Mythbusting at the Library

Combining the scientific method with some mess making is a good formula for a great library program.  To get everything started I had a list of seven myths at the front of the room.  The children used dot stickers on the list itself to indicate their hypothesis.  Then we all stepped outside for the first myth.

Myth #1 - Don't mix Mentos candy and Diet Coke soda in your mouth.


After this demonstration, I handed out a paper listing all of the myths, the steps needed to complete the inquiry process, and a place to mark their results.  Just like in the Mythbusters television show, the kids could mark if the myth was confirmed, plausible, or busted.  The children were then sent to the tables to get to work.  Each table was set up with all of the supplies that were needed.  (Except for Myth #5, which had its own table for this experiment.)


Myth #2 - Pop rocks explode in  your stomach.

1. Use a funnel to pour 1 packet of pop rocks candy into a balloon. 
2. Carefully place the balloon over a bottle of Coke without the candy falling into the bottle. 
3. Now tilt the balloon so the candy falls into the bottle and let go. 
4. What is happening to the balloon?  (Hint: It may take a few minutes for anything to happen.)

Myth #3 - If you drop two objects of different weights from the same height, the heavier object will hit the ground first.

1. Look at and feel the Beanie Baby animal and the tennis ball.  Which one is heavier?  Which one is lighter?
2. Choose one team member to stand on a chair with an animal in one hand and a tennis ball in the other hand.  Hold both objects at the same height.  
3. The person holding the objects drops them onto the ground at the same time.
4. The other team members watch the ground.  
5. Repeat as many times as needed.
6. Which object hit the ground first?

Myth #4 - A substance can be a liquid and a solid at the same time.

1. Pour 2 cups cornstarch into the pan.
2. Add 1 cup water to the pan.
3. Use your hands to combine the two ingredients.
4. When mixed you should be able to press a handful of the substance (a.k.a. oobleck) into a ball in your hand; when you release the pressure, the ball should "melt" back into a liquid-like form.
5. If your oobleck is too watery, add a couple spoonfuls of cornstarch and mix.  If your oobleck is too flaky or solid, add a couple small splashes of water and mix.
6. Is this creation a liquid or a solid?

Myth #5 - A tablecloth can be pulled out from under stuff on a table and the stuff will stay (mostly) in place.

1. Go as a team to the designated table for this experiment.
2. Make sure all the dishes and flatware are set up properly on top of the tablecloth. 
3. Choose someone on your team to yank on the tablecloth.
4. The tablecloth yanker pulls downward and out very quickly on the edge of the table. 
5. Is it possible to pull off the tablecloth and leave everything on the table? (Hint: The key is the quick, downward motion. Also, try to keep the cloth parallel to the edge of the table top so it comes off all at once along the edge.)

Myth #6 - One piece of paper can support a stack of books one inch off a flat surface with no hands touching it.  

1. Each team member takes one sheet of paper and attempts to fold it in a way that will hold the stack of books one inch off the table. 
2. Experiment with different types of folds. (Hint: There is no need to cut the paper.)
3. Is it possible for a single sheet of paper to hold up a bunch of books?

Myth #7 - Smell does not affect taste.

1. Use the clothespin to cover your nose (or pinch your nose with your fingers). Eat an apple slice with your nose covered. How does it taste?
2. Take off the clothespin. Eat an apple slice with your nose uncovered. Is the taste different?
3. Repeat Step 1 with a potato slice. How does the potato taste with your nose covered?
4. Repeat step 2 with a potato slice. Does the potato taste different?
5. How does the sense of smell affect taste?

Of course, I used a bunch of websites to help me research and figure out how to do this program:

How to Make Oobleck at Babble Dabble Do

Whip Off the Tablecloth Trick at Steve Spangler Science

Coke and Mentos at Mami Tales

Balloon Pop Rocks Experiment at Entertain Kids On a Dime

Soda Geysers & Film Canister Rockets at The Mad Scientists Club at Cheshire Public Library

The Return of Candy Experiments at The Mad Scientists Club at Cheshire Public Library

I Want Candy at The Mad Scientists Club at Cheshire Public Library