Summer Science to do outside

As we get into the last few weeks before school starts back up again, here are some fun science activities you can do outside to get the learning gears moving again.

See how effective sunscreen is
Supplies:
Sunscreen spray
Sunscreen lotion
Black construction paper
Paint brush
Person-shaped cookie cutter

Process:
1. Put the person-shaped cookie cutter on the left side of the construction paper.  Spray the paper inside of the cookie cutter with the sunscreen spray.
2. Put the person-shaped cookie cutter on the right side of the construction paper.  Apply the sunscreen lotion to the paper inside of the cookie cutter using the paint brush.
3. Leave the construction paper outside in the sun for four hours.
4. Observe what happened to the paper.  The space that hasn't been sunscreened will likely have faded in the sun.  Which was more effective?  The spray or the lotion?

Observe plant transpiration
Transpiration is the process of water moving through a plant and evaporating from its leaves, stems and flowers.
Supplies:
1 clear plastic bag (sandwich or quart sized)
1 rubber band or twist tie
A leafy branch on a living tree or shrub
Sunny weather

Process:
1. Find a healthy, leafy branch on a tree or shrub.  The bigger and greener the leaf, the better!
2. Cover the leaf.  Put the plastic bag around a leaf or a small group of leaves.  Gently gather the bag around the stem or branch and secure it tightly with the rubber band.  Make sure it is sealed so no air escapes.
3. Observe.  Within a few minutes, you may begin to see fog or tiny droplets forming on the inside of the bag. 
4. Leave the bag for a few hours or overnight.  When you return, you will likely see visible water droplets on the inside--sometimes even small puddles!

Make your own bubble solution
Supplies: 
1 large cup
1 spoon
Bubble wands
1 container with lid (optional)
1/2 cup of dish soap
1 1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons sugar

Process:
1. Pour 1/2 cup of dish soap into a large cup.
2. Add 1 1/2 cup of water to the dish soap in the cup.
3. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar.
4. Gently stir the mixture.
5. Go outside and blow bubbles!
6. If you have bubble solution left, store it in a container with a lid.