Special education kindergarteners will use this science project to observe how one substance changes when mixed with another. The children will use their five senses--touch, hearing, sight, taste and smell--to observe changing properties. For learning-challenged students, the five senses typically are not affected, but this project may have to be altered for some physically-challenged students, such as those with visual, hearing or mobility problems. Therefore, adapt the observation techniques to the needs of your students. Use water, baking soda and vinegar to observe what happens when ingredients are mixed. Mixing baking soda and vinegar forms carbon dioxide, resulting in foam. Place three cups in a row. Pour 4 ounces of water in one cup. Pour 1/4-cup baking soda in one cup. Pour 4 ounces vinegar in one cup. Use the five senses to observe each substance. Now, add 1/4-cup baking soda to the cup of water. Observe and discuss what happens: the water turns white or cloudy. Next, add 1/4-cup baking soda to the baking soda. Observe and discuss what happens: there is no change. Finally, add 1/4-cup baking soda to the vinegar. Observe and discuss the resulting foam. The vinegar and baking soda allows the student to see, smell and hear the bubbles and touch or taste if the teacher allows it.
This science project for special education kindergarteners involves observation and discussion of what happens when objects are immersed into water. Porous materials absorb liquids because they are able to be penetrated by liquids since they are not completely solid. An example is a sponge. Solid materials cannot be penetrated by liquid. An example is a rock. Absorption is the process of retaining liquid inside of a material. Have the students describe what happens during object immersion and determine what objects are not solid. Set a clear container on the floor with the children seated around it. Arrange an assortment of items on a tray, such as sponges, rocks, paper, plastic rulers, tissues, socks, knit caps and pencils. Allow each student to choose an object. Students will place an object into the container. Pour water onto the object. Discuss what happens and ask the children which object is porous or solid and whether or not water is absorbed. Pour out the water, remove the object and allow the next child to put his object into the container and continue the process.
In this fun experiment special education kindergarteners will determine which soap solution makes the biggest bubbles. Set out containers (such as recycled margarine tubs) of water mixed with liquid hand soap, water mixed with liquid dish detergent, water mixed with liquid laundry detergent and containers of straight liquid hand dish and laundry detergent. Give each child a bubble wand. Allow each student to dip a wand into the same container, such as the water and hand soap solution. Wave the wands to make bubbles. Discuss the bubbles. Dry the wands. Continue experimenting with each solution. Discuss which solution makes the biggest bubbles. This project can be adapted for students with mobility challenges by holding the wands to the students' mouths and allowing the students to blow the bubbles.
This science experiment involves the sense of touch. Use poster board to glue 5-inch squares of various textures and materials, such as sandpaper, flannel, fake fur, felt, wall paper, glitter glue and bubble wrap. Tell students to touch the materials and discuss which is softer. If a student lacks the sense of touch in her hands or lacks mobility functions, gently allow her to place her cheek or chin onto the squares. Don't glue the squares to the poster board.