Biology

  1. Hatch a Dinosaur out of an Ice Egg!

    Hatch a Dinosaur out of an Ice Egg!

    This activity is perfect for keeping young dinosaur enthusiasts cool on a hot day.

     

    You Need:

    Some small dinosaur figurines (or other animals that hatch out of eggs, such as lizards or birds)

    Some round balloons (not water balloons)

    Scissors

    Some toy tools, or other safe objects for breaking or melting ice

     

    What To Do:

    Stretch a balloon carefully around the figurine, taking extra care not to puncture it with any spikes or claws. (Water balloons are too thin and can break at this point).

    Place the opening of the balloon over the end of a tap. Turn the tap on gently and fill the balloon with enough water to surround the figurine.

    Seal the balloon and place it gently in the freezer overnight.

    When your ‘ice egg’ is completely frozen, use the scissors to remove the balloon.

    Place the egg in a tray with appropriate tools,  and invite your young dino-e

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  2. Use Chemistry to Hatch a Dinosaur Egg!

    Use Chemistry to Hatch a Dinosaur Egg!

    Got a dinosaur enthusiast at your place? Make a dinosaur egg they can hatch with a chemical reaction!

     

    You Need:

    A packet of Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda, from the supermarket)

    Some food colouring

    Mixing Bowl

    Water

    Gloves

    Small dinosaur figurines (or other animals that hatch out of eggs, such as lizards or birds)

    Baking tray with a sheet of baking paper or foil to line it

    Vinegar in a small cup or bowl

    Pipette (eye dropper) or small spoon

     

    What To Do:

    Pour the sodium bicarbonate into the mixing bowl.  Put on the gloves, then add a little water and a few drops of food colouring. Mix with a spoon or your hands to form a mouldable paste, adding more water if necessary.

    Take a handful of the paste and mould it into a small bowl that you can place a figurine inside. Place more paste on top of the figurine and mould into an egg shape, ma

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  3. Mouldy Bread

    Mouldy Bread

    The Mouldy Bread Experiment

    Learning Objectives:

    -      Students will develop and/or refine their skills in designing and conducting experiments.

    -      Students will understand the factors that promote and prevent the growth of mold on bread.

     

    Equipment required (per student or pair of students):

    -      2 slices of bread each cut into halves.

    -      4 small ziplock bags

    -      4 sticky labels and pen

    -      Access to water, a fridge and perhaps a toaster (optional)

    Some moldy bread in a sealed bag for demonstration purposes.

    Procedure:

    Show the mouldy bread to the students to prompt a discussion. (You could give it a little backstory, e.g. ‘I

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  4. Straw Heart Monitor

    Straw Heart Monitor

    This DIY 'heart rate monitor' will open your eyes to the amazing muscle that keeps you alive and kicking.

    Suitable for kids aged 5+ with parental supervision.

    You Need:
    • Drinking straw
    • Lump of putty, plasticine or blu-tac - that's it!
    What to do:
    1. Poke the straw into the putty. Okay, so it looks nothing like an expensive ECG monitor but wait till you see what this thing can do!
    2. Lay on your back and find the pulse in your neck. Lay the putty on top of this spot so that the tip of the straw is just above your eye. Now watch what happens... it's a little freaky.

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