Schools have to adhere to strict budgets. These budgets don’t always allow for extraneous activities and supplies; thus, costly science experiments are often cut. In many classrooms, it’s up to the teacher to come up with and pay for any supplements necessary for the lesson. Luckily, science can be found everywhere and can be demonstrated using hardly any supplies. The following science experiments are good suggestions for elementary school classrooms.
- Friction and heat: This science experiment is easily the cheapest possible. The only materials needed are hands! This particular experiment illustrates that friction causes heat. Have the students put their hands together and begin rubbing slowly. Then have them rub vigorously. They will notice that their hands quickly heat up when rubbed vigorously.
- Mixing vinegar and oil: Quite a few materials are needed for this experiment, but none of them are difficult to come by or expensive. Oil, vinegar, a funnel, food coloring, and a plastic bottle are needed. This experiment demonstrates that some liquids do not mix. The steps of this experiment include the following: Remove the lid from the bottle, put food coloring into a half cup of vinegar, and pour the vinegar into the bottle using the funnel. Make sure the food coloring dissolves completely. Perform the same procedure with the oil, but do not add food coloring. Put the lid on the bottle and have the children shake the mixture. The two liquids will mix, then separate.
- Pressure and coins: You will need a glass drink bottle, cold water, and a coin that is bigger than the mouth hole of the bottle. This experiment shows that air, when heated, can become pressurized and move an object. Make the bottle and coin cold with the water, put the coin on the bottle, and warm up the bottle using your hands. The coin should jump off the bottle once the hands are removed.