg for the fuel cell cars and compare that to traditional gasoline cars. (45-90 minutes; 1-2 class periods)
Fuel Cell Car Lab
Atomic Emission Spectra: spectrometers, spectrum tubes, and accessories
Uses a LabQuest and Vernier Emissions Spectrum Tube Carousel to study the emissions of 6 known gases, then determine the composition of an unknown mixture.
File forthcoming; email us for more info
Students will predict if a material will sink or float. Then they will measure mass and volume to determine density of a variety of cubes (metals, woods, plastics). They also determine density from the linear regression line of a mass vs volume graph. Finally, they will find percent error by comparing the calculated mass vs actual mass of a block.
Emissions Spectra
Students use a LabQuest, SpectroVis, and Vernier Emissions Spectrum Tube Carousel to study the spectra of 6 known gases, then determine the identity of an unknown gas.
FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy)
Our FTIR spectrometer is used in a variety of activities: identification of fibers and fabrics in a forensic analysis, to obtain spectra of several pure liquids and identify an unknown, to compare and identify adhesive tape and labels, and to analyze and identify plastics. This equipment can also be borrowed and used for other activities that fit your curriculum. See the full list for activities we have for the FTIR.
Gas Chromatography
Heist GC of ketones
Heat Energy of Fuels
Students determine the heat energy of various fuels and compare them to ethanol and bio-diesel. This is both a good activity for chemistry students and environmental studies students.
Melting Point
We have both Vernier Melt Stations and Mel-Temps. Students use this equipment to determine melting points of compounds – to learn about melting points, to identify an unknown compound, and to verify a compound synthesis and/or purity.
Nuclear Radiation
Students study nuclear radiation with small radioactive sources of Polonium-210, Strontium-90, and Cobalt-60. Activities can include some or all of the following: the penetrating ability of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation; the effect of distance on nuclear radiation; shielding and radiation.
Alpha, Beta, Gamma
Spectrophotometric Analysis
Analysis of sunblock : students use a UV-Vis spectrometer to determine the most effective sunblock.
Visible spectra of commercial dyes : Students measure the spectrum of various dyes and dye mixtures, then identify the dyes in an unknown mixture.
Spheros are paired with a Kindle Fire (provided) through the SpheroEdu app. Beginners can draw a path for the Sphero robot to follow, intermediate users can drag and drop blocks of code, and advanced users can write text programs using JavaScript. Provide your own activities, or use one of the SpheroEdu prepared modules aligned to NGSS, CCSS, and various state standards.
Contact Science In Motion staff for more information.
Thin Layer & Paper Chromatography
Analgesics : Students run TLC on acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. They then identify three unknown analgesics made from a mixture of the above.
Ink : Students run TLC on various inks to determine an unknown ink sample (often designed as a forensics experiment).
TLC of ink middle school
Lipstick : Students run TLC on lipstick samples, then match an unknown sample to one of the knowns (often designed as a forensics experiment).
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Expertly communicate the excitement of chemistry with these time-tested classroom practicals.
These resources have been compiled from the book Classic chemistry experiments : a collection of 100 chemistry experiments developed with the support of teachers throughout the UK.
If you'd like to buy a copy of the book, visit our online bookshop . If you're a Royal Society of Chemistry member, don't forget to use your 35% discount.
A Cartesian diver
An old favourite experiment, the Cartesian diver is easy for students to complete. Explore important ideas that build a foundation of knowledge.
Chemistry and electricity
Create coloured writing from acids, alkali, and salt solution, all activated through electrolysis.
Disappearing ink
Explore the reaction between acids and bases as students create disappearing ink, in this favourite classroom practical.
Electricity from chemicals
Use various metals, in pairs, and n electrolyte to form a cell. Then observe the formation of ions around the reactive metal, and compare the speed with which they form around the less reactive metal. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Experiments with particles
Explore physical states, and how material interact with three practicals. Students use common classroom items to explore, and then note their findings. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Identifying the products of combustion
In association with Nuffield Foundation
Illustrate the presence of water and carbon dioxide in the products of hydrocarbon combustion in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Particles in motion?
Explore the movement of gas particles in this practical but reacting calcium carbonate with hydrochloric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Producing a foam
Explore foams and their properties in this experiment, so students learn how foam is produced and produce their own. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Properties of the transition metals and their compounds
Student discover the diversity of transition metals in this practical that puts their knowledge of these common elements to the test. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Rubber band experiment
A rubber band, a hairdryer, and a curious mind will see students discover the principles of heat based reactions. Includes kit list and safety instruction.
Testing salts for anions and cations
A full range of chemicals will guide students into discovering how to identify the composition of unknown substances. Includes kit list and safry instructions.
The effect of concentration and temperature on reaction rate
Reaction rate can be altered by many things, in this practical students explore how temperature and concentration effect reaction in an closer look at kinetics. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
The effect of temperature on reaction rate
Discover more about collision theory in this practical, where a sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid mixture produce an interesting reaction. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
The effect of temperature on solubility
Hot or cold, which water is better for soluble substances? Explore your finding from this practical into the effect of temperature on solubility. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
The electrolysis of solutions
Electricity is passed through various solutions and the products are identified. Includes kit list and safety instructions
The preparation and properties of oxygen
Produce a potassium manganate(VII) reaction using a test tube, Bunsen burner, and scientific inquisition to detect the presence of oxygen. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
The reactivity of the group 2 metals
Discover more about group 2 metals with this experiment, where students can take control of their own observations and come to their own conclusions. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
The volume of 1 mole of hydrogen gas
Understand the volume of one mole of hydrogen gas through a magnesium and acid reaction, taking note of the temperature and pressure. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Compare the viscosity of thick and thin liquids in this experiment, which gets young learners exploring how viscosity alters the speed of an air bubble through the substances. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
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Experiments
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This course is designed to provide an introduction to the basic techniques and procedures of Organic Chemistry, thus furthering your understanding of the fundamentals of this science. It is assumed that you are acquainted with general techniques employed in the laboratory, such as weighing, measuring volumes, preparing solutions, determining temperatures, etc. You should also be familiar with the basics of Organic Chemistry including nomenclature, structural theory and the reactions of common functional groups. Familiarity with the spectroscopic properties of organic compounds would also be helpful. These experiments are designed to be used in college and university level chemistry laboratory courses, and should not be conducted unless there is an appropriate level of supervision, safety training, personal protective equipment and other safety facilities available for users.
- 1: Synthesis of Aspirin (Experiment) Analgesics are compounds used to reduce pain, antipyretics are compounds used to reduce fever. One popular drug that does both is aspirin.
- 2: Synthesis of Acetaminophen (Experiment) Analgesics are compounds used to reduce pain, antipyretics are compounds used to reduce fever. One popular drug that does both is aspirin, another is acetaminophen which is often used by people who have unwanted, harmful side effects to aspirin. Acetaminophen, which can be synthesized from p-aminophenol, is probably best recognized under the trade name Tylenol.
- 3: Extraction of Caffeine (Experiment) Caffeine is a minor constituent of tea, coffee, and other natural plant materials. The major constituent of tea is cellulose which is not water soluble. Caffeine is water soluble but so are some tannins and gallic acid which is formed in the process of boiling tea leaves. The latter two components can be converted to their calcium salts which are insoluble in water. The caffeine can then be extracted from the water by methylene chloride in almost pure form.
- 4: Thin Layer Chromatography (Experiment) You will be using prepared tlc plates which are research quality ($1.50/sheet). Each large TLC sheet will be carefully cut to provide mini tlc plates. Do not touch the adsorbent with your fingers, hold the plates at the sides. Do not use ink on the plates, write in pencil lightly.
- 5: Synthesis of Isopentyl Acetate (Experiment) The reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol produces an ester and water. The reaction is catalyzed with acid. Esters often have a fruity taste or odor. Octyl acetate, prepared using octanol as the alcohol, will remind you of oranges. You will prepare a compound which smells like bananas.
- 6: Steam Distillation of Methyl Salicylate, Hydrolysis of an Ester (Experiment) You will be steam distilling methyl salicylate.
- 7: Distillation of a Mixture (Experiment) In this experiment, you will be conducting both a simple distillation and a fractional distillation of a mixture of cyclohexane (bp=79°) and methylcyclohexane (bp=101°) to compare the two techniques.
- 8: Identification of Unknowns (Experiment)
- 9: Multistep Synthesis (Experiment)
Contributors and Attributions
James Chickos , David Garin , and Val erian D'Souza . University of Missouri–St. Louis ; Chemistry )
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Learn how we are tackling challenges in STEM education, software development, and assistive technology. EXPLORE ACCESSIBLE SIMS. Free science and math simulations for teaching STEM topics, including physics, chemistry, biology, and math, from University of Colorado Boulder.
Easy Chemistry Experiments to Do at Home. These 12 projects use materials you probably already have. By. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated on April 01, 2020. Want to do science but don't have your own laboratory? Don't worry.
Chemistry Laboratory Experiments. There are a variety of activities for Chemistry. You can find some of our more commonly requested activities below the request form on this page, or you can view our up-to-date complete list of all activities: Chemistry Middle School complete list. Chemistry High School complete list.
Create coloured writing from acids, alkali, and salt solution, all activated through electrolysis. Disappearing ink. Explore the reaction between acids and bases as students create disappearing ink, in this favourite classroom practical. Electricity from chemicals. Use various metals, in pairs, and n electrolyte to form a cell.
Laboratory Experiments. Wet Lab Experiments. Organic Chemistry Labs. Experiments.