The three forms of matter, solid, liquid and gas, are found in one substance: water. Chemistry experiments that involve water often compare these three states. Using a hot plate and a freezer, a scientist could form a hypothesis about temperature and chemical compound reactions to temperature. Placing an ice cube in a beaker filled with water, covered by plastic wrap and then placing the beaker on a hot plate set to one temperature, is a hands-on experiment in constant heat and all three forms of water.
Blow up a balloon inside a 2-liter soda bottle. Tie off the balloon. Place a pressure release cap on the 2-liter bottle. Blow air into the bottle through the pressure release cap. Watch as the balloon shrinks. Then release the air in the bottle and watch the balloon grow back to its normal size. The student learns that the volume of the balloon grows when the pressure around the balloon drops, and decreases when pressure rises.
Purchase three clear bottles of honey and three marbles of equal size. Place one marble in each bottle of honey in approximately the same spot in the jar. Replace the lids. Place one jar of honey in the refrigerator, one on the counter and one by the microwave. Wait 24 hours. Place the third jar of honey into the microwave, after removing the lid, and cook for one minute on high. This will make the honey very hot. Set up a tray on the counter. Turn them over onto the tray. Using a ruler, measure the speed at which the marble travels to the bottle opening. Notice how the marble moves faster in the hot honey because the heat lowers the viscosity.
After teaching about chemical bonds and different types of chemicals, make a chart for experimenting with the reactions of some chemicals with each other. A list of chemicals that are safe to work together are: hydrochloric acid (HCL), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), silver nitrate (AgNO3), magnesium (Mg) and phenolphtalein. Wearing proper eye and skin protection, mix the chemicals together in a series of beakers. Write down the different reactions observed. For example, when HCL and Na2CO3 are mixed, the chemical reaction creates carbonic acid, which then reacts on its own to make CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2O (water). Make sure to handle the chemicals carefully and not spill or swallow them.