Bite-Size Science: Have Fun Learning Science With Hands-On Activities and Labs!

Week 1 (Mini Experiment - Learner's Choice):

Choose one of the following experiments and bring the listed supplies to class:
1. Compare the “bounce-ability” of two different balls: two different types of balls, paper/pencil to record data.
2. Test a pet’s food preference: dog or cat (or other pet) and 2 types of dog/cat food (or dog food and some animal-safe lunch meat, you get the point 🙂)
3: Test a sibling’s color preference: sibling, 2 different colored crayons, a sheet of paper for drawing.
4: Test a parent’s ability to detect a zero-calorie sweetener: parent or other adult, a drink with sugar in it, a drink with a zero-calorie sweetener in it.


Week 2 (Living Things Lab):

Potato, chicken liver (if easily found - not required), hydrogen peroxide, 3 water bottles (empty), 2 balloons, a tablespoon measuring device, cutting board, small knife (parental guidance suggested)


Week 3 (Edible Animal Cell):

We will construct an animal cell using food! Almost any type of food will do:
About 10-20 different food/candy/cake decorating items (the more items available to the learners, the more creative they can be)
A dinner plate


Week 4 (Plant / Animal Cell Organelles Drawing - Part 1):

8.5” x 11” drawing paper (printer paper will do)
Colored pencils or crayons
Regular pencil
Plant/animal cell drawing pdf (found in the classroom at the time of the lab - optional to print out)


Week 5 (Plant / Animal Cell Organelles Drawing - Part 2): Same items from week 4


Week 6 (Alien Genetics Project):
printer paper to print pdf, a coin, colored pencils, drawing paper (printer paper is fine)


Week 7 (Alien Genetics Project - Part 2): Same supplies as week 6


Week 8 (DNA Model Project): 

We will be creating a 3-D model of DNA. Some learners like to use candy, others like to use origami or other non-edible items (like craft supplies). You will need a longer candy/item to create the “ribbon” part of the DNA, and 4 different colored candies (such as jelly beans) to create the “ladder” part of the DNA. More info will be provided in the week 7 post in the classroom.


Week 9 (Strawberry DNA Lab): 

3 Strawberries, cutting board, knife, rubbing alcohol, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/3 cup of water, 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid (for hand-washing dishes), small bowl and small glass, cheesecloth or coffee filter, funnel, resealable plastic sandwich bag, toothpick


Week 10 (Animal Behavior Storyboard):

Storyboard pdf (will be found in the classroom) or computer program that the learner is familiar with an can create a “comic strip/storyboard”
Colored pencils/crayons
Regular pencil


Week 11 (Invertebrate crossword/matching):

Invertebrate print-out pdf (will be found in the classroom)
Colored pencils/crayons
Regular pencil


Week 12 (Vertebrate Foldable):

Drawing paper or printer paper
Scissors
Colored pencils/crayons
Regular pencil


Week 13 (Heart-rate lab): No supplies required


Week 14 (Blood Lab):

We are going to construct a vein with blood in it! So learners will need a thick-ish liquid to depict the liquid/plasma of blood, and 4 types of candy to depict the constituents of blood. See below for suggestions:

Plasma: corn-syrup
White blood cells: mini marshmallows (or large ones cut up smaller)
Red blood cells: red cinnamon candies 
Platelets: sprinkles
Vein: empty water bottle (or use the corn syrup bottle)


Week 15 (Lung Lab):

Empty water bottle
Box-cutter or scissors (parents can pre-cut the bottle - cut off the bottom of the bottle, about a half-inch from the bottom)
2 balloons


Week 16 (Oxygen’s Journey Storyboard):

Storyboard pdf (found in classroom at the time of the lab) or online drawing program the learner is familiar with
Colored pencils/crayons
Regular pencil


Week 17 (Skeletal and Muscular System Labeling):

Muscular System pdf (found in the classroom at the time of the lesson)


Week 18 (Human Body Dice Game):

Dice pdf (found in the classroom at the time of the lesson)


Week 19 (Rock Cycle Lab):

3 crayons (all different colors, label peeled off)
carrot peeler
3 squares of aluminum foil (about 12 inches x 12 inches)
a ceramic mug filled with water
access to a microwave (or hot water from the tap)
assistance from an adult for the carrot peeler


Week 20 (Landscape Drawing & Labeling Activity):

Drawing paper
Colored pencils/crayons


Week 21 (Plate Tectonics Lab):

2 square graham crackers
whipped cream/cool whip
a plate 
*other crackers and gel-like substances can be used, such as mayonnaise, but it won’t be tasty/edible at the end of the lab!


Week 22 (Build a Volcano - Part 1): 

Volcano: disposable tin tray (a sheet pan will do if you don’t have the tin tray), glue (any kind), plastic or glass bottle/jar, 6 cups of flour, 2 cups of salt, 2 cups of water, 2 TBSP of cooking oil, food coloring (optional; suggested colors - red, green, black, or orange), mixing bowl, measuring cup, measuring spoon (tablespoon), spatula or whisk for mixing


Week 23 (Build a Volcano - Part 2): 

Lava Options:
Option 1 (basic recipe): 2 cups of warm water, food coloring (preferably red), 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, vinegar (1-2 cups)
Option 2 (elephant toothpaste recipe): ½ cup hydrogen peroxide (6% is best, but 3% will do), 1 tablespoon (one packet) dry yeast, 3 tablespoons of warm water, 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap, food coloring (preferably red)


Week 24 (Edible Erosion Lab):

Several marshmallows (any size), about 10 crushed oreos (or other cookie), choc/strawberry/corn/maple syrup (pick one), jelly beans or other small candy, optional: blue jello (one small container), small baking pan or pie tin or plate.


Week 25 (Lightning Lab):

small plate, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, plastic spoon and/or a styrofoam item (cup, bowl, or plate, etc.)


Week 26 (Earth’s Resources Project):

Earth’s Resources pdf (found in the classroom at the time of the lesson)