articles

The Ultimate Dry Ice

from Steve Spangler Science

By Marie Folmar September 22, 2011

               Video of Dry Ice Experiments                                

        When the big cardboard box sent to me from SteveSpanglerSceince.com arrived on my doorstep, I was like a kid on Christmas morning! I cut though the tape and opened the flaps. What I found inside certainly lives up to the name “Ultimate Dry Ice Kit”! Not only does this kit include all the science gear required for the included experiments (Boo Bubble Generator and graduated cylinders), it includes nearly EVERYTHING else needed! The safety equipment includes a heavy glove and a pair of tongs for handling the dry ice, and 2 pairs of safety goggles.  There is even a large plastic bowl and shoe lace for the Dry Ice Crystal Ball Bubble…even the liquid dish soap is included!  A pair of knit gloves for a student to wear so the Boo Bubbles don’t pop upon skin contact? YES, there is a pair in the box! Now that is what I call Ultimate!               

           I brought the kit into my daughter’s 2nd grade class to demonstrate the experiments. The dry ice experiments fit in perfectly with their current science topic…the phases of matter. The dry ice kit illustrates how dry ice (or frozen Carbon Dioxide) goes directly from a solid to a gas; it has no liquid phase. From being able to blow up a balloon without a single puff of air to Boo Bubbles that can be held in your hand, this kit keeps students interested, excited, and engaged in science! You know the demonstration is successful when a student runs to the playground and tells their friends: “I just saw the coolest science experiment EVER!” The 2nd graders may not be able to say “sublimation” on a consistent basis, but I can guarantee you they can explain it to you!             

              Steve Spangler’s Science Ultimate Dry Ice Kit gives you the ability to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ audiences with these incredible experiments. The fact that about the only thing not included in the kit is the dry ice itself is quite impressive. Even if you are not a science major, the included packet lets you present each experiment like a seasoned pro. I know I enjoyed demonstrating these experiments to all of the 2nd graders and I know the teachers’ and students had a great time learning. This kit would be fantastic for homeschoolers, Scout Groups, or even to donate to your favorite local school. Making science fun and attainable? That’s what it is all about!                The Ultimate Dry Ice Kit is available from Steve Spangler’s Science website at: The Ultimate Dry Ice Kit

Disclaimer: Steve Spangler Science provided me with the Ultimate Dry Ice Kit to review. The views expressed above are my own.