This experiment tests buoyancy. Materials needed for this activity are water, a sink or tub, a roll of aluminum foil and pennies. Fill the tub up with water; a few inches is plenty. Give each child a sheet of aluminum, and instruct them to build the best boat they can. Have the children take turns floating their boats in the water. As each child takes a turn, drop the pennies into the boat and count them. Determine which boat floated best. Use this to spark a discussion about buoyancy.
This is a good experiment to introduce elementary or middle school students to chemistry. Materials needed are paper towels, pennies and vinegar. Fold the paper towel several times to increase its absorbency. Pour enough vinegar on the towel to get it very damp. Place one side of the penny down on the paper towel. Leave the penny there until the next class period. Ask students to predict what will happen. The penny will be green when it is removed.
This experiment aims to encourage students to wash their hands after handling money. Materials needed include sets of two baby foods jars with lids for the whole class, paper towels, pennies, a large container of petroleum jelly, and soap and water. Have students place a handful of pennies on a paper towel in front of them. Instruct each student to wash his hands and not to touch anything on the way back to his seat. Give each student two baby food jars with a scoop of petroleum jelly inside. Students first dip one finger in a jar of petroleum jelly and close the lid. Have students handle the pennies before sticking a finger in the second jar. Put the jars where they will not be disturbed for a week. Students will be shocked by the results.
This activity shows children why it is important for humans to have two eyes. Each student needs at least five pennies, a blindfold and a cup. Have pairs of students stand about 5 feet apart. First they take turns tossing the pennies into each other's cups with both eyes open. Next, one child covers one eye with the blindfold while the other holds the cup. The blindfolded child tries to throw the pennies into the cup. Switch which student has the blindfold once all pennies have been thrown.