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Shiny copper coins

Activity

Shiny copper coins

What to do with this activity?

You could do this science experiment with your child and learn about acid as you go. Here is what you need:

• a few old copper coins (which aren't shiny)
• vinegar
• salt
• a bowl
• paper towels

How to do the experiment:

1. Put 1 teaspoon of salt and quarter of a cup of vinegar into a bowl.
2. Stir thoroughly.
3. Place dirty copper coins into the bowl.
4. Wait for 20 seconds and then take the coins out. Rinse them in water and dry them with paper towels. They will be shiny and clean!

Why does this happen? Because vinegar is an acid. The salt reacts with the acid in the vinegar to remove the copper oxide that was making your coins look dirty.

Talk with your child about what they did in this science experiment, and what they have discovered. 

 

  • Why am I doing this?

    Children improve their language by hearing how words are used in everyday life. Chatting to your child helps build their communication skills. Getting your child to tell you stories or explain things, helps them to put ideas in the right order. This is an important skill for listening and speaking.

  • How can I do more?

    When you’re out and about with your child ask them to recall little things that happened on previous trips. For example, “Do you remember what we saw here yesterday?” This helps your child to recall, listen, speak and to become more aware of their surroundings – good skills for listening and speaking.

    But remember, to listen well, first let your child finish what they are saying. Avoid too many questions that might interrupt their train of thought. Try not to think about what you want to say next. Concentrate on what your child is saying. Check with them that you understood, for example, “So what you are saying is…”

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