Lab coats optional, curiosity required
Safety
For maximum safety, most chemicals used in our in-person shows are either non-toxic or common household items. A full list is provided below.
No open flames are used.
Some assemblies use a hot plate.
Chemistry
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Dawn dish soap
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Turmeric
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Baking soda
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White vinegar
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Hydrogen peroxide
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Food coloring
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Baker’s yeast or potassium iodide - KI is used in the treatment of certain thyroid conditions
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Corn Syrup
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Vegetable oil
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Rubbing alcohol
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Phenolphthalein - a pH indicator
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Methylene blue - a blue dye that is also used as a medication
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Glucose - a simple sugar
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0.4 M solution sodium hydroxide - We use a solution that is approximately 10 times weaker than the typical 3.4 M concentration found in household Drano
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Vitamin C
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Iodine tincture - common first aid antiseptic
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Corn starch
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Epsom salt - magnesium sulfate, commonly used in baths for muscle relief
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Washing soda - sodium carbonate, laundry booster and household cleaner
Science of Flight
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Baking soda
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White vinegar
"Magical" Science
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Superabsorbent polymer powder - a non-toxic absorbant material commonly used in disposable diapers
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Food coloring
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White vinegar
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Salt
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Acetone - nail polish remover
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Indigo carmine - a food dye better known as Blue #2
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Glucose - simplest form of sugar
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0.4 M solution sodium hydroxide - We use a solution that is approximately 10 times weaker than the typical 3.4 M concentration found in household Drano
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Baking soda
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Universal indicator - common solution for determining pH