Experiment 1 (photosynthesis)
Fresh spinach leaves
Paper hole puncher
10 mL or larger plastic syringe (without needle) - you get one from your local pharmacy or online
Baking soda solution (dissolve 1 tbsp baking soda powder in water)
Liquid dish soap solution (dissolve 1 tsp or 5 mL of liquid soap in 1 cup or 250 mL of water)
3 clear plastic cups or beakers , you can pour the solutions into the cups ahead of time (make sure to label):
- Cup 1: Detergent solution
- Cup 2: Baking soda solution (treatment)
- Cup 3: Water (control) - distilled works best
Light source (a lamp)
Experiment 2 (fall leaf chromatography)
Leaves at different stages of turning colors (the more the better, but about 10 leaves for each color works best)
Scissors
Strong, sturdy drinking glasses (the same number as colors you have represented)
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
Wooden spoon or another wooden utensil with a blunt end to crush the leaves
Fork
Very small bowls or tea light candle holders (same number as colors you have represented)
Strong, white, heavyweight, ultra-absorbent paper towels
Ruler
Pencil
Toothpicks
Plate (or other surface to protect you work area from stains)
Tall glass jars, such as mason jars (same number as the color you have represented)
Clothespins or large paper clips (nine to twelve)

Bonus Activity (if we have time):
Blank paper
Some leaves (up to 5)
Some paint (any color)
Paint brush

Although each experiment is made for students in this age range some students may need assistance with the photosynthesis experiment. Specifically, we will need to create a vacuum in the syringe by holding a finger over the end and pulling back on the plunger.