• Science class is more enjoyable when you provide exciting hands-on activities.brightly colored science test tubes image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com
  
  Hands-on science projects and activities can bring a science class to life by making it more exciting and accessible to the children. These group science activities can be conducted in a small area and can teach children about chemistry, the senses and the laws of physics.
  
  

Baking Soda Bubbles

• Making baking soda bubbles not only teaches a group of children about the basics of chemical reactions, but causes excitement when the bubbles are formed. To make baking soda bubbles in a group, combine one cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of baking soda in a glass container. There will be an instant chemical reaction causing foam to form. When the foam forms, carbon dioxide is created. Allow the children to blow into the container. Bubbles will rise out of the foam and float on the carbon dioxide gas.
  
  

Taste or Smell

• Groups of children will enjoy discovering the difference between taste and smell in an experiment which allows them to try out foods without smelling them first. Each child should close his eyes, while pinching his nose closed. Place a piece of food in his mouth, such as chocolate, ketchup, apple or spinach, and see if they can tell what they are eating. Repeat the same experiment, this time allowing the children to keep their noses open. The children will be amazed that they cannot taste the food very well unless they have the sense of smell.
  
  

Hot Air Balloon

• Making a homemade hot air balloon teaches children that hot air rises. Separate children into groups of three or four, and allow them to create a hot air balloon out of garbage bags, grocery bags, paper bags, tape, string and clothes hangers. Fill each of the balloons with hot air using a hair dryer. Allow them to release the balloons to see whose goes the highest.