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Transition Day Fun Easy Science Experiments For Year 6-7's

Looking for fun, safe and educational activities to use in the classroom for transition days? Breckland Scientific offers a range of products that make hands-on chemistry simple, practical and engaging for pupils moving from Year 6 to Year 7.

From fizzy volcanoes to floating eggs, these simple experiments use real chemicals in suitable concentrations for curious students under adult supervision.

Safety First

Before starting any experiment:

  • Always wear gloves and safety goggles.
  • Make sure an adult is present.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area or outside.
  • Wash hands after handling any materials.

1. Baking Soda Volcano Acid-Base Reaction

The baking soda volcano became popular in the mid-20th century as a classroom demonstration in American schools. Its simplicity, safety and visual appeal made it a staple of science fairs and early science education. It remains a favourite for introducing pupils to chemical reactions in a memorable way.

Materials:

Steps:

  1. Add 2 tbsp of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate to the container.
  2. Mix Acetic Acid 3% with a few drops of food colouring and washing-up liquid.
  3. Pour the Acetic Acid 3% mixture into the Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate and watch it erupt.

The Science: This is an acid-base reaction. When acetic acid reacts with Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, carbon dioxide gas is released, creating a bubbly eruption.

 

2. Fizzy Bath Bombs Citric Acid And Bicarbonate

The underlying reaction between citric acid and bicarbonate has been used for decades in science demonstrations and effervescent tablets. The DIY trend has also made it a popular experiment at home and in schools.

Materials:

Steps:

  1. Mix 2 parts Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate with 1 part Citric Acid, 1 part Magnesium Sulphate Heptahydrate and 1 part cornflour.
  2. Add a few drops of water or witch-hazel until the mixture holds its shape. You can spray this onto the mixture if preferred.
  3. Optional: add 3 teaspoons of olive oil and 5 to 6 drops of essential oil to the mixture, then stir until blended.
  4. Press into moulds and leave to dry for 24 hours.
  5. Drop into water to see the fizz.

The Science: Water triggers a reaction between Citric Acid and Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, releasing gas and creating the fizzy effect. The added essential oil and olive oil can also give the bath bombs a pleasant scent and softer feel.

 

3. Floating Egg Density Experiment

Density demonstrations using eggs and salt water have been used in classrooms for generations. They are a simple way to explain buoyancy and can be linked to real-world examples, such as why people float more easily in very salty water.

Materials:

Steps:

  1. Fill one cup with plain water and one cup with salty water.
  2. Gently place the egg into each cup and observe what happens.

The Science: Salt water is denser than plain water. When enough Sodium Chloride is dissolved into the water, the egg becomes less dense than the liquid around it and floats.

 

4. Epsom Salt Crystals

Crystal growing experiments became widely popular during the 1950s as home science kits gained traction. Epsom salts have long been used in gardening and home remedies, but they are also suitable for simple crystal growth experiments.

Materials:

Steps:

  1. Dissolve Epsom salts in warm water until the solution is saturated.
  2. Suspend a string or pipe cleaner in the solution.
  3. Leave for 1 to 2 days to allow crystals to grow.

The Science: As the water cools and slowly evaporates, dissolved Magnesium Sulphate begins to form crystals on the string or pipe cleaner.

 

5. Eggshell Erosion Calcium Carbonate And Acid

This experiment is inspired by natural processes such as limestone erosion and acid rain. It has been used in education to show how acidic substances can affect everyday materials, while linking classroom chemistry to geological and environmental processes.

Materials:

Steps:

  1. Place Calcium Carbonate or eggshell in a clear container.
  2. Add Acetic Acid 3% and watch for bubbles.

The Science: Acetic acid reacts with calcium carbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas. This can be used to demonstrate how acids react with carbonate materials. Actual acid rain contains acidic compounds such as sulphuric acid, which can react with limestone and marble to form calcium sulphate and carbon dioxide.

 

Conclusion

With a few Breckland Scientific products, teachers and technicians can support simple practical activities that introduce pupils to real chemistry concepts. Whether exploring fizzing reactions, density or crystal growth, each activity provides a clear classroom demonstration for transition day learning.

As with all practical work, risk assessments should be completed before the activity and all necessary safety precautions should be followed. Breckland Scientific cannot be held responsible for injuries resulting from misuse of any products featured.

Refer to CLEAPSS, SSERC or local health and safety guidelines for further details on hazards, handling and practical safety procedures.

 

 

Baking Soda Volcano

 

 

 

 

Bath Bombs

 

 

 

 

 

Egg Density Experiment

 

 

 

 

 

Epsom Salts

 

 

 

 

Statue

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