Pretty Soap Balls |

My older two children, grades 6 and 3, are using the A.C.E. materials for school this year. I, too, was educated with these materials through grade 9. My daughter just began working on her first Science PACE (workbook) for the year, #1061. This book covers acids and bases. On page two, there was a project for the kids to do using simple household supplies. I don’t remember doing this in sixth grade, but that was a few years ago. 😉 I was pleased to see the kind folks at A.C.E. are including projects that are hands-on. It helps break up the monotony of reading and writing all day long.

We worked on this project on our first official school day, Tuesday, August 17, 2010.

Supplies needed:

Large bowl
Waxed paper (we used foil)
Powdered laundry detergent
Measuring cup
Cookie sheet
Large spoon
Food coloring

Pour one cup of of powdered laundry detergent into the large bowl.

Mix your choice of food coloring into a few ounces of water.

Add water mixture to detergent until it forms a thick dough. We found out we didn’t need much water! Lauren wanted our soap balls to be darker in color, but we had to add detergent because we got the mix too watery. This lightened the color of the soap. : (

Next, shape the dough into balls and place on wax paper (or foil) covered cookie sheet and let dry.

Here are some photos:

Lauren enjoyed making these!

I think her favorite part was getting her hands “dirty”. The did wash up nicely, though! 😉

She decided to make her soap balls small. We would like to do this project again with a different color of food coloring and making a different size or shape.

Oh, and yes, they work great! Lauren has enjoyed using them.

Happy Home Schooling, 🙂

Valerie