General Science 3rd-6th Extension Activities Lesson 1

Physical Changes

Paper Chain - 02:17

Cut strips of paper and have students staple them together in a chain. Can make patterns, write letters in their name, create a countdown, etc.

Origami - 03:51

Folding paper is a great physical change and a fine motor skill. There are simple animals for young hands, like dogs, cats, fish, etc. (See appendix page 7 for a simple cat)

Paper Airplanes - 02:34

Decorate beforehand and practice folding to get the best flight.

Paper Snowflakes - 04:40

This is a great exercise in symmetry and cutting skills.

Paper Fans - 03:00

Accordion folding can be a little tricky, but it's a simple pleasure for kids to make a fan!

Chemical Changes

Baking Soda/Vinegar Balloons - 02:00

Use a small soft drink bottle, put vinegar in the bottom, scoop a small amount of baking soda into a deflated balloon, stretch the balloon over the bottle top tightly, dump in baking soda, and watch the balloon inflate! There's air being created by a chemical change!

Baking Soda/Vinegar Hidden Color - 04:00

Prep: get 2 - 3 cookie sheets and lightly cover the bottom with baking soda. Drop some random drops of food dye around the baking soda, and then cover with baking soda. Using small cups of vinegar, students can use droppers and find the surprise colors by creating a chemical reaction.

Diet Coke and Mentos - 01:30

Classic chemical reaction, best done outdoors!

Fake Snow - 02:00

Put approx. 1/4 cup of baking soda in a bowl, and add 3 cups of shaving cream and mix with your hands! Can reduce these measurements and do them individually.