Simple Chemistry Projects

I remember the first time that I heard about the science fair at my school. I came home that night envisioning myself as a mad scientist. Long white flowing lab coat fluttering in the slight breeze, protective goggles perched on my forehead and long shiny black rubber gloves pulled up tight to my elbows, while I cackled madly over a glowing and bubbling cauldron as I created a new formula that would enable me to take over the world. Well, as you can imagine that was not what was actually going to happen. I was only capable at that time of performing some of the simplest chemistry projects. Unless you are able to get a degree in advanced chemistry, you are going to want to keep the project as simple as possible.

There are a variety of different simple chemistry projects that anyone can do, many of which can be accomplished with common household materials. Here are a few ideas that anyone can use and just about any child will enjoy. After all, who said that science has to be boring?

• Home Chromatography. Chromatography is basically the separation and study of complex mixtures for such things as paper, food, clothing and more. This is something that has gained popular recognition through the portrayal of the process in such television shows as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The basic materials needed for this project would be such things as a coffee filter, Skittles, M&M's or a couple of other types of other candy and an hour of time. (Really, that is all that you are going to need!) The specifics you are going to need to find out yourself; if you are running out of time I would suggest using the Internet. This is an experiment that anyone can accomplish though, so never fear.
• Bouncing Balls. Everyone has seen those super bouncy balls that can be purchased at just about every single grocery store. A wonderful science fair experiment would be to make your own bouncy balls. All that is needed to accomplish this experiment is borax, cornstarch, food coloring, white glue, measuring spoons, stirring sticks, mixing containers, warm water, metric ruler, and zip-lock baggies. The experiment lies in figuring out the correct mixture and specific process. As a control a pre-manufactured bouncy ball could be used to compare the heights of the ball bounces.
• Disappearing Ink. Almost every kid likes the idea of being able to write in disappearing ink. This experiment would be perfect for the budding espionage enthusiast, and something that anyone should be able to do while in the safety of their own kitchen. The experiment would lie in figuring out the formulas for specific inks, coloring, time it takes for the ink to disappear, and how easy it is to make it reappear. Finally, the result of the experiment would be to determine which of the formulas is the best one.
• Fake Snow. A wonderful chemistry experiment that only takes a few minutes to conduct and provide hours of fun—all while impressing the judges—is to create your own snow. In this experiment you need to collect a few disposable diapers (for the sodium polyarcrylate crystals inside), a little water, and mix to desired consistency. The project lies in explaining the interaction between the water and the crystals, and why this resultant snow "gel" does not melt.