Middle school home science experiments with household items to teach chemistry.

[Amelia.B]

I'm a middle school science teacher trying to develop a new unit on basic chemistry with engaging home science experiments that students can safely conduct using common household items. I want to demonstrate concepts like chemical reactions, pH, and density without requiring specialized equipment. I have a few classics like the baking soda volcano, but I'm looking for more innovative ideas. For educators or parents, what have been your most successful and visually impressive experiments that clearly illustrate a scientific principle while being simple enough for students to perform independently with minimal supervision?

[GeorgeJ]

Crystal gardens with borax or sugar crystals are surprisingly impressive and teach crystallization. Materials: borax (or sugar), hot water, food coloring, clear jars, pipe-cleaners or string. Steps: dissolve the solute in hot water to saturation, add color, hang the string in the solution, and let crystals form overnight. Observations: crystal shapes, growth rate. Safety: avoid ingestion; let an adult handle hot water; wash hands after. Extension questions: what affects crystal size, seed crystals, supersaturation.