Soap Monsters!

Here is a great Halloween activity to do with the kids.  Soap monsters. 

It is both a craft project and a science project.  All you need is a soap bar (ivory works best because it is whipped), a microwave and assorted items like pipecleaners, glitter, cotton balls and google eyes to decorate your "monster"

The science behind the monster is simple.  The microwave heats up the water molecules in the soap which turns the water into a gas - water vapor. 

At the same time the soap is softened because of the heat.  This combination allows the gas (water vapor) to push on the soft soap causing foam to form.   Right before your eyes the bar"grows" into a puffy pile of foam.

However, when cooled the soap once again becomes rigid but stays in the puffy form.

This is an example of physical change because the apperance of the soap is altered.

Simply put the bar of soap on a plate and place in the micowave for two minutes (or until you see the soap has stopped expanding).  Make sure to watch as it grows - it is so cool.  When the two minutes are up - remove from the microwave; but be CAREFUL the soap will be HOT for a little while.  When it cools down have your little one study it and decide what kind of monster to make. 

Now comes the craft part. 

Simply glue on eyes, pom poms, pipecleaner limbs or whatever your imagination dictates. 

Now you have great Halloween monsters for a scary display. Plus, you can still use the soap!