Fun Science Experiments That Inspire Kids to Become Scientists

I am a mother of 3 boys who have many aspirations and goals for their future. All of them have mentioned wanting career in the field of science....which i think is awesome! I have no doubt that if they want to become scientists, they will. But did you know that girls only have a 1 in 1,000 chance of continuing in science? I have five nieces. I want them to know, that if they love science, it could be in their future. that is why i have partnered with Green Works to bring you this post.

Green Works, the naturally sourced cleaner, is supporting girls in STEM programs to help the next generation of female scientists unleash their power and discover their #NaturalPotential. they believe that having science taught to our girls with female mentors, girls can picture themselves in the dream of becoming a scientist. inspired by their own female scientist founder, Green Works, in collaboration with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), are working together in a campaign to engage girls and inspire them to explore careers in science.

i would love for youth check out this video that discusses the Green Works STEM initiative. it's very enlightening.

so, two of my nieces and i decided to have some science fun by recreating a few science experiments. these fun and easy science experiments were developed by the AAUW scientists, and incorporate the Green Works products i use. i have been using Green Works products everyday in my home for years. it's a brand i have come to trust and depend on to keep my home clean and safe. i also love the fresh smell and that their prices are very reasonable for green products.

Rainbow Milk
materials needed:
• Milk (regular Whole milk works best)
• Green Works Dishwashing Liquid
• Food coloring
• 1 cotton swab (a Q‐tip works great)
• 1 plate

instructions to make rainbow milk:
Step 1: Pour a thin layer if milk onto the plate.

Step 2: Place drops of food coloring randomly across the surface of the milk.

Step 3: Coat the tip of your cotton swab into Green Works Dishwashing Liquid.

Step 4: Place tip of the cotton swab directly onto the food coloring and watch the colorful fireworks!

Explanation: While milk is mostly water, it also contains lots of fats, vitamins, and minerals. When you add dishwashing liquid to the milk, the soap’s hydrophilic (AKA water loving) and hydrophobic (AKA water fearing) ends react with the fat in the milk. The dishwashing liquid is the inspiration for the colorful fireworks that result from the milk and food coloring combo.

now, you can also try these fun experiments.....

Jumbo Bubbles
materials needed
• Water
• Corn syrup
• Wire (jewelry wire works great)
• Drinking straw
• Green Works Dishwashing Liquid
• Measuring cup
• Large bowl

instructions to make jumbo bubbles
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup dishwashing liquid, 3 cups of water, and ½ cup of corn syrup.
Step 2: Cut off about 8 inches of wire. Make a loop at one end and twist the wire in place several times to hold the loop together. This is your bubble wand.
Step 3: Blow bubbles!
Step 4: For even more fun, try coating a cookie sheet in bubble solution. Dip your straw into the bubble solution and hold it just above the coated cookie sheet. Now, blow gently until you create a bubble dome!

Magic Pepper
materials needed
• Black pepper
• Water (room temperature is fine)
• Green Works Dishwashing Liquid
• 1 small bowl or plate

instructions to make magic pepper:
Step 1: Pour water into small bowl or plate.
Step 2: Pour black pepper into water, DO NOT STIR. The pepper will float.
Step 3: Take one small drop of Green Works Dishwashing Liquid and place a small drop on your finger tip. Slightly rub it in so that the soap is not dripping off of your finger.
Step 4: Place your finger tip in water and watch what happens!

Explanation: When you add detergent to water the surface tension of the water is lowered. Water normally bulges up a bit, like what you see when you look at a water drop. When the surface tension is lowered,the water wants to spread out. As the water flattens on the dish, the pepper that is floating on top of the water is carried to the outer edge of the plate.

Elephant Toothpaste
materials needed:
• Empty plastic soda bottle
• 1 teaspoon of yeast
• 2 tablespoons of warm water
• ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
• Small bowl
• Funnel
• Food coloring
• Green Works Dishwashing Liquid
• Tablecloth (in case of messes!)

instructions to make elephant toothpaste:
Step 1: Place your empty plastic soda bottle on the center of your workspace.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together your yeast and warm water until tiny bubbles form.
Step 3: Pour your hydrogen peroxide into the soda bottle using your funnel. Add food coloring and a squirt of Green Works Dishwashing Liquid
Step 4: Add your yeast and water mixture into the soda bottle. Watch toothpaste fit for an elephant start to ooze out of the bottle!

Explanation: The hydrogen peroxide naturally breaks down into oxygen and water. The yeast accelerates this process, making it break down faster. The dishwashing liquid “catches” the oxygen being release and creates a foam.

Fizzy Foam
materials needed:
• Standard drinking glass
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon Green Works Laundry Detergent
• ¾ cup of water
• ¼ of white vinegar
• Food coloring
• Cookie sheet

instructions to make fizzy foam:
Step 1: Set the drinking glass on your cookie sheet. Add your vinegar and laundry detergent.
Step 2: Add your water and several drops of food coloring. Stir.
Step 3: Quickly add the vinegar. Watch as the foam fizzes and pops!

i hope you had as much fun as i did doing these experiments with your kiddies. and if you have a girl in your life who is interested in science, that you can let her know that scientists are not only men. girls can be our next generation of scientists too. thanks Green Works for the inspiration!

{ Disclousure: This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. }