Print This PageClassroom Activities
You don't need to have a fancy lab and lots of expensive equipment to conduct good scientific experiments and learn how things work. Many of the most complex scientific findings started from simple experiments with everyday objects. The following classroom activities are used by Monsanto employees to demonstrate how simple items such as a penny or a piece of spinach can be used to illustrate concepts our scientists work with everyday.
These activities are designed to be led by a knowledgeable and responsible adult. So kids, put safety first, and don't try these on your own, but ask your teacher to guide you -- and please, follow the safety guidelines at the beginning of each activity.
-
Paper Chromatography
To demonstrate a process called chromatography and to use materials derived from this experiment to create flower art work.
Grades K-5 -
Getting Slimed
To demonstrate a chemical reaction which produces a type of chemical called a polymer.
Grades K-8 -
Kitchen Chemistry
Utilizing household items to demonstrate various chemical and physical properties.
Grades 3-6 -
DNA Extraction
To extract DNA from cheek cells.
Grades 3-8 -
Chlorophyll Extraction
To extract chlorophyll from spinach leaves and utilize the extract to demonstrate various physical properties of plants and chlorophyll.
Grades 3-8 - Just for Kids Activities
St. Clair Co, IL Farm Bureau website, compliments of Ag in the Classroom. Targets 4th graders.
- Check the Life Cycle of Plants
Split students into groups of 7-8 students to do all these experiments! Targets 4th graders.
- Plant Science Activities
Check this site out for additional selection of experiments for elementary students!
