Explore the scientific method, acids and bases, and chemical and physical changes as your students complete challenges to become Certified COSI Chemists. Get messy with non-Newtonian substances, endothermic and exothermic reactions, and other chemistry hands-on activities!

NOTE: Students should be reminded never to eat or drink their chemistry experiments -- nor should they eat or drink near them – even when experimenting with food.

A Closer Look: Students use microscopes to identify powders based on their external structures.

Chemical or Physical?: Students compare and identify a variety of chemical changes and physical changes.

It’s a Secret: Students write secret messages in two different ways: one using phenolphthalein and washing soda, the other using ultraviolet ink and a black light.

Solid-Liquid-Gas: Students mix a solid and a liquid to produce a gas. The reaction yields results they can see, feel and hear.

pH: With a variety of diluted household chemicals and universal Indicator solution, students explore the full range of pH: acid to neutral to base.

Light the Night: Students experience a chemical reaction that produces light without heat.

Sink or Float: Students will investigate density and see how density determines if something will float or sink.

Super Slime: Students use Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Tetraborate, and food coloring to create a non-Newtonian substance to explore and take home.

Way Cool: Students mix chemicals with water to cause exothermic (heat-producing) and endothermic (heat-absorbing) reactions they can feel.

• Grades K-6
• Download Extension Activities
• Download Out of State Standards
• Download Press Release Template