The Grossology exhibition, based on a popular series of books by science teacher Sylvia Branzei, is an educational experience grounded in the theory that the best way to get kids interested in science is to present it in terms they find most appealing. Let's face it, topics such as snot, vomit, gas and scabs are completely fascinating for your average six to 14 year old. Here are some gross things you may not have known before: (check each week for more Gross Factoids)
Top Three Gross things for this week! In a study of people who do not speak English, researchers read a list of words and asked the people to choose which words they thought sounded pretty. Diarrhea was one word that most people chose. Fresh urine is cleaner than spit or the skin on your face because healthy pee is not home to bacteria. You swallow about one quart of snot every day.
Looking for even more gross fun? Grab an adult and try these simple projects. If you want even more, then check www.grossology.org
It's A Gas
When your stomach is too acidic, it can hurt or feel upset. Antacids react with the acid to neutralize it. Watch the neutralizing power of antacids in action.
What you need:
• Purple cabbage
• Kettle
• Vinegar
• Three clear plastic or glass cups per group
• Several kinds of antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Alka Seltzer)- one dose of each
What to do:
First, make an indicator solution. Chop up two cups of purple cabbage and pour about four cups of boiling water onto it. Let it sit for about half an hour. You should get a dark purple liquid. Purple cabbage contains a chemical that changes color depending on pH. In an acid it turns red. In a base it turns blue or green. In a neutral solution it stays purple.
Now, test some antacids. Pour about ½ cup of water into each cup. Add 3 teaspoons of vinegar to each. The vinegar represents stomach acid. Add enough cabbage juice to each cup to make a bright red color. Leave the first cup alone.
Add a Tums or Rolaids tablet to one cup. Watch what happens. The fizzing is a reaction between the "Stomach acid" and the calcium carbonate in the tablet.
Add Alka Seltzer to another cup. Watch what happens. Alka Seltzer contains sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, which react with each other and with the vinegar.
Compare the color of the vinegar-only cup to the cups that have been treated with antacid. Did the antacid neutralize the acid?
What you need:
A spoonful of cornstarch
Two crackers (unsalted is best)
Tincture of iodine (you can buy this at the drug store in the first aid section)
Two glass bowls or small cups
What to do:
Iodine turns dark bluish black when it touches starch. Prove this to yourself by adding a couple of drops to some cornstarch.
Break up one cracker into bits and put them into one bowl.
Chew up the other cracker. Don't swallow it. Keep chewing until the cracker is all mushy.
Spit the cracker mush into the other bowl.
Put a few drops of iodine in each bowl. Is there a difference?
What's going on?
The enzymes in saliva break long starch molecules and turn them into short sugar molecules. This is the first step in digesting food.
Looking for a unique birthday party experience for your childs special day? Host your party at Midland Center for the Arts during our Grossology exhibit. Birthday parties are recommended for ages 5-11 yrs. Membership is required to schedule your party. Party Packages & details.
In a study of people who do not speak English, researchers read a list of words and asked the people to choose which words they thought sounded pretty. Diarrhea was one word that most people chose. 
