If it is too hot to be outside, try this simple but educational activity: find iron in your food!
You may think of it largely in terms of lawn furniture and vitamins, but iron is everywhere. Not only is iron the fourth most common element in the earth’s crust, it’s also an essential part of our own blood!
The objects needed are very simple to find:
- A magnet.
- Breakfast cereal that is fortified with iron.
- Ziplock bag.
- Plastic see-through cup.
- Water.
The “Did You Know” section of the download explains the importance of iron in the blood.
Iron is naturally magnetic, and even though your blood contains iron, you can’t get a refrigerator to stick to you. That’s because the iron in your blood is spread out into particles too small to get the magnet to react. You can, however, use a magnet to separate the iron contained in some iron-rich foods.
Perfect for end of summer ~ and free!
Free Resource
- Find Iron In Your Food @ NationalMagLab.org
Additional Resources
My Science Log ~ Free
Encourages young students to think scientifically through observation and experimentation. Perfect for bumping this activity up a bit.
Learning About Magnets! ~ Free Activity Book
Another free download from the National Mag Lab that covers magnet basics, famous scientists, practical applications, and games.
Keep Reading
The Study of Elementary Electricity & Magnetism ~ Free eBook
Most students will study electricity and magnetism at some point. And there is no better way to learn the basics than by experimentation and observation!
Summer Fun Activity: Make a Compass
Make a compass and learn about compass history, magnetism, and the Earth’s magnetic field.
Soil: A Unit Study
Soil is a complex ecosystem, a place where geology, chemistry, and biology (along with a few other sciences) meet. Unit resources.