Making Soap!

By Lori Altenbaumer, 7th/8th Math & Science

Our 7th grade scientists rolled up their sleeves and jumped into the lab during our Chemical Changes unit—this time by making their very own soap!

Students investigated saponification, the chemical process used to turn oils into soap. Along the way, they looked for evidence that helped them distinguish between physical and chemical changes. They observed physical changes such as the crayon wax melting and mixing with the oil, then watched for evidence of chemical change as the ingredients reacted and began transforming into an entirely new substance—soap!

The investigation isn’t quite finished yet! Over the next several days, students are monitoring the pH of their soap, recording their data, and graphing the results as the soap continues to cure. This gives them an opportunity to see that chemical reactions aren’t always instantaneous and that scientists often have to collect data over time.

Once the soap reaches a safe pH, our young chemists will get to take their finished product home and actually use it!

There’s nothing quite like learning science by creating, observing, measuring, and asking, “What evidence do I have that a chemical change actually occurred?” This lab brought our Chemical Changes unit to life—and gave students something pretty useful to show for it!