in Airplanes & Space

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk: A Fun STEM Activity for Kids

1.5k Views

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk: A Fun and Educational STEM Activity for Kids

Looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids? Why not try making your own sidewalk chalk? This STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activity is perfect for elementary-aged kids and is a great way to get them excited about learning.

In this project, we'll show you how to make your own sidewalk chalk using simple ingredients that you probably already have around the house. We'll also talk about some of the science and chemistry behind this fun activity.

Materials:

  • 1 cup of plaster of Paris
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Mold or ice cube tray
  • Stirring spoon
  • Paper towels

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the plaster of Paris and water until you have a smooth, creamy consistency.
  2. If you want to add color to your chalk, add a few drops of food coloring and stir until the color is evenly distributed.
  3. Pour the mixture into the mold or ice cube tray.
  4. Let the chalk dry for at least 24 hours.
  5. Once the chalk is dry, pop it out of the mold and enjoy!

The Science Behind Sidewalk Chalk

When you mix plaster of Paris with water, a chemical reaction occurs that causes the mixture to harden. This is because the plaster of Paris, which is made of calcium sulfate, reacts with the water to form calcium hydroxide and gypsum. The calcium hydroxide then reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate, which is what gives chalk its hard, white color.

The food coloring that you add to the chalk is simply there to add color. It does not affect the chemical reaction that causes the chalk to harden.

Benefits of Making Sidewalk Chalk

There are many benefits to making your own sidewalk chalk, including:

  • It's a fun and educational activity for kids. Making sidewalk chalk is a great way to get kids excited about learning. They can learn about the science and chemistry behind the activity, and they can also express their creativity by adding their own colors and designs to the chalk.
  • It's a cheap and easy activity. Making sidewalk chalk is a very affordable activity, and it doesn't require any special materials or equipment. You probably already have everything you need around the house.
  • It's a great way to get kids outside. Once your kids have made their sidewalk chalk, they'll be excited to go outside and use it. This is a great way to get them away from the TV and computer and into the fresh air.
  • It's a great way to encourage creativity. Making sidewalk chalk is a great way for kids to express their creativity. They can choose their own colors and designs, and they can even create their own chalk art.

Conclusion

Making your own sidewalk chalk is a fun and educational activity that is perfect for kids of all ages. It's a great way to get them excited about learning, and it's also a great way to get them outside and away from the TV and computer. So what are you waiting for? Give this project a try today!