This post may contain affiliate links.
Garbage can be fun to experiment with before it gets thrown away. I have two quick and easy garbage science experiments that your kids will love!
Shrinking Chip Bag
The first one we did was a shrinking chip bag in the microwave. You use a small (single serving) empty chip bag to do this experiment. Just place it in the microwave for 5 seconds. There will be a few sparks, but tt won’t hurt your microwave! When you open the microwave your bag will be tiny and hard. It is pretty cool! I have seen people use these to make a keychain.
It’s over and done in 5 seconds, but it is really neat to watch!
Crushing a Soda Can
The second garbage science experiment we did was crushing a soda can in a bowl of cold water. To do this you need a soda can, a bowl of cold icy water and some tongs. Put a tablespoon of water in the can and place it directly on your stove burner. Bring it to a boil. Then grab the can with your tongs and flip it over into the icy water. The can will crush from the pressure.
Here is a little video of what happens to the can when placed in the water:
Theres Just One Mommy says
August 9, 2014 at 7:55 amAlways love finding new experiments to try! Pinned for the future!
Al says
March 17, 2016 at 8:26 amThis can’t be done in a school
Karyn Tripp says
March 18, 2016 at 7:13 amNope probably not! We did it at home, though…
Mother of Seven says
July 10, 2016 at 11:06 amI agree, Al. And what exactly is the lesson taught in these activities?
Kristen says
August 31, 2019 at 8:47 amI’m a science teacher, and I’ve done the soda can demo with my students many times — you just need a hot plate. It’s a great demonstration of how gases expand when heated, and the effects of air pressure! Students love it, and they really have to think to figure out WHY it happens!
Windy Brown says
September 28, 2017 at 12:04 pmToday by my class did the shrinking chip bag at the last minute and we had so much fun. Thanks we enjoyed it!