Science Safety Gear

Before the meeting:

1. Set up meeting space for Cub Scouts to have room to conduct the experiment. Cover table tops and floor.
2. Review the during the meeting instructions and complete the experiment yourself wearing safety goggles. Identify areas that may be difficult for Cub Scouts or that may require additional instructions.
3. Cut the strips of paper so that they can be wrapped around the Mentos. Make the strip a little longer than the roll.
4. Find a flat surface outside of your meeting location for the Mentos and Diet Coke experiment. This will need to be an area that is ok to get wet with Diet Coke. You may need to bring a small piece of plywood, if there isn’t a flat area.

During the meeting:

1. Explain that when conducting science experiments, a scientist must have the following gear to stay safe. Ask Cub Scouts why they think each item is necessary.
   • Safety goggles
   • Gloves
   • Apron or lab coat
   • Closed toe shoes
2. As each safety item is identified demonstrate how to properly wear the item and keep it on as you prepare for the experiment.
3. Explain to Cub Scouts that they will be conducting a fun science experiment. They will be preparing for the experiment inside, but they’ll need to do it outside.
4. Hand out a pack of Mentos, a strip of paper, and two pieces of tape to each Cub Scout.
5. Instruct them to wrap the paper around the Mentos, and tape it. Tell them to fold one end of the paper over one end of the Mentos and tape it. The other end will remain open.
6. Have Cub Scouts open the pack of Mentos and place all of them in the tube.
7. Tell Cub Scouts to bring their Mentos tube and go outside.
8. Ask Cub Scouts to put on their goggles and apron and gather at least 3 feet away from the flat surface.
9. One at a time, have each Cub Scout take their bottle of Diet Coke to the flat surface. Have them open the bottle. Ask Cub Scouts to put the open end of their tube of Mentos on the card and place it directly over the opening of the soda bottle.
10. When Cub Scouts are ready, ask them to remove the card and let all the Mentos drop into the soda at once and quickly move out of the way.
11. Give each Cub Scout a turn.