Poke Salad Annie Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 I want to fill up a box (or two) of things on hand and other things that may be at Walmart, the grocery store, thrift store, or even a science supply store online. I'd like to have it at our fingertips, ready to go so that I don't I have spend valuable time hunting for some obscure item I'm sure is around here somewhere, KWIM? So....would you mind helping me with some ideas of what you feel are necessities or flat-out-fun-gotta-have-this supplies? I will gladly pay you on Tuesday for a hamburger today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 These are things we often need for science experiments, and which I keep around so I'm not always racing out to Hobby Lobby: string thread paper clips pins glass jars (various sizes) w/ lids test tubes & rack & brush for cleaning stand with clamp toothpicks matches (or lighter) yardstick/meterstick marbles metal washers balloons distilled water masking tape plastic petri dishes various magnets batteries aluminum foil I'll edit in any more that occur to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poke Salad Annie Posted January 24, 2011 Author Share Posted January 24, 2011 These are things we often need for science experiments, and which I keep around so I'm not always racing out to Hobby Lobby: Thank you! Do you try to keep them organized in some way, like maybe in a big toolbox or such? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 (edited) I have a box like that, but I started with a SL box of required science supplies and a box for science 3+4, plus leftovers from science kits around the house. I'll list some of whats in it. batteries alligator clips little light bulbs battery holder brads paper clips coffee filter rubber tubing aluminum foil pipettes eye dropper measuring beakers food coloring baking soda (borax and vinegar are on a shelf not in the box also not in the box but used are food coloring, lemon juice, dish soap and oil) ph test strips magnets iron filings copper wire copper and some other kind of metal strips (for making a fruit battery) ohmmeter stop watch small motor agar petri dishes q-tips dry beans paper cups paper plates sponges straws tape - electrical, clear, and duct rulers pencils nails small screws nuts and bolts magnifying glasses those little hand-held microscopes test tubes (not glass) with stoppers balloons ping pong balls marbles ummm that's all I can think of right now- when I make it down to my office, I'll look and see what is in the box in case there is something awesome in there that I forgot Edited January 24, 2011 by Karen in CO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poke Salad Annie Posted January 24, 2011 Author Share Posted January 24, 2011 Thank you both so very much!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Thank you! Do you try to keep them organized in some way, like maybe in a big toolbox or such?They're all thrown into one big bin, except for batteries, which would just lose their charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybear Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Reviving this thread to add on---so, if you now do this, do you just leave it around for the dc to play with/experiment with? Do you sometimes "assign" something like time to do something with the box time? I've had stuff like this around and it hasn't been used much. Otoh, dc sometimes set up their own labs. I guess, what I'm really wondering here is this....science isn't getting done enough these days. I have enough on my hands just trying to get everything else up and going again.:glare: So, could I have a huge box of sciencey stuff and hand it over and expect any real science to happen? Hmmm....even as I type this it sounds ridiculous. I think I need to get something together at least once a week. Thanks for listening. Still :bigear: to see what updates might be added here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I have a ten year old, too. He has a mishmash science "lab" in which he creates his own experiments. We did a round of RS4K/Chemistry but other than that our formal science studies have been non-existent (not included regular viewing of Mythbusters, and a slew of other Discovery Channel shows). I don't assign science because he naturally gravitates towards it. Sometimes he'll mention he's bored and I'll suggest it, but for the most part he tools around his little lab on his own. I've outfitted him with several Jan Van Cleave books and a few inexpensive Science Project Ideas books, so he has some inspiration or starting point - not just a box full of things to tinker with. I also require he check out at least one science book each week from our public library, so he gets motivation there as well. His trinkets and such are stored in various recycled containers from our home and our neighbors (huge baby jar food people). He also has one of those things that look like miniature plastic desktop versions of a library filing card cabinet. Some men keep them in the garage for their little trinkets, too. Blanking on what those are officially called, but it gives him several drawers in which to keep his stuff separated but easily accessible. If he weren't as eager to do random experiments on his own, I'd probably assign him to do an experiment each week. His choosing (or mine, if he preferred) out of one of our random books. If he weren't so inclined already to re-live his experiment to me (the boy talks nonstop!) I'd expect him to write out a formal scientific method for me outlining his work. Maybe a brief written summary, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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