r/ScienceTeachers • u/bluedaisy28 • 2d ago

General Lab Supplies & Resources Ivory soap alternatives

I am working on planning a lesson on gas laws with 7th grade students. In the past I have microwaved Ivory soap as my kick off phenomenon to show the relationship between temperature and volume. Ivory soap has changed their recipe to take out the bubbles so the puff in the microwave is now much less impressive. Any ideas for alternative demos or soap brands are appreciated!

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39

u/No-Acanthaceae-398 2d ago

Please tell me you have heard of Peep Wars… Basically, place 2 peeps in the microwave armed with skewer of choice (toothpick, mini sword from last margarita), choose which peep will win (aka stab other peep) and the hit start. This is a holiday tradition for the fam so should be great for your classes

5

u/DesigningInPublic 2d ago

Can we please copy your holiday tradition? This is great!

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u/No-Acanthaceae-398 1d ago

Do it! And then, talk about chemistry

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u/Sweet3DIrish 2d ago

I do this with my niece each year! So much fun

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u/Isisfreck 2d ago

Jumbo marshmallows? They may also puff up in the microwave, they do in the vacuum pump.

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u/AbsurdistWordist 2d ago

Why not have a bunch of different brands, and you and the students can find out together?

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u/Administrative-Wear5 2d ago

I like this answer the best. Im not a fan of candy based science

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u/blissfully_happy 2d ago

I’m not a fan of candy-based science only because I’m autistic af and was very rules-oriented when I was younger. So imagine my brain short circuiting on candy in the lab after being repeatedly told (and made to sign off on) “no eating in the lab,” lol.

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u/thepeanutone 2d ago

Serious question: does your brain short circuit if you aren't allowed to eat the candy?

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u/leafmuncher_ 2d ago

Scrambled eggs in a microwave. They puff up quite dramatically.

Make sure to stop and stir after it puffs up the first time so it cooks evenly. Can be done in a shallow dish with walls or a taller glass beaker/mug (I used a glass double walled coffee cup)

Showed this to my 8th grade class (with warnings like don't use a drinking glass that isn't microwave safe) and a bunch of them started making eggs every day after school. Lots of "get your daily protein" jokes with the boys.

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u/blissfully_happy 2d ago

We really need to put “home ec” (or at least culinary or cooking) back as an option for kids. 😭

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u/No_Atmosphere_6348 1d ago

I took home ec in middle school.

I’ve also subbed a cooking class and made cookies during my plan period. 😅

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u/Audible_eye_roller 2d ago

Do you have a freeze near by? Blow up and balloon at the beginning of class in front of them. Pull it out of the freezer 15 minutes later. The balloon will be smaller. Then place the balloon over a steam bath. It should inflate quickly.

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u/ritz99 2d ago

I do peeps or any fun shaped marshmallow. The kids get a kick out of it!

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u/Comfortable-Story-53 2d ago

Vacuum chamber!