#7 “Do the experiment on page 38″ (of Science Experiments for Young Learners) was a COMPLETE flop.

The Experiment: Soak a thick thread in water and lay it on top of an ice cube.  Sprinkle a little salt all along the part of the thread that is touching the cube.  Wait about 30 seconds.  Lift the thread.

The Expected Result: The salt melts the ice where the thread lies.  The cold ice freezes the water again and traps the thread in the ice cube.  Consequently, picking up the thread also picks up the ice cube.  Neat trick and sure to amaze.

The Reality: The “thick thread” requested is obviously not yarn (despite the misleading picture).  Sprinkling a “little” salt is nearly impossible with ages 2 and 5.  Telling what was “supposed to” happen is not a neat trick and does not amaze.

#8 “Dance the Winter Waltz.”  was MUCH better and, I think, somewhat redeemed the previous day’s failure.  For those who don’t know (I didn’t.) the “winter waltz.” involves playing waltzing music (ours came courtesy of Dad and his guitar) and imagining your living room to be a frozen pond.  Once the stage is set give each child (and adult) two pieces of wax paper large enough to stand on.  Now use your imaginary skates to glide to the music.