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Objective: Create a paper boat capable of floating in water using crayons.Ĭompetition Variations: Place the boats in a long container of water and race them. Remember, color change is one of the results of a chemical reaction. The acidic grape juice undergoes a chemical reaction with the alkaline (basic) baking soda to produce a different color, making the secret message appear.

Any acidic liquid works: orange juice, milk, vinegar, etc. The writing turns brown because the acid weakens the paper, and, when heat is applied, the acidic areas burn faster. Diluting the lemon juice in water gives it the “invisible” quality when applied to the paper. Lemon juice oxidizes (reacts with oxygen) and turns brown when heated. What happened, chemically, that allowed us to see the previously invisible message?.

When dry and the kids are ready to view their messages, heat the paper by placing it under a heat lamp, over an open flame with adult supervision, or in direct sunlight (95 degrees+).Wait for the paper to dry until the “ink” becomes invisible.Dip the Q-tip into the mixture and have the kids write/draw on the white paper.Add a few drops of water to dilute it.Juice the lemon (kids like helping with this step) and capture the juice in a bowl.What do you think will happen when lemon juice is exposed to the sunlight?.How do you think sunlight will play a factor in revealing your invisible message?.Its properties include dissolving/ corroding metals, tasting sour, and giving off positive Hydrogen ions.Ĭommon answers: sour, acidic, corrode your teeth, taste good A physical change is a change in texture, state (solid, liquid, gas), volume, weight, etc.Īn acid is a chemical substance that has a pH value of less than 7. What is the difference between a chemical and a physical change?Ī chemical reaction takes place when one or more of the following occur: a gas is produced, the temperature changes, a solid is formed, or a color change occurs.Preferably a heat lamp or small flame if accessible (Intense sunlight works in theory, but best when 95 degree +).Materials ($5~25 depending on your method of heat) Objective: To investigate the chemical reactions behind making invisible ink with:
