NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Kit Instruction Manual

Important Safety Information

This kit is designed for educational purposes and contains chemicals that require careful handling. Always ensure proper adult supervision during all experiments.

• Age Recommendation: Not suitable for children under 8 years.
• Adult Supervision: All experiments must be conducted under direct adult supervision.
• Wear Safety Goggles: Always wear the provided safety goggles to protect your eyes from splashes or chemicals.
• Do Not Ingest: None of the materials or experimental results are safe for consumption. Keep away from mouth and eyes.
• Ventilation: Perform experiments in a well-ventilated area.
• Clean Up: Immediately clean up any spills according to instructions. Wash hands thoroughly after each experiment.
• Storage: Store all chemicals and components in their original containers and out of reach of young children and pets.

What's Included

Your NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Kit includes everything you need for 15 core experiments, plus materials for 30 bonus experiments using common household items. The kit contains:

• Experiment Guide (for 15 core experiments)
• Bonus Science Experiments Guide (for 30 at-home experiments)
• Super Gross Experiment Labels
• Safety Goggles
• Red Sodium Alginate Solution (3 fl oz / 90 mL)
• White Sodium Alginate Solution (3 fl oz / 90 mL)
• Calcium Chloride (0.35 oz / 10 g)
• Agar Agar Powder (0.21 oz / 6 g)
• Sodium Bicarbonate (0.56 oz / 16 g)
• Psyllium Husk Powder (0.17 oz / 5 g)
• Zinc Sulfide (0.17 oz / 5 g)
• Phenol Red (0.33 fl oz / 10 mL)
• Green Coloring (0.33 fl oz / 10 mL)
• Yellow Coloring (0.33 fl oz / 10 mL)
• Vegetable Oil
• 2 Vials
• 1 Test Tube
• 1 Beaker
• 2 Pipettes
• 1 Brain Mold
• 1 Mushroom Mold
• 1 Paper Straw
• 2 Stir Sticks
• 2 Measuring Scoops
• 2 Experiment Cups
• 4 Resealable Bags
• 1 Experiment Bowl

Image: All components included in the Gross Science Kit.

Setup

1. Choose a clean, flat, and stable workspace, preferably one that can be easily cleaned in case of spills.
2. Gather all necessary kit components and any required household items (e.g., water, microwave, lamp) as specified in the experiment guide.
3. Ensure all participants are wearing safety goggles before beginning any experiment.
4. Read through the entire experiment instructions before starting to familiarize yourself with the steps.

Operating Instructions: Core Experiments

The kit's Experiment Guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations for each of the 15 core experiments. Below are examples of some exciting experiments you can perform:

1. Bursting Blood Cells

Create realistic-looking blood cells that burst when handled, demonstrating principles of chemical reactions and polymers.

• What to Get: Short cup, Medium scoop, Calcium chloride, Stir stick, Red sodium alginate, Empty vial, Water.
• Steps:
  1. Fill the short cup with 50 mL of water. Add 1 medium scoop of calcium chloride and stir until the powder is dissolved.
  2. Fill your small pipette with the red sodium alginate from the beaker and gently drip small blobs into the calcium chloride solution.
  3. The red blood cells will form instantly. Gently remove them with a scoop or your fingers.
  4. Store them in the vial for later observation.

Image: Creating squishy eyeballs and bursting blood cells.

2. Make Glowing Worms

Produce slimy, glowing worms that can be observed in the dark, illustrating the properties of phosphorescent materials.

• What to Get: Short cup, Medium scoop, Zinc sulfide, Green coloring, Pipette, White sodium alginate, Calcium chloride solution, Lamp/Sunlight.
• Steps:
  1. Add 1 medium scoop of zinc sulfide to a dry beaker and let it sit directly in sunlight or under a lamp for 1-5 minutes to energize it.
  2. Carefully remove the cap from the white sodium alginate bottle. Use the small scoop to add all of the energized zinc sulfide to the bottle. Add 2 drops of green coloring. Tightly screw on the cap and shake well.
  3. Squeeze a long steady stream of the energized sodium alginate into the bowl of calcium chloride solution.
  4. Turn off the lights and pull your glowing worms out of the water. The worms start to glow!

Image: Creating glowing worms, boiled boogers, and a vomiting test tube.

3. Dissect a Brain

Use the provided brain mold to create a gelatinous brain that can be "dissected" to reveal hidden "brain chunks."

• What to Get: Brain mold, Agar agar powder, Water, Medium scoop, Small scoop, Stir stick.
• Steps:
  1. Fill the bowl with 100 mL of water. Add 1 big scoop of agar agar powder and stir until the powder is dissolved.
  2. Heat the mixture in a microwave for 30 seconds (adult supervision required).
  3. Pour the mixture into the brain mold and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour until firm.
  4. Once firm, carefully remove the brain from the mold. Use the medium scoop to dissect the brain and find the hidden "brain chunks."

Image: Dissecting a brain and making squishy eyeballs.

4. Vomiting Test Tube

Observe a fizzy, overflowing reaction that simulates a "vomiting" test tube, demonstrating acid-base chemistry.

• What to Get: Test tube, Sodium bicarbonate, Citric acid, Water, Small scoop.
• Steps:
  1. Fill the test tube with 75 mL of water.
  2. Add 1 small scoop of sodium bicarbonate to the test tube.
  3. Add 1 small scoop of citric acid to the test tube. Observe the fizzing reaction.

5. Bonus Science Experiments to Do at Home

The kit includes a separate booklet with 30 additional experiments that can be performed using common household items. These experiments offer further opportunities for scientific exploration and fun.

Image: The Super Gross Chemistry Set box highlighting 45 easy science experiments.

Maintenance and Storage

• After each experiment, thoroughly clean all reusable tools (beakers, cups, pipettes, molds) with soap and water.
• Ensure all components are completely dry before storing to prevent contamination or damage.
• Store all chemicals and solutions in their original, tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the kit components organized in the original box to ensure all parts are easily accessible for future use.
• Dispose of experimental waste according to local regulations and the instructions in the guide. Do not pour chemicals down the drain unless explicitly stated.

Troubleshooting

• Experiment Not Working: Double-check the measurements and ensure all steps are followed precisely as outlined in the Experiment Guide. Small variations can affect results.
• Slime/Goo Not Forming Correctly: Verify the correct ratios of ingredients and ensure thorough mixing. Temperature can sometimes affect the consistency.
• Glowing Effects are Weak: Ensure the zinc sulfide or other glowing materials have been sufficiently exposed to light (sunlight or a strong lamp) to charge them before use.
• Missing or Damaged Parts: If any components are missing or damaged upon arrival, please contact customer support for assistance.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Blue Marble is committed to providing high-quality educational toys. Your purchase is backed by our commitment to exceptional service.

If your experience with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Kit is less than stellar, or if you have any questions or require assistance, please contact our customer support team. We are dedicated to making things right and ensuring your satisfaction.

For support, please visit the Blue Marble Store on Amazon or refer to the contact information provided in the kit packaging.