Plastic objects have become commonplace in every home since the early 1960s. Make some "Gluep" with your child as you experiment with solids and liquids. Materials you will need include Borax powder, white craft glue, food coloring, a small bowl, spoon and water. You simply dissolve the Borax in water, add the glue and a few drops of food coloring and stir thoroughly. The material will stiffen into a soft lump after just a few minutes. Knead the "Gluep" in your hands for a minute and mold it into the desired shape with a cookie cutter.
The dancing raisins experiment demonstrates how carbon dioxide dissolves inside of soda pop and makes fizz. You will need a can of clear soda pop such as Sprite or 7-UP, a tall clear glass and a handful of raisins. Pour the soda into the glass and then softly drop 6 to 8 raisins into the glass. The density of the raisins will make them sink immediately to the bottom of the glass. After the gas releases into the air, the raisins will rise and "dance" inside the glass.
Floating soap bubbles are a childhood tradition but can only be enjoyed briefly before they float away or burst. By adding some carbon dioxide to the equation you can make the soap bubbles settle on a glass cup for extended observation. Supplies needed include bubble solution and wand, a clear large container such as a 10-gallon aquarium, baking soda, white vinegar and a shallow cup or dish. Put the shallow dish inside the aquarium after filling it with the baking soda and vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble outside the dish, hence the need for a larger container to surround the experiment. Once the fizzing subsides blow bubbles over the large container and wait for one to settle on top of the shallow container. The gas makes the bubble float on the mixture for approximately five minutes.
Have some fun either outdoors in a shallow "kiddie" pool or the bathtub. Gather multiple items of varying size, shape and weight. Teach your child about density, weight and volume by guessing which of the items will float or sink. To make the experiment a bit more creative, add some food coloring, bubbles or shaving cream to the water for fun time play during and after the activity.