Please Note: This Camp is only offered during the summer months. We offer this same content as a 4-week course during the regular school year (linked below):
Atom Secrets 2: Hands-on Chemical Reaction Experiments!
https://outschool.com/classes/atom-secrets-2-hands-on-chemical-reaction-experiments-stem-steam-course-vbaqDsgr

This chemistry-themed Camp explores intriguing chemical reactions (using safe household ingredients) over four 50-minute sessions (meeting for 1 week, Monday-Thursday). The camp also introduces chemical equations, molecule formation and the underlying structure of the Periodic Table of Elements. Each session features a fun & safe chemical reaction, using common household items, that brings chemistry to life. The chemical reaction will be demonstrated by the instructor and students are supported to follow along at home (younger learners may need assistance; participation is encouraged but totally optional). This Camp offers an engaging exploration of chemistry concepts, nurturing curiosity and providing foundational chemistry knowledge.

This Camp includes content equivalent to our 4-week Atom Secrets Level 2 Course, condensed into a 1-week format. 

Session Overview & Supplies
Session 1: 
The first class session reviews the concept of atomic structure and atoms forming molecular bonds, starting with the covalent bond and learning what drives the atoms to form this type of bond in the first place. We'll discuss the chemical reactions underlying our first experiment and explore the "whys" behind the results.  
Class 1 Chemical Reaction Supplies: Producing CO2 Bubbles
1. Baking Soda (a couple teaspoons)
2. Vinegar (½ cup)
3. Optional: Liquid Dish Soap or Liquid Hand Soap (if available, just a couple teaspoons needed)
4. Optional: Food coloring (if on hand)
5. Container for mixing (preferably clear); spoon for mixing

Session 2:
The second class session expands from covalent bonds and sharing electrons, to exploring atoms donating electrons to form ionic bonds. We will learn more about the valence shell and how understanding the placement of the atoms in the Periodic Table helps us determine the kind of bonds it can form. We'll also discuss the water molecule's polarity and how chemistry is utilized in making ice cream. 
Class 2 Chemical Reaction Supplies: Making Ice Cream with Salt
1. Salt (1/2 cup)
2. Bag of ice chips or cubes 
3. 2 large ziploc bags
4. For the ice cream mixture: Milk (1 cup), sugar (about 1 Tbsp) and a few drops of vanilla (optional)

Session 3: 
In Session 3, we'll learn about acids, bases and the pH scale! For this week's hands-on activity, we will test different liquids to determine their pH.
Class 3 Chemical Reaction Supplies: Acid Base Investigation
1. Litmus Ph Paper or Cabbage Juice pH tester
Any pH paper will do, and can be ordered from any major online retailer, like Amazon (search "pH paper"). 
Or you can make your own Cabbage Juice pH Paper using these instructions: https://www.thoughtco.com/make-red-cabbage-ph-paper-605993
2. Different small amounts of liquids to test pH, such as: Milk, soda, lemon juice, apple juice, almond milk, coffee, tea, water, salt water, sugar water, vinegar, etc.
3. Dish or paper to lay out the pH paper tests for easier clean-up

Session 4:
Session 4 reviews the role of the neutron in an atom, the idea of atomic mass units, how one can calculate the number of neutrons in an atom. We'll discuss the differing behaviors of different isotopes of specific atoms, to emphasize the importance of neutrons. We also discuss the Law of Conservation of mass and its relationship to chemical equations. 
Class 4 Chemical Reaction Supplies: Cleaning Old Pennies
1. Old Pennies (the dirtier the better)
2. Salt (3 Tablespoons)
3. Vinegar (1/2 cup)
4. A container for mixing 
5. Paper towel or dish to place the pennies to dry 

The course utilizes illustrated Atom Cards (for elements 1-54) as visual aids. Printable handouts of the Atom Cards will be provided upon enrollment for self-printing at home. A professionally-printed set of Atom Cards (on laminated cardstock) is also available - ordering information will be provided upon enrollment. 

This camp is #2 in our Atom Camp series. The other Atom Camps are listed below:
Atom Camp 1: Atom Secrets and the Periodic Table of Elements
https://outschool.com/classes/atom-camp-1-atom-secrets-and-the-periodic-table-of-elements-1-week-mon-thu-TGvbCyJo
Atom Camp 3: Hands-On Molecule Building and Molecular Exploration
https://outschool.com/classes/atom-camp-3-hands-on-molecule-building-and-molecular-exploration-TXjbbDyt#us9fIT1FTd
Atom Camp 4: Advanced Hands-on Molecule Model Building
https://outschool.com/classes/atom-camp-4-advanced-hands-on-molecule-model-building-fWGcSN5t#us9fIT1FTd