Spring break is now largely behind us, but many at Edvotek are finding it hard to get back to work as usual. Instead, today we want to share some ideas for science experiments that celebrate the sun, sand, and waves experienced during a fabulous vacation.
- Salt Water Density: Create a density column using saltwater of varying salinities. You can do this by mixing different amounts of seawater with fresh water and adding food coloring to distinguish the layers. The higher the concentration of salt in the water the more dense it will be!
- Shoreline Erosion: Build sandcastles at different distances from the shoreline to observe how waves affect their structure over time. The rising tide, or changes in waves due to weather, will help illustrate concepts related to erosion and rising sea levels.
- Shell Chemistry: Conduct a simple acid-base reaction by putting vinegar on different types of shells and observing the reaction. Different shells will be made of different materials – including calcium carbonate. When covered in vinegar a chemical reaction can be observed as the shells break down and carbon dioxide gas is released.
- Tide Pool Exploration: Explore tide pools to observe and identify various marine organisms. Sketch or take pictures of the organisms that you discover. This is an excellent way to study the adaptations that organisms develop to survive in rapidly changing ecosystems.
- Sand Analysis: Collect samples of sand from different parts of the beach and examine them under a magnifying glass. Compare the color, texture, and composition. It can be even more interesting to compare sand from different beaches across the world!
If you’re ready to start looking forward, check out these Edvotek blog posts with some great ideas to get you excited for summer!
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