"Magic" potions that fizz, bubble, change color, and dissolve are the perfect instruments to get kids interested in science! Here are 5 simple science experiments you can do at school or home using household ingredients. Done one per day, children have time to discuss results and the theme lasts a week. Children work alone or with a partner to ensure that each child gets hands-on experience. Copy one student booklet per child to record the results of the experiments, or use the information on your computer screen to make your own booklet. If printing, vertically fold each page in half, then staple together at the open ends to make a booklet. Teacher experiment directions are included.

Materials:

*clear plastic cups

*spoons for mixing

*measuring spoons

*water

*baking soda

*vinegar

*citric acid (in the spice section of grocery stores)

*lemon juice (or lemon wedges to squeeze)

*apple juice

*cooking oil

*food coloring or liquid watercolor

*honey

*colored dish soap (like Dawn)

*salt

*pepper

*sugar

*flour

Most of these materials are available at the dollar store.

Since the intended audience is pre- and emergent readers and writers, the instructions are verbal and require modeling. Similarly, the student booklet requires children to draw what they see instead of writing. To differentiate, have children who are ready label their drawings with words (for example, "red" or "bubbles").

NOT APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3. CLOSELY SUPERVISE MATERIALS TO PREVENT EATING.

*These are the same experiments included in "Science Experiments for Little Learners."