Plastic Science - Kid Safe Experiments using Plastic Bottles
Science experiments are hands-on fun and even teach you some really cool stuff. You can learn about chemicals and the environment… anything you want! You can also use experiments to help you remember any of the information you need to know. For example, there’s an experiment called the Lemon Fizz experiment which allows kids to mix ingredients to create a surprisingly fizzy result! You’re more likely to remember some lessons if your teacher lets you do an experiment. Not only do you learn lots of really interesting facts about science, but you get to have fun with a parent or a friend, and plenty of times you get to make a big mess.
The most important thing to remember when you are going to do a science experiment is that safety is the most important thing. The best way to stay safe is usually to follow the directions as closely as possible. These directions are written so that you can do some really cool stuff without hurting yourself, so make sure you read them ahead of time. One of the most important things you will find in the instructions is a list of the materials you will need. Remember to pay special attention to the list of safety materials you need, like goggles, gloves, and smocks. Remember, even the simplest experiments can go wrong, so staying safe is key. For instance, a glass beaker could slip off the table and break on the floor, creating sharp pieces of glass at your feet. That’s why it’s so important to have an adult nearby when you are doing the experiment. They will know what to do if something goes wrong. Whether it's an experiment conducted in science class at school or at home in the kitchen, an adult should always be in the room, if not doing the whole experiment with you.
Below, you will find a list of fun and exciting experiments that use plastic bottles and bottle caps.
Learn about the different features of volcanoes and, then make a model volcano using household items such as newspaper, baking soda, vinegar, and other materials. At the end of the experiment, the volcano erupts!
Checkout an interesting science experiment that involves an empty pop bottle, a balloon, and water. Find out how and why the balloon inflates inside the pop bottle.
Blobs in a Bottle (PDF)
Ever seen a lava lamp? This experiment uses simple materials such as vegetable oil, a bottle, and food coloring to create a colorful swirl of blobs in a bottle.
Discover how to inflate a balloon without using your own breath. The household materials for this experiment include paper, vinegar, baking soda, a balloon, and a plastic bottle.
Dishwashing liquid, corn syrup, and food coloring are among the materials needed for this experiment. Find out how certain liquids can separate into layers.
Try (with the help of an adult) a temperature/pressure experiment that pulls a hard-boiled egg inside a bottle.
Go through the steps of this fun experiment to create a foaming mountain using a plastic bottle, dish soap, dry yeast, and more.
After gathering a few common materials such as a drinking straw, a bottle, and scissors, students will perform an experiment that creates a cloud in a plastic bottle.
Try this experiment that involves adding Mentos to soda and witness the amazing result.
Plastic cups, vegetable oil, and food coloring are a few of the materials needed for this experiment that lets kids enjoy a "fireworks" display that they created!
Find out how to make a packet of ketchup rise and fall in a bottle of water.
A list of ingredients that includes water, glue, and food coloring will assist a kid in making an interesting creation called flubber.
Lemon juice and baking soda are part of this experiment that results in a chemical reaction.
Make Glue from Milk (PDF)
Baking soda, milk, and food coloring are some of the ingredients necessary to create a mixture of homemade glue.
Create a tornado using two plastic bottles, scissors, water, and duct tape. The swirling action of the water mimics the look of a tornado. This activity is a great addition to a science lesson with a weather theme.