I’m sharing fun facts about molecules and show how molecules love to stick together through a surface tension experiment. Also, look at my post 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.
Teaching about molecules, their interaction with each other and what we learn about them can be hard to teach.
And one of the best ways to teach about molecules is through a hands-on science experiment.
For example, we’re learning about surface tension.
We’re doing a surface tension experiment with just a few simple things you have laying around the house.
And we’re learning how molecules are attracted together.
BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICAL SCIENCE FOR KIDS
First, look at some of these books to add to your day.
10 Books About Physical Science
Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.
Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.
In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories
Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.
Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.
Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.
Book about electricity for children.
Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.
Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.
Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.
Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work
Then, look at these fun facts about molecules.
10 FUN FACTS ABOUT MOLECULES
- Molecules like to stick together.
- They are super tiny.
- Everything is made of molecules.
- Molecules are always moving.
- Heat makes molecules move faster
- Some molecules are simple but others can be very complex.
- When water molecules are attracted to each other his force is called cohesion.
- The strong pull between molecules creates surface tension. This acts like a “skin” or elastic like layer.
- Basically molecules act in very specific ways.
- One famous molecule is water.
Next, look at these additional activities to add to the fun facts about molecules.
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO LEARN ABOUT MOLECULES
- How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids
- Colorful Chemistry: Exciting M&M Science Experiment To Try At Home
- How To Do An Easy Pencil Electrolysis Activity On Electricity
- How to Make Elephant Toothpaste | Fun Chemistry Activities & Printable
- Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable
- Physical Science For Kindergarten: Free States Of Matter Pages
- Easy Atom Model Project: How To Create A Fun Lego Version
- How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids
- 5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science
- Intro to Atoms, Molecules, Bonding, Chemistry
Finally, look at how to do this surface tension experiment.
HOW TO DO A SURFACE TENSION EXPERIMENT
First, look at this short list of supplies.
- Measuring cup
- Water
- Glass cup
- Craft stick
- Small rubber duck (or another small toy)
Fill the glass ¾ of the way full.
Place the craft stick onto the cup (but do not balance it on the other side of the cup).
Place the toy on the craft stick. Does it stay up or fall?
Next, fill the cup to the brim with water.
Again, place the craft stick onto the water (but do not balance it on the other side of the cup).
Place the toy on the craft stick. Does it stay or fall?
How is this possible? Because of surface tension!
The molecules at the top of the water create an elastic-like layer.
This helps the craft stick to “stick” to the surface and not fall even with a toy balancing on it.
