Looking for fun, safe, and educational activities to do at home or in the classroom? APC Pure offers a range of products that make hands-on chemistry easy and exciting. From fizzy volcanoes to floating eggs, these simple experiments use real chemicals in safe concentrations perfect for curious kids under adult supervision.
Before starting any experiment:
Always wear gloves and safety goggles
Have an adult present
Work in a well-ventilated area or outside
Wash hands after handling any materials
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 kids to chemical reactions in a fun and memorable way.
Materials:
Optional: food colouring, dish soap
Container or plastic bottle
Steps:
Add 2 tbsp of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate to the container.
Mix Acetic Acid 3% with a few drops of colouring and soap.
Pour the Acetic Acid 3% mix into the sodium hydrogen carbonate and watch it erupt!
The Science: This is an acid–base reaction. When acetic acid (acid) reacts with sodium hydrogen carbonate (base), it releases carbon dioxide gas creating a bubbly eruption.
The underlying reaction, a citric acid and bicarbonate fizz has been used for decades in science demos and effervescent tablets. The DIY trend made it a popular experiment at home and school.
Materials:
Optional: Magnesium Sulphate, food colouring
Water or witch-hazel, mixing bowl, silicone moulds
Steps:
Mix 2 parts Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate with 1 part Citric Acid.
Add a few drops of water until the mix holds shape.
Press into moulds and let dry 24 hours.
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.
Density demonstrations using eggs and saltwater have been around for generations. They're frequently used in classrooms to explain buoyancy, inspired by real-world phenomena like how people float more easily in the Dead Sea.
Materials:
Tap water
Raw egg (or small toy for safety)
Two clear cups
Steps:
Fill one cup with plain water and one with salty water.
Gently place the egg in each and observe.
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’re also ideal for slow crystal growth, making them perfect for beginner experiments.
Materials:
Warm water
Clear jar, string or pipe-cleaner
Steps:
Dissolve Epsom Salts in warm water until saturated.
Suspend a string in the solution.
Leave for 1–2 days to see crystals grow.
This experiment is inspired by natural processes like limestone erosion and acid rain. It's been used in education since at least the 1960s to show how acidic substances affect everyday materials, mirroring real geological and environmental phenomena.
Materials:
Calcium Carbonate powder (or eggshell)
Clear container
Steps:
Place Calcium Carbonate in a container.
Add Acetic Acid 3% and watch the bubbles.
With just a few APC Pure products, you can spark a love of science through exciting, safe experiments. Whether you're exploring fizzy reactions or growing salt crystals, each activity teaches real chemistry concepts in a way kids can understand.