Physical sciences involve the study of inorganic or non-living systems, which differs from biological sciences or the study of living organisms. There are many ways to teach elementary students about physical science using interesting experiments. For example, chemistry activities can teach students about matter (solid, liquid, gas and plasma) and how matter can join to create different things. Make sure to implement appropriate safety precautions.
Marbles
Gather water, a small cup, a marble and baby powder. Pour water into the cup and then place the marble inside. Next, have students pick up the marble without getting wet and without moving the cup. Allow students to try different methods. Then, pour baby powder into the cup. Put your fingers into the powder and retrieve the marble. Students should be able to grab the marble without getting wet because baby powder contains chemicals that create a barrier or seal with water.
Diapers
Another experiment for elementary students involves disposable diapers and water. You first should discuss how diapers are used to absorb urine. Next, ask students to pour water into one diaper until it is full. Then, have students open the second diaper down the middle section. Diapers have powder that is sewn onto the fabric to absorb a baby's urine. The powder contains crystals or polymers that are also used in other products (e.g., gardening and landscaping) to conserve water. Explain to students that the crystals are strong enough to absorb more than 100 times their weight in water.
Bread
Physical science activities can teach about chemical reactions using food. You will need sugar, warm water, yeast and a Ziploc bag. Start by adding 1 cup of warm water to the Ziploc bag. Next, add yeast and then sugar. Seal the bag and shake for about 30 seconds. After about 10 minutes, open the bag. When mixed with other ingredients, yeast can be used to create bread. Carbon dioxide gas produces the holes in bread. The mixture within the Ziploc bag should turn a brownish color, and as carbon dioxide gas is released, the bag will inflate. Students can open the bag to smell bread.
Gelatin
For a fun snack and science activity, you will need a cup of water, a spoon, strawberry gelatin, a dropper and a plastic dish. Measure two spoonfuls of gelatin and pour it onto the dish. Then, fill the dropper with water and place one drop of water onto the gelatin. After a few seconds, you should see a hardened ball developing. Have students continue pouring water until all of the gelatin turns into a ball. Students can make shapes using the gelatin and later eat their creations.
Glow in the Dark
A simple activity involves a really dark room and wintergreen lifesavers. Give a few children a lifesaver. Have students place the lifesavers into their mouths. Next, turn off the lights and ask student to chew their lifesaver. Lifesavers contain phosphorous crystals that spark when there is contact with teeth. The enzymes in human saliva cause the spark to continue.
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