Science Experiments - Exploding Life Savers
This science experiment is a bit less known than other science experiments for kids, but it's definitely a child crowd pleaser. It's suitable for all ages, but an adult should supervise younger children.
Materials: Wint-O-Green® Life Savers, Ziploc plastic bag, hammer, wooden block
Instructions: Place a Wint-O-Green® Life Saver in the Ziploc bag. In a dark room, place the bag on the wooden block and watch closely while striking the Life Saver with the hammer. A bluish-green light will flash just as the candy is struck.
Lesson: Triboluminescence. Wint-O-Green® Life Savers are made with methyl salicylate which is a crystalline substance. Crushing a crystalline substance emits light.
There are many more excellent and fun science experiments for kids, but these are a good start. When choosing others, the key is to select something with few material requirements and a low safety risk. Also keep in mind the child will be more interested in experiments that utilize every day simple objects, as these are less intimidating.
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