Enjoying science play and simple experiments with young children is a fun and easy opportunity to foster their curiosity and problem solving skills.
Suitable for ages: 2 years and up
Time required: 30 mins
Difficulty: 2 out of 5
Related Programs: Mini Mariners / Kids On Deck
Watery fun for budding maritime archaeologists
- 3 cups bicarb soda
- Some "treasures" (we prefer to avoid small, easily swallowable objects, just in case. Good options are: lengths of decorative beads, small silver plates/cups/forks/spoons from op-shops and large shells or plaster starfish).
- 1 cup glitter
- A few tablespoons of water (just enough to make a paste)
- A few drops of coloured dye
- A large baking tray or loaf tin lined with baking paper
- Some vinegar and plastic droppers
To Make:
Step 1.
To make your "shipwreck site", mix together all your ingredients in a bowl to make a thick paste (if it’s too runny just add more glitter and bicarb)
Step 2.
In the tray, place your treasures and spoon the bicarb mixture over the top to create a solid block. Freeze overnight.
Step 3.
Empty the "shipwreck site" into a bowl or tray with a small amount of water.
Step 4.
Now it’s time to excavate your treasures! Use cups of water and vinegar in droppers to free the treasure and enjoy the fizzy fun along the way!
Quick Tip:
- Smocks are recommended for this activity.
We’d love to see your creations!
Please send us photos either by email to: web@sea.museum or tag us on Instagram - just tag the photo with our username @sea.museum
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