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the experiment you simply mix the two ingredients in the container stand back and observe what happens. Some key points to review with your child during this experiment would be the chemical reaction between the Baking Soda / Sodium Bicarbonate and the Vinegar / acid. Additionally, review that the end result of this reaction is Carbon Dioxide and that is the source of the foam and noise.

Making your own crystals is a fun and popular experiment, because for some reason kids love rocks. To conduct this experiment you will need 1/4 cup Epsom salt, 1/2 cup water, a shallow dish or pie pan, sponges cut or whole and food coloring. To make your crystals you will start by boiling the water. After the water is boiled you will add the Epsom salt and stir until it is dissolved. Add desired coloring. Then you can either pour the liquid over a small section of sponge or just skip the sponge and pour directly into the dish covering the bottom only. Place your dish in a sunny location and watch as the crystals form. Note with your child how crystals are formed as the water evaporates. Have you child keep a journal charting the progress of the crystals formation over the few days it will take for the crystals to form. To vary this project and make it more of an experiment you can use different ingredients to make the crystals and note the differences in size, shape and formation time. Some other formulas that work for crystal formation are 6 tablespoons of Monoammonium Phosphate and a 1/2 cup of hot water with food coloring if desired. Mix ingredients together until dissolved and place in container as with original experiment. Another way to form crystals is with 3 tablespoons Borax and 1 cup boiling water. You add Borax one tablespoon at a time and dissolve into water. Add food coloring if you like and then pour into a jar. Record findings and differences between three experiments.

These suggestions are all common experiments that for the most part can be conducted fairly and easily with items you have in your home. Creating a presentation using poster board, photos and recorded findings will complete each of these projects. Remember have fun with your science fair project and make it family affair.

Learn more about this author, Hillary Marshall.
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