Activities

ACS Kids & Chemistry Activity Kits

ACS Kids & Chemistry Activity Kits were specially created for chemists volunteering in elementary and middle school classrooms. The kits will help you to introduce developmentally appropriate science concepts to students in your area.

Each kit includes everything you'll need to make an exciting and educational presentation, including:

• At least one demonstration
• Three hands-on activities
• Teacher’s guide
• Student lab guide
• Supplies for up to 32 students

Make Your Own Activity Kit

If you wish to make your own kit, use the following information. A list of materials can be found at the end of the presenter's guide.

Chemistry’s Rainbow

Best for grades 5–8

Interpret color changes like a scientist as you create acid and base solutions, neutralize them, and observe a colorful chemical reaction.

Jiggle Gels

Best for grades 3–5

Measure with purpose and cause exciting physical changes as you investigate the baby diaper polymer, place a super-absorbing dinosaur toy in water, and make slime.

What’s New, CO₂?

Best for grades 4–6

Combine chemicals and explore the invisible gas produced to discover how self-inflating balloons work.

Activities Contributed by ACS members

The following hands-on activities and resources have been tested in the classroom and optimized for safety, student interest, and ease of use.

• Bruno the Elephant’s Toothpaste
  Contributed by the Elizabethtown College Student Chapter
  Add yeast to hydrogen peroxide and detergent to make dramatic foam and teach about catalysts.
• Chemistry is More Than Just Hot Air!
  Contributed by the Northwestern State University Student Chapter
  Combine baking soda and vinegar to an indicator solution to teach about the products of chemical reactions.
• The Chemistry Name Game
  Contributed by Butane: The Carroll College Chemistry Club
  Play a chemistry card game to teach students how to name chemical compounds and write chemical formulas.
• Lava Lamp
  Contributed by the Chi Epsilon Mu (XEM) Chemistry Club at Austin Peay State University
  Use oil, water, and the gas released from an Alka-Seltzer tablet to create a lava lamp and teach about density.
• Metal Ligand
  Contributed by the Chemistry Student Association at The University of Texas at Dallas
  Spray ammonia-based glass cleaner into different samples of sand (mixed with a transition metal salt) to show how chemical properties can be used to help solve crimes.