Change the end of the story with FriXion Colors, the erasable colouring pen from Pilot.

Using FriXion Colors you can let your creativity run free to draw and colour. If you don’t like the direction it’s heading, simply erase your mistakes with the attached eraser stud and start again.

The unique ink responds to heat generated by rubbing with the eraser and goes clear, allowing you to colour over again (or leave blank if you have cleaned up where you strayed over the lines).

Perfect for all ages and with a number of practical everyday uses, FriXion Colors is much more than just a felt-tip colouring pen. As well as drawing and colouring, FriXion Colors is also perfect for marking up notes or reference points in textbooks and is a great solution for temporarily marking on fabrics and for making secret messages!

The 2.5mm polyester fibre tip gives a 0.69mm colouring stroke.

• Ink Colour : Assorted colours
• Writing width : 0.63 mm
• Tip size : 2.50 mm

A little bit of Science

Scientific Sue uses these pens in her Virtual Science of Dragons Show!

The secret behind the magic is in Pilot’s proprietary thermochromic ink. The ink uses three types of chemical compounds that rely on:

• acid-base and temperature sensitivity:
• special types of dye that change colour upon reaction with acids;
• compounds that act as acids to produce the colour change; and
• compounds that regulate the temperature at which the colour transition will take place.

Thermochromic inks are heat sensitive and become semi-transparent and are mainly used to reveal a printed message hidden underneath the ink when a temperature change occurs. The most common heat reactive ink is used to reveal a message by heating it up, usually by rubbing. This is the ink in the FriXion pens.

The dyes are called leucodyes and they are chemicals that change colour when heat energy makes their molecules shift back and forth between two subtly different structures – known as the leuco (colourless) and the non-leuco (coloured) forms. The leuco and no-leuco forms absorb and reflect light different, so appear very different colours when printed on a material such as paper or cotton.

In the show Sue uses a hairdryer to make her colourful dragon disappear. The Dragon will reappear again if you cool it down. Place it in the freezer or…. book the show and find out how Scientific Sue does it!

Smart Colours

Devi Stuart-Fox, an Australian scientist has, as a result of her studies of the colour in lizards and birds, shown that the remarkable ability of chameleons to change colour evolved not as camouflage, but as a social and territorial display. She has also found out that bearded dragons change colour in response to heat – they are thermochromic. Many of your children will have seen thermochromic mugs, ask them to think about how materials which change colour due to a difference in heat could be used in the home.

As a result of Devi’s studies other scientists are now developing bandages, smart bandages, that change colour in response to slight changes in the temperature of the wound.

Scientists have invented colour-changing bowls and spoons which let parents know if the food for babies is too hot plus toys which change colour in the bath indicating the waters’ temperature.

Children may also have seen the colour changing thermometers which are placed on the forehead.

Everyone’s heard the phrase “red hot,” but what does it actually mean? If you heat an iron bar in a furnace, you’ll see it slowly changes colour from its original gray-black (at about 600°C) to red hot (~950°C), yellow hot (~1100°C), and then white hot (at higher temperatures still). The hotter it gets; the more energy it contains. As the fire pumps energy into the iron, the irons’ atoms become “excited” and unstable, and their electrons absorb the energy briefly, then hurl it back out again in the form of light particles known as photons. That’s generally why hot things change colour—and why their colour changes (from red to white) as they get hotter and spew out different kinds of light energy. It’s an example of what’s called incandescence, where heat energy is constantly converted to light energy.

Thermochromic materials change colour at much lower temperatures and for very different reasons that have nothing to do with incandescence. There are two main types of materials that are widely used to produce thermochromic effects. Some use liquid crystals (the materials from which your computer or mobile phone display is most likely made); others use organic (carbon-based) dyes known as leuco dyes the dyes used in the FriXion pens.

Sometimes we want things to change colour as they get hotter or colder just for novelty or entertainment.

Or maybe you have a T-shirt or a poster that changes colour when you touch it?

The post PILOT FRIXION COLOURS ERASABLE FELT TIP PENS appeared first on Science2Life.

Citric Acid Crystals

100 g Citric Acid

In the European Union citric acid is known as E 330 as a food additive.

Citric Acid is a weak organic acid. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits and it is the ‘sugar like’ coating on sweets such as ‘toxic waste’, ‘lemon drops’ and ‘Sour Haribos’.

It looks like sugar but is definitely not sweet! Citric acid, just like lemons and lime is very sour.

Citric Acid is one off the stronger edible acids. It’s dominant use is in flavouring and preservative in food and beverages, especially soft drinks

It is also one of the main ingredients in Bath Bombs, Colour Changing Bubble Baths and Lemonade! Scientific Sue also uses in her Magical Amortentia Spell – A love Enchantment

SAFETY

Although a weak acid, exposure to pure citric acid can cause adverse effects. Inhalation may cause cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat. Over-ingestion may cause abdominal pain and sore throat. Exposure of concentrated solutions to skin and eyes can cause redness and pain. Long-term or repeated consumption may cause erosion of tooth enamel.

The post CITRIC ACID 100g appeared first on Science2Life.

Crazy Foam’s colour changing bubble bath: Kids go crazy for magically changing bubble bath. Pour, mix and watch the ‘magical’  colour changes from: red to green then blue!

Contents:

Teaching notes for colour changing bubble bath

• 200 ml Colour changing bubble bath
• Teaching notes
• 30 ml Measuring cup
• 3 ml Pipette.

Buying for a special occasion? Then we recommend our safety glasses and Primary Science Kit as additional purchases to make this an amazing science gift!

Make your bath-time magical with our colour changing bubble bath. Watch the mild & gentle bubble bath change from orange to blue in front of your very eyes!

How the bubble bath works

Colour changing bubble bath that can change from orange to green pH balanced formula to gently cleanse and moisturise delicate skin SLES and Paraben free. Fabulous fruity scent in Red to Blue bubble bath.

Teaching notes for colour changing bubble bath

This product is:

• Mild & Gentle
• Hypo-Allergenic
• Dermatologically Tested
• Paraben Free

Check out Science2Life’s teaching notes to find out how to make a bubble solution that bounces and a colour changing bath bomb!

A snippet from our teaching notes

Bromocresol green is a dye used as a pH indicator for many biological experiments.

Bromocresol green colour chart

A pH indicator is a chemical compound added in small amounts to a solution so that the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the solution can be seen. The pH indicator is a chemical detector for hydronium ions (H3O+) or hydrogen ions (H+). The indicators change the colour of the solution depending on the pH. Some indicators only have 2 colour changes; Litmus (a solution of different dyes made from lichen)  is red in acid or blue in alkaline solutions.

Typical indicators are phenolphthalein, methyl orange, methyl red, bromothymol blue, and thymol blue. They each change colour at different points on the pH scale, and can be used together as a universal indicator.

Bromocresol green is yellow in solutions with pH values less than 3.8; green for pH values between 3.8 and 5.4 and blue for solutions with a pH value above 5.4.

Why does the bath water always turn the bubble bath blue?

The pH of pure water is 7, any solution with a pH less than 7 is considered to be acidic, and with a pH above 7 considered alkaline. However, tap water can have a pH value between 6.5 and 8.5. For all liquids which have a pH value greater that 5.4 the bromocresol green indicator in the soap will always turn a blue colour.

The post COLOUR CHANGING BUBBLE BATH – RED TO BLUE appeared first on Science2Life.

Turn ordinary water into a colourful chemistry investigation! Make your own red cabbage pH indicator and discover how everyday acids and alkalis change its colour.

Perfect for supervised experiments at home, classroom investigations and science clubs. Predict, test, compare and explore the science behind the colour changes!

Choose your pack size

• 1 × 20 g sachet — £2.50
• 3 × 20 g sachets — £6.50
• 5 × 20 g sachets — £10.50

A pH colour card is included.

Ingredients: 100% dried, powdered red cabbage.
Botanical name: Brassica oleracea L.
For science activities only. Not for human consumption.

Make your indicator

Each 20 g sachet makes approximately 1 litre of indicator at the suggested concentration.

1. Stir 10 g of powder into 500 ml of warm water.
2. Allow the colour to develop and the mixture to cool.
3. Let the cabbage particles settle, then pour off the coloured liquid. For a clearer indicator, filter it through a coffee filter.
4. Divide the indicator between small, clear containers, ready to investigate!

Want darker colours? Use more powder or less water.
Want lighter colours? Add more water.

Try a colour-changing investigation

Compare separate samples of your indicator:

• Add a little vinegar or lemon juice to one sample.
• Add a little baking soda dissolved in water to another.
• Keep a third sample unchanged for comparison.

What do you predict? What changes can you see? Use your colour card as an approximate guide.

Science in a nutshell

Red cabbage contains anthocyanins: pigments also found in red apple skins, purple grapes, plums and some red autumn leaves.

These pigments change colour depending on how acidic or alkaline their surroundings are. That makes red cabbage a natural pH indicator!

At room temperature:

Red cabbage pH indicator experiment showing colour changes from acid to alkali using common household items.

• Acidic solutions: pH below 7; typically pink or red.
• Neutral solutions: pH 7; typically purple.
• Alkaline solutions: pH above 7; typically blue, green or yellow as alkalinity increases.

The exact colour varies with the indicator’s concentration and the substance being tested. This is a colour guide, not a precise pH measurement.

What does pH tell us?
pH is linked to hydrogen ions in a solution. Lower pH means more hydrogen ions and greater acidity.

Why does it fizz?

Vinegar contains ethanoic acid, also called acetic acid. Baking soda is sodium hydrogencarbonate, also called sodium bicarbonate.

When they react, they produce a salt, water and carbon dioxide gas. The escaping gas makes the bubbles!

The final colour depends on how much acid and baking soda you use—it will not always be purple or neutral.

Red Cabbage Powder

Bath-bomb connection: Citric acid and baking soda create the fizz when a bath bomb gets wet. Soap can trap gas bubbles to make foam, but it is not needed for the fizzing reaction.

Save some science for later

Unused indicator can be frozen in a clearly labelled, dedicated ice-cube tray. Scientific Sue freezes hers in small portions and thaws a cube when she needs it!

Keep it separate from food and label it “Science indicator — do not eat or drink.”

Store the dry powder sealed in cool, dry, dark conditions.

Experiment safely

• Wear properly fitting safety goggles.
• Children must have adult supervision.
• Use small quantities and work on a tray to catch spills and fizz.
• Avoid breathing in the powder and wash your hands afterwards.
• Do not taste the powder or any experimental mixture.
• For these activities, use vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda. Do not use bleach, drain cleaners, caustic soda or ammonia.
• Never seal a fizzing reaction in a closed container.

For parents and teachers

Explore the science behind the colour changes with Scientific Sue’s educational video, covering the chemistry and safety considerations.

Watch Scientific Sue’s red cabbage science video

Some substances shown in demonstrations are unsuitable for children’s hands-on experiments. Follow the simple investigation and safety guidance above.

The post DRIED RED CABBAGE POWDER appeared first on Science2Life.

Teaching notes for colour changing bubble bath

Contents:

• 200 ml Colour changing bubble bath
• Teaching notes
• 30 ml measuring cup
• 3 ml pipette

Make your bath-time magical with our colour changing bubble bath. Watch the mild & gentle bubble bath change from orange to blue in front of your very eyes!

Comes with FREE teaching notes, measuring cup and a pipette to help with your children’s scientific explorations!

How the bubble bath works

Colour changing bubble bath that can change from orange to green pH balanced formula to gently cleanse and moisturise delicate skin SLES and Paraben free. Fabulous fruity scent in Orange to Blue bubble bath.

This product is:
· Mild & Gentle
· Hypo-Allergenic
· Dermatologically Tested
· Paraben Free

Check out Science2Life’s teaching notes to find out how to make a bubble solution that bounces and a colour changing bath bomb!

A snippet from our teaching notes

Bromocresol green is a dye used as a pH indicator for many biological experiments.

A pH indicator is a chemical compound added in small amounts to a solution so that the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the solution can be seen. The pH indicator is a chemical detector for hydronium ions (H3O+) or hydrogen ions (H+). The indicators change the colour of the solution depending on the pH. Some indicators only have 2 colour changes; Litmus (a solution of different dyes made from lichen)  is red in acid or blue in alkaline solutions.

Typical indicators are phenolphthalein, methyl orange, methyl red, bromothymol blue, and thymol blue. They each change colour at different points on the pH scale, and can be used together as a universal indicator.

Bromocresol green is yellow in solutions with pH values less than 3.8; green for pH values between 3.8 and 5.4

Bromocresol green colour chart

and blue for solutions with a pH value above 5.4.

Why does the bath water always turn the bubble bath blue?

The pH of pure water is 7, any solution with a pH less than 7 is considered to be acidic, and with a pH above 7 considered alkaline. However, tap water can have a pH value between 6.5 and 8.5. For all liquids which have a pH value greater that 5.4 the bromocresol green indicator in the soap will always turn a blue colour.

The post COLOUR CHANGING BUBBLE BATH – ORANGE TO GREEN appeared first on Science2Life.