FUNKY MONKEYS

 ges: 5-10 Objective: Introduce children to the concept of density and gas solubility by observing the behavior of raisins in a carbonated beverage, creating an engaging and entertaining science demonstration. Materials Needed: Clear glass or plastic container (one per participant) Clear carbonated beverage (such as soda or sparkling water) Raisins (several per participant) Procedure: Fill the clear container about halfway with the carbonated beverage of choice. Drop several raisins into the container filled with the carbonated beverage. Observe as the raisins sink to the bottom of the container initially. Wait and watch as the carbon dioxide bubbles in the beverage adhere to the rough surface of the raisins, causing them to rise to the surface. As the bubbles detach from the raisins at the surface, they lose buoyancy and sink back down to the bottom of the container. Repeat steps 4-5 and observe the continuous rising and sinking motion of the raisins, resembling a "dancing"

  Ages: 8-12 Objective: Engage children in hands-on experimentation with basic engineering principles by constructing a mini catapult and exploring concepts such as force, motion, and trajectory. Materials Needed: Craft sticks (popsicle sticks) Rubber bands (assorted sizes) Plastic spoon Small object for launching (such as a cotton ball, marshmallow, or small ball of foil) Hot glue gun or white glue Scissors Optional: Paint, markers, or stickers for decorating Procedure: Begin by laying out the craft sticks on a flat surface. You will need four craft sticks for the base and three craft sticks for the arm of the catapult. Take two craft sticks and lay them parallel to each other, approximately 2-3 inches apart. These will form the base of the catapult. Stack two more craft sticks on top of the base sticks, perpendicular to the base sticks. Use hot glue or white glue to secure the stacked sticks together. This will create a stable base for the catapult. Take one craft stick and lay it ho

  Ages: 8-14 Objective: Engage children in critical thinking, problem-solving, and physics principles by challenging them to design and build a contraption that can protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height. Materials Needed: Eggs (at least one per participant) Assorted materials for building (e.g., cardboard, bubble wrap, cotton balls, straws, tape, rubber bands, popsicle sticks, feathers, foam, etc.) Scissors Markers or paint (for decoration) Measuring tape or ruler Optional: Safety goggles for eye protection Procedure: Introduce the Egg Drop Challenge to the participants and explain the objective: to design and construct a device that will protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a specific height. Provide participants with the materials and set clear guidelines, such as a maximum size or weight limit for the contraption. Allow participants time to brainstorm ideas and plan their designs. Encourage them to consider concepts such as shock absorption, cushioning

 ges: 5-12 Objective: Introduce children to the principles of chemistry and thermodynamics while making delicious homemade ice cream in a fun and interactive way. Materials Needed: Quart-sized resealable plastic bags (one per participant) Gallon-sized resealable plastic bags (one per participant) Ice cubes Rock salt or table salt Heavy cream Sugar Vanilla extract Optional: Toppings such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fruit Procedure: In the quart-sized plastic bag, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add any desired toppings. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring there are no leaks. Fill the gallon-sized plastic bag halfway with ice cubes. Add about 1/4 cup of rock salt or table salt to the ice in the gallon-sized bag. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, allowing the ice cream mixture to freeze more quickly. Place the sealed quart-sized bag containing the ice cream mixture into the gallon-sized bag with the ice and salt. Seal t

  Ages: 10-14 Objective: Introduce children to the structure of DNA molecules and the concepts of nucleotides, base pairing, and double helix structure by creating an edible model of DNA using candy and licorice. Materials Needed: Twizzlers licorice (red or black) Different colors of marshmallows (at least four colors) Toothpicks Optional: Printed diagram of DNA structure for reference Procedure: Begin by preparing the Twizzlers licorice to represent the backbone of the DNA molecule. Cut each piece of licorice into segments approximately 2 inches long to represent the sugar-phosphate backbone. Select marshmallows of four different colors to represent the four nucleotide bases of DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). Use toothpicks to connect the marshmallows to the Twizzlers licorice segments. Each marshmallow represents a nucleotide base, and they should be arranged in pairs according to base-pairing rules: A pairs with T, and C pairs with G. Assemble the marsh

  Ages: 7-12 Objective: Introduce children to the concept of density and layering while creating a visually appealing and colorful tower using liquids of different densities. Materials Needed: Clear, tall glass or plastic container (one per participant) Honey Corn syrup Dish soap Water Vegetable oil Rubbing alcohol Food coloring (multiple colors) Measuring cups and spoons Dropper or small funnel (optional) Procedure: Set up the clear container on a flat surface. Carefully pour the liquids into the container in the following order, starting with the densest liquid at the bottom and working your way up: Honey (1/4 cup) Corn syrup (1/4 cup) Dish soap (1/4 cup) Water (1/4 cup) Vegetable oil (1/4 cup) Rubbing alcohol (1/4 cup) After adding each liquid, allow it to settle before adding the next layer. This may take a few moments. Add a drop of food coloring to each layer to make the tower more colorful and visually appealing. You can use different colors for each layer. Observe as the liquid

  Ages: 5-10 Objective: Introduce children to the principles of chemical reactions and demonstrate the concepts of acid-base reactions and gas production in a fun and interactive way by creating a model volcano that erupts with bubbles. Materials Needed: Small plastic bottle (empty and clean) Baking soda Vinegar Dish soap Red food coloring Modeling clay or playdough Tray or large plate (to contain the mess) Optional: Decorative materials like rocks, trees, or toy dinosaurs for volcano decoration Procedure: Place the small plastic bottle on the tray or large plate. Use the modeling clay or playdough to mold a volcano shape around the bottle, leaving the bottle's opening exposed at the top. Add a few drops of red food coloring into the bottle to give the "lava" a realistic appearance. Pour some vinegar into the bottle, filling it about one-third full. Add a squirt of dish soap into the bottle. The dish soap will help create foamy bubbles when the eruption occurs. In a small

  Ages: 10-14 Objective: Introduce children to the concepts of solar energy and heat transfer while creating a delicious treat: s'mores cooked using a homemade solar oven. Materials Needed: Cardboard pizza box (one per participant) Aluminum foil Clear plastic wrap or plastic sheet Black construction paper Ruler Box cutter or utility knife (adult supervision required) Glue or tape Graham crackers Marshmallows Chocolate bars Optional: Thermometer to measure temperature Procedure: Lay the pizza box flat on a surface with the lid facing down. Using the ruler and box cutter, cut a square opening in the center of the lid, leaving a border of about 1-2 inches on all sides. This will be the opening through which sunlight enters the oven. Line the inside bottom of the pizza box with aluminum foil, shiny side up, and secure it with glue or tape. This will help reflect sunlight into the oven. Cut a piece of black construction paper to fit the bottom of the pizza box and place it inside. The b

  Ages: 8-12 Objective: Introduce children to the concept of chromatography and demonstrate how different colors can be separated into their component pigments. This experiment also fosters creativity as children can create unique rainbow patterns on paper. Materials Needed: Coffee filters or chromatography paper strips (cut into rectangular shapes) Washable markers (various colors) Small cups or jars Water Pipettes or droppers Pencil or tape Optional: Plastic trays or plates to contain spills Paper towels for cleanup Procedure: Lay out the coffee filters or chromatography paper strips on a flat surface. Using the washable markers, draw a small dot or line near the bottom of each paper strip. Use multiple colors for a vibrant effect. Carefully roll or fold the bottom edge of each paper strip to create a small tab. This tab will be used to suspend the paper strip in the water. Fill the small cups or jars with water to a depth that allows the paper strips to be partially submerged withou

  Ages: 6-10 Objective: Introduce children to the principles of fluorescence and highlight the importance of ultraviolet (UV) light in exciting certain substances to emit light. Materials Needed: Tonic water (containing quinine) Black light (UV light) Clear containers (one per participant) Optional: Regular water for comparison Procedure: Set up a dark room or dim the lights in the room where the experiment will take place. Pour tonic water into the clear containers, filling them about halfway. Turn on the black light and hold it near the containers of tonic water. Observe the tonic water closely under the black light. It should appear to glow with a blue or bluish-green fluorescence. Optionally, pour regular water into another clear container and compare its appearance under the black light to the tonic water. Explanation: Tonic water contains quinine, a natural compound derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. Quinine has fluorescent properties, meaning it absorbs light at one wav

  Ages: 8-12 Objective: Introduce children to the principles of solar energy and heat transfer while making delicious s'mores using a homemade solar oven. Materials Needed: Cardboard pizza box (one per participant) Aluminum foil Plastic wrap or a clear plastic oven bag Black construction paper Graham crackers Marshmallows Chocolate bars Scissors Tape Optional: Thermometer Procedure: Begin by lining the inside bottom of the pizza box with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Use tape to secure it in place. Cut a piece of black construction paper to fit the bottom of the pizza box and place it on top of the aluminum foil. This will help absorb more sunlight and generate heat. Open the pizza box and prop the lid open with a ruler or stick to create a reflector. Line the inside of the lid with aluminum foil, shiny side out, and tape it in place. Close the lid of the pizza box and cover the opening with plastic wrap or clear plastic oven bag, leaving a small opening for air circulation. Set th

Ages: 4-8 Objective: Introduce children to the concept of surface tension and chemical reactions while creating a visually captivating and colorful display. Materials Needed: Shallow dish or plate (one per participant) Whole milk Liquid food coloring (multiple colors) Dish soap Cotton swabs or small droppers Optional: Glitter for extra sparkle Procedure: Pour enough whole milk into each shallow dish to cover the bottom in a thin layer. Allow the milk to settle for a moment to ensure it is calm and not moving. Add drops of different colored liquid food coloring to the milk. You can create patterns or just add colors randomly. Dip one end of a cotton swab into the dish soap. Touch the soapy end of the cotton swab to the surface of the milk, near the center of the dish. Observe closely as the colors in the milk begin to swirl and dance. Optional: Sprinkle a little glitter onto the surface of the milk for extra visual appeal.

  Ages: 8-12 Objective: Introduce children to the concept of chromatography and the separation of colors while creating vibrant and artistic patterns on paper. Materials Needed: Coffee filters or white paper towels (cut into strips) Washable markers (multiple colors) Small cups or containers Water Pipettes or droppers Pencil or tape Optional: Clear tape or glue stick Optional: Scissors Procedure: Cut the coffee filters or paper towels into strips about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long. Use washable markers to draw a small dot or line near the bottom of each strip. Make sure to use different colors for each strip. Pour a small amount of water into each cup or container, enough to dip the bottom of the paper strips. Place one end of a paper strip into the water, ensuring that the marker line is above the water level. You can use a pencil or tape to hold the paper in place on the rim of the cup. Observe as the water travels up the paper strip, carrying the pigments from the marker ink alon

  Ages: 7-12 Objective: Introduce children to the concept of chemical reactions, pressure, and propulsion by creating simple balloon rockets powered by a fizzy reaction. Materials Needed: Balloons (at least one per participant) Drinking straws (one per balloon) Tape (masking tape or duct tape) String or fishing line Small plastic cups Vinegar Baking soda Measuring spoons Funnel (optional) Procedure: Inflate a balloon and then let the air out to stretch it. This will make it easier to blow up later. Cut a drinking straw in half and thread the string through it. Tie the string between two objects (e.g., chairs, tables) to create a clothesline-like setup. Tape the drinking straw to the side of the balloon, near the opening, using the tape. Ensure the straw is pointing away from the balloon opening. Set up the string between the two objects, making sure it is taut and level. Place a small plastic cup on the floor directly beneath the balloon. In the small plastic cup, mix vinegar and bakin

  Ages: 8-12 Objective: Introduce children to the concepts of density, polarity, and chemical reactions in a fun and visually captivating way by creating their own lava lamp. Materials Needed: Clear plastic bottle (one per participant) Vegetable oil Water Alka-Seltzer tablets (or effervescent antacid tablets) Food coloring (multiple colors) Funnel Optional: Glitter or sequins for extra sparkle Procedure: Fill the plastic bottle about one-third full with water using the funnel. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water. You can use one color or mix multiple colors for a vibrant effect. Slowly pour vegetable oil into the bottle until it is nearly full, leaving some space at the top. Wait for the oil and water to separate completely. This may take a few minutes. Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into small pieces or use one effervescent antacid tablet and drop the pieces into the bottle one at a time. Observe the mesmerizing bubbles and movement created by the reaction between the Alka-Sel

  Ages: 6-12 Objective: Introduce children to the concept of carbonation and buoyancy while creating an entertaining and engaging experiment. Materials Needed: Clear glass or plastic cups (one per participant) Clear carbonated beverage (such as soda water, sparkling water, or lemon-lime soda) Raisins (or other small, dense objects like dried cranberries or small candies) Timer or stopwatch Procedure: Fill each glass about halfway with the clear carbonated beverage. Drop a few raisins into each glass of carbonated beverage. Observe what happens to the raisins. At first, they will sink to the bottom. Start the timer and watch closely as the raisins begin to move. Record how long it takes for the raisins to start rising to the surface and "dance" around in the carbonated beverage. Discuss observations and findings with the children. Explanation: Carbonated beverages contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas. When you open a bottle or can of carbonated beverage, the gas is released, c

  Ages: 5-10 Objective: Introduce children to the concept of surface tension and the properties of liquids while creating a colorful and mesmerizing display. Materials Needed: A shallow dish or plate Whole milk (2% or skim milk will also work, but whole milk produces the best results) Liquid food coloring (multiple colors) Dish soap Cotton swabs or small droppers A flat surface for experimentation Paper towels for cleanup Procedure: Begin by pouring enough milk into the shallow dish to cover the bottom, ensuring it forms a smooth surface. Let the milk settle for a moment to ensure it is calm and not moving. Next, add drops of different colored liquid food coloring to the milk. You can create a pattern or just add colors randomly. Dip one end of a cotton swab or use a small dropper to add a small drop of dish soap to the center of the milk dish. Observe what happens closely and enjoy the colorful magic! Explanation: When you add the dish soap to the milk, it breaks the surface tension o