Cubs: Scientist Activity Badge
From the cells in our bodies to the energy fuelling our homes and the stars in the night sky, we use science to find out more about the mind-boggling universe we call home. Pop on your safety goggles and get experimenting.
To earn your badge, do all six of the science activities below. For each one, take photographs and write explanations to email your leader showing what you did and what you found out.
Safety
Science
Supervise young people, and only do science activities that are advised and age appropriate for your section. Test activities first, to make sure you’re confident you can lead them safely. Use protective clothing where necessary.
Scissors
Supervise young people appropriately when they’re using scissors. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people
Rubbish and recycling
All items should be clean and suitable for this activity.
PPE
Before completing this activity make sure you have suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). This could include eye or ear protection, gloves, and anything else you need to protect yourself. You’ll know what you need as a result of completing the risk assessment for the activity.
All activities must be safely managed.
Reactions - Experiment 1 Polishing Pennies
Make old pennies sparkle with some simple chemical reactions.You will need: Old pennies, White wine vinegar, Salt, Baking powder, Non-metallic spoons , Non-metallic bowls, Paper towels
Reactions - Experiment 2 Slimy states
Explore the Science behind slime
You will need: Spoons, Kitchen scales, Mixing bowls, Measuring jugs, Food colouring, Cornflour
Interacting with energy - Experiment 3 Compass crafting
Magnetise before your eyes to create real working compasses from scratch!
You will need: Bowls, Access to water, Compass, Scrap card, Pens or pencils, Scissors, Metal needle, Corks or wax paper, Magnet (if you don’t have a compass try the app on an iphone)
Interacting with energy - Experiment 4 Storm in a Tea Cup
Understand energy by creating your own Tornado.
You will need: Washing up liquid, Access to water, Jars with lids, Sand (if you haven’t got any sand try a small amount of soil from your garden).
Living Things - Experiment 5 It’s a Sprout Time
Watch a plant as it grows make sure it has what it needs to thrive.
You will need: Camera or phone, Pens or pencils, Plants or seeds, Poster-sized pieces of paper (Why not try growing some vegetables for you to eat this summer).
Living Things - Experiment 6 Rainbow Celery
Learn how plants ‘drink’ water with some special colour changing celery.
You will need: Scissors, Food colouring, Clear jars, Stalks of celery with leaves
