AIBU?
To put chemicals in a party bag?
BirthdayPlans · 18/10/2018 12:04
I'm thinking of doing a science party for DS. Children aged 7-9. Debating the idea of doing a couple of experiments with them. DS wants to grow crystals but that takes too long. But I did wonder about us growing some seed crystals and then giving them out with a small sachet (plus instructions plus warnings) to grow them larger at home.
The shop packaged sets are a bit expensive to buy one each, so it would be cheaper to buy a larger amount and package it myself.
Yay or nay?
WiltedDaffs · 18/10/2018 13:19
I’d say it depends on what the chemical is.
If it is potassium alum (low hazard substance, poss a bit irritating to skin) and given to parent with instructions rather than put in the bag... I’d say that’s fine.
If it was copper sulphate (a substance that’s harmful if swallowed and might look like bright blue sweeties), then no.
SpiritedLondon · 18/10/2018 13:26
My DD 6 went to a science party. I know she had a little handmade book / info with some easy experiments in and a pair of cardboard special effects glasses that refracted light in star burst effects. You could include some mentoes and instructions for volcanic eruptions with coke which could just be eaten if unsuitable.
SundayGirls · 18/10/2018 13:43
capercaillie I'm usually the first to cry "snowflake generation" but on chemicals in a party bag... nope. Even if you tell the parents what's in it there'll be parents who are seemingly all ears and "OK yes, will supervise!" and then forget all about it. It's enough that OP has introduced science in a fun way during the party itself. The party bags can be science themed. i.e. sweets, or books if it must be worthy educational.
What it doesn't need to be is a science experiment in a bag for parents to have to oversee or manage or keep away from younger siblings or whatever. It's not snowflake, it's common sense.
soupforbrains · 18/10/2018 13:46
@drspouse we did lots of things, classic vinger/baking soda volcano and also these mini rockets from film cannisters also using vinegar/baking soda. Elephant toothpaste which was A-mazing. diet coke and mentos, one which making this soap do a weird expanding thing, and lots of others. It was great fun the kids LOVED it all and I sent a booklet home with them so they could repeat any experiments they wanted to.
Jutz · 18/10/2018 13:54
I wouldn’t be happy with it. Several reasons:
Many kids just start ripping party bags and their contents open in the car on the way back. I’ve told my kids not to and to wait til we got home but I’d be pissed off if say I picked a friend’s child up and they ripped open chemical sachets over my car and I had no idea what it was/how toxic it was. An impulsive 7-9yo would do this. Also what if a toddler sibling got hold of it.
I would not let kids eat cake in a serviette that had been jostling up against a packet of chemicals (again unknown toxicity).
I wouldn’t have time to supervise the intended experiment after the party. Well maybe I’d find time not to let my child down but then feel knackered and resentful (at the giver) afterwards.
Kids of that age really are after sweets and chocolate and cake. I’d stick to that.
Overall I just wouldn’t do this.
AnotherDayAnotherDollarRight · 18/10/2018 14:33
No from me. I don't want random crystals scattered all over the car on the way home. Or eaten, giving me a panicked half hour while I ring round, google and ring 111 to try and find out what the hell they are and whether they are poisonous.
Tawdrylocalbrouhaha · 18/10/2018 14:58
Don't do it - some idiot will eat the crystals. We were growing copper sulphate crystals (in secondary school) and my friend ate some on a dare. Then later she thought she was feeling sick, and told her dad, who had hysterics and phoned the chemistry teacher at home to find out how toxic they were. And we were older than your party guests (although possibly not smarter).
pacer142 · 18/10/2018 15:05
toxic chemicals without proper packaging
Who said they were toxic? Lots of chemicals, especially salts to make crystals are perfectly safe. A definite no to any that may be toxic, staining, or whatever, but nothing wrong at all with something safe (if the chemicals were marketed for the child market, they'll be safe - wouldn't be allowed otherwise!).
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