I need cheap kid's science experiments!?

Question

I work at an at-risk kid's camp this summer, and i am trying to set up a science experiment station for part of our free time. I need experiments that are very inexpensive, can be done with a max of ten kids, and will fill up time for two 45 min time periods. These kids also dont have the best attention spans, so something thats super cool and interactive would be best! So far i am doing make your own volcano...any other ideas would be great!!!! thanks for any and all ideas! let me know if you have questions about the circumstances...

Answer 1

Break them down into groups of 5 (or less) and have them build a bridge out of popsicle sticks ( or something similar) and some glue. Have a competition to see which bridge can hold the most weight! You might have to help them get started, depending on their age also specify the length.

Answer 2

use google

Answer 3

Studying water quality while looking for macro-invertebrates is always fascinating for my students. If you have access to microscopes it really enhances the experience.

You would need to collect some pond or river water in a bucket and bring to school. Pour the water into smaller containers that the students can study in small groups. Have the students catch the macro-invertebrates with eye dropper or plastic spoons and then empty the contents of the eye dropper onto a slide, small cup, or a to go sauce container or the lid of a to go sauce container works well. The students identify the animals using a key like found on:

http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/14175_WVSOS_Tw...

Students love this activity!

Answer 4

dollar store

Answer 5

There are some great activities with bubbles you could do.  The kids could make their own bubble solution and then pour it on black garbage bags placed over tables and use straws to blow the bubbles.  They can then watch the bubbles and make predictions of when they know they will pop.  I'm sure you can find more details of this on line somewhere.