Presidents' Day Science Activities

To celebrate Presidents' Day have some fun with coins.  I always have lots of coins in my classroom.  I find they are very helpful with many experiments.  Here are some ideas that will help make your Presidents' Day extra special and full of learning.

Cleaning Pennies

This is a great experiment.  It helps to teach what pennies are made of.  You can expand further into talking about the Statue of Liberty because it is covered in copper.  Here are some great links.

Presidents Day Science with Pennies

Why is the Statue of Liberty Green?

Inertia Tricks

Get those coins ready and use them for force and motion tricks.  Kids love these tricks.  Will all coins work the same way?  Click the image to learn more.

Drops on a Penny

This is an all-time favorite with science teachers.  

Do you know how many drops of water can fit on a penny?  The answer will surprise you.  What about a nickel, dime, or quarter?  Waters' surface tension helps the penny hold lots of drops of water.  In this investigation, the students add soap to the water to see what happens.  It is a fantastic comparison and makes a great science fair project.  Click the image to see the science journal.

How Many Pennies can Fit in the Jar?

This is a great extension to the drops on the penny.  Fill a jar full to the brim with water.  Carefully drop pennies into the jar.  You want to allow the pennies so slide in on their side.  Keep adding pennies until one drop spills.  You will be amazed.  The water will rise above the top of the jar without spilling.  Kids love this.  It is all because of surface tension.  The water molecules are clinging to each other.  It is a rather strong force.  The water in the jar will hold the water in until the water gets too high and then gravity takes hold.  Have lots of pennies ready for this trick.

Have lots of fun exploring science concepts with coins.  Don't forget to take the time to have the students recognize who is on the coin.