Fun chemistry experiments

Written by J.A Dobado | Last Updated on April 22, 2024

What is fun chemistry experiments?

Chemistry is a fascinating subject that can provide some of the most exciting and fun experiments. Whether you are a student or simply an enthusiast, conducting chemistry experiments can be a thrilling and educational experience. Here are some fun chemistry experiments that can be easily performed at home or in a classroom.

List of classical experiments to do at home

The classic homemade chemistry experiments are not only fun, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to learn about scientific concepts such as chemical reactions, density, crystal growth, and polymers, etc.

  1. Elephant’s Toothpaste: is a classic chemistry experiment that involves the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide using potassium iodide as a catalyst. When hydrogen peroxide breaks down, it forms water and oxygen gas. In this experiment, the oxygen gas produced creates foam that looks like toothpaste coming out of an elephant’s trunk. This experiment requires adult supervision and should be performed in a well-ventilated area.
  2. Homemade lava lamp: are a simple and fun experiment that requires just a few household items. This experiment involves combining vegetable oil, water, food coloring, and an Alka-Seltzer tablet to create a mesmerizing display of bubbling “lava” inside a bottle. The vegetable oil and water do not mix due to differences in their densities, creating a unique visual effect.
  3. Fireworks in a Jar: is an experiment that creates a beautiful display of colors using just a few household items. This experiment involves adding drops of food coloring to a jar of water and then pouring in a mixture of oil and dish soap. The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the oil, causing the drops of food coloring to disperse throughout the jar and create a stunning display of colors.
  4. Mentos and Diet Coke: is a classic and exciting experiment that creates a volcanic eruption of foam. This experiment involves dropping Mentos candy into a bottle of Diet Coke. The reaction occurs due to the surface of the Mentos candy being covered in tiny bumps, which increase the surface area of the candy, allowing more carbon dioxide to be released from the soda.
  5. Invisible Ink: is an experiment that allows you to write secret messages that can only be revealed by a chemical reaction. This experiment involves creating a mixture of baking soda and water and using it to write a message on a piece of paper. Once the message is dry, lemon juice can be applied to the paper, which reacts with the baking soda to reveal the message.
  6. Baking Soda Volcano: is a classic experiment that creates a mini volcanic eruption. This experiment involves creating a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, which reacts to create carbon dioxide CO2 gas. The gas builds up pressure and creates a foaming eruption that looks like a volcano.
  7. Density Tower: is a fun experiment that demonstrates the concept of density. This experiment involves layering liquids of different densities, such as corn syrup, dish soap, water, and vegetable oil, in a clear container. The liquids separate based on their density, creating a visually appealing tower.
  8. Crystal Garden: is a fun way to grow crystals at home. This experiment involves creating a supersaturated solution of Epsom salt and water, which is then poured over a porous material such as a sponge. Over time, crystals begin to grow on the surface of the sponge.
  9. Invisible Gas: is a simple way to demonstrate the presence of gases. This experiment involves pouring baking soda into a container of vinegar, which releases carbon dioxide CO2 gas. When a lit candle is placed over the container, the flame is extinguished due to the presence of carbon dioxide CO2.

Chemistry experiments can be fun and exciting, but safety should always be a top priority. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when necessary and perform experiments in a well-ventilated area.

Follow all instructions carefully and dispose of chemicals properly. With the right precautions, these fun chemistry experiments can provide hours of entertainment and educational value. 

List of fun experiments to do at high school lab

The subsequent list entails laboratory experiments that should be conducted under the careful supervision of a teacher:

  1. Blue bottle experiment
  2. Producing slime: biodegradable polymer
  3. Redox reactions in aqueous media or how not all that glitters is gold
  4. Making an indicator from red cabbage
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