I was in serious need of ideas with the kids this morning. They were getting to that stage of getting ratty and annoying each other.

We grabbed out of the library pile the book on Mixtures & Compounds, and found the next home experiment we could do. So after reading up on Water and The Air (and discussed the different gases) we wanted to test how carbon dioxide gas puts out fire.

We lit a small candle. Then put five tablespoons of vinegar into a bottle and added half a tablespoon of baking soda. As the mixture fizzed, Nathan held the mouth of the bottle close to the flame. The candle went out as the carbon dioxide from the reaction prevented oxygen from reaching the flame. Nathan couldn't wait for dad to get home so he could show him this one (he was out for a bike race today).

I then disappeared outside to chit my potatoes that have been sprouting. I realised I'd accumulated quite a pile of large chopped pieces that didn't have any sprouts on them. Rather than just composting them I thought we could make some potato stamps (since I'm usually too stingey to use our potatoes for play!).

Nathan meanwhile, went and started carving out from his plasticine (I wasn't too comfortable him cutting the potatoes to make shapes with the way that I needed to hold them and he didn't want to use a butter knife so found a way where he could get a similar experience).

Danielle thought that looked like fun too...

Then on to the stamping...

That then turned into a bit of this...

It was then time for lunch and they sat down to watch Madeline again (I snuck outside to read my book in the sun - bliss!).

Daddy got home a while later and took them out for a play at the park.

This evening Nathan played Bloxorz again.