Since food was the overall theme of our summer reading program this year, we decided our schedule wouldn't be complete without a little food science. This is the second year we've done a science program, and I am very pleased to say that they are some of our best programs attendance-wise. And cheap and relatively stress free, if you don't mind dealing with a huge mess. At our library, we don't mind messes at all... as long as we get to blow something up. :D
If you haven't noticed from all of my ten things, I'm kind of obsessed with Pinterest. It made planning this day SO MUCH easier. Here's a list of the recipes/experiments that we used, and the links to go with them!
We also did the
Mentos and Diet Coke trick. The first time made a geyser just like always, but we decided that was a little boring, so we tried it a second time. This time we quickly put the cap on it, shook it up, and then threw it (hard) into the road. It came down, sat for a second, then exploded. It flew up... and up... and up... it finally fell, but not before hitting the top of the trees beside our library. I didn't get any pictures, unfortunately. I was too busy worrying we were going to one of the cars parked in the parking lot! haha
We also planned for a few other experiments, but they failed... such is science, right? I'll leave some links here, though, just in case you'd like to try on your own.
We didn't plan ahead enough for this. Sometimes I forget key steps... like boiling the sugar water. Doh.
We've done this experiment before, so I know it works. We think that our film canisters just didn't seal properly.
This worked a little. I didn't measure the water correctly, so when i combined all of the Skittle-water it turned an ugly murky orange. I'd be willing to try again, because I think that it could work if you followed the directions to a T.
Would I do a food science program again? In a heartbeat. The little kid in me giggled every time I saw that colorful vinegar foam up. And being able to play in a tub of flour? Heavenly.
And what about zombie advice, you ask? Well, I don't have any really good pointers today, but I am left wondering what would happen to a zombie if you filled it's belly with Diet Coke then popped some Mentos in...
