List of significant hazards

• Superglue

Determine appropriate controls

The participants have access to a small quantity of superglue.
Children should be supervised during its use.

You are reminded not to touch face or eyes while handling superglue.
Wash hands thoroughly after using superglue.

If superglue comes into contact with skin:

• Do not pull bonded skin apart. Soak in warm soapy water.
• Gently peel apart using a blunt instrument.
• If skin is burned due to the rapid generation of heat by a large drop, seek medical attention.
• If lips are bonded, apply warm water to the lips and encourage wetting and pressure from saliva in mouth. Peel or roll lips apart.
• Do not pull lips apart with direct opposing force.

Make it happen

Remotely presented experiments are designed to be low risk and safe for the target age group to perform at home.

You will be guided remotely through the experiment by academic staff from Lancaster University.

Hazards and safe working practice will be highlighted throughout the session.

Experimental protocol is designed to minimise exposure to superglue fumes by using a sealed container in which to perform the experiment.

It is also recommended you perform the experiment in a well-ventilated area.

For a full copy of the Risk Assessment, please email g.sheldrick@lancaster.ac.uk

List of materials

• A couple of clean and dry disposable containers with a clear plastic lid 7 cm diameter by 3 cm high - a takeaway dipping sauce container is ideal
• A clean plastic container, approximately 5 cm deep, to act as a shallow water bath for 2.5 cm deep of water - a takeaway tub is ideal
• Small amount of cotton wool, tissue or toilet paper
• A small supply of pieces of paper - approximately 1.5 x 1.5 cm
• A small supply of aluminium foil squares - 2 x 2 cm
• A fine / medium waterproof marker pen
• Superglue

Some retailers have a general policy of over 18 for all glues as part of the supply of solvents to minors' legislation.

Some participants may need to provide proof of age (>18) or ask an adult to purchase the superglue for them to use.

This live experiment session will be directed remotely, in a step wise fashion highlighting any potential hazards.

The steps below are just a general guide to give you an overview of the experiment that will be delivered on the day.

Step 1

Clean and dry a small plastic container with a clear flat lid. Use hot soapy water and rinse with clean water. You can use a tissue to remove some water but allow to completely air dry.

Step 2

Place fingerprints on the inner surface of the plastic dish lid. On the day, the pattern will be shown by the academic. Use the edges to hold the lid and avoid getting any additional fingerprints on the inner lid surface.

Apply permanent ink dots to indicate centre line of the lower print. On the day, the markings will be shown by the academic.

Step 3

Dip the lid in the water bath so that half of the lower prints are below the surface of the water. Keep the lid in this position for about 1 min. Remove the lid and drain of any excess water from the lid, and allow to dry for approximately 2 minutes.

Step 4

On the day, this set up will be shown by the academic. Prepare the base of the container, distribute three water soaked cotton wool/ tissue balls around the aluminium foil and paper in the base.

Carefully add 5-8 drops of superglue to the paper.

Step 5

Carefully replace the lid onto the base and leave to stand for approximately 10-15 minutes.

If no reaction is visible after 10 minutess add some additional superglue.

What do you observe?

How does dipping the fingerprint in water affect the reaction between super glue and the fingerprint residue?

Participants will be guided remotely through this experiment by the academic.

List of significant hazards

• Injury from broken glass
• Injury from sharp knife or grater
• Burns from hob, fire
• Burns from steam or hot water
• Irritation of skin or eyes from household products used in the tests
• Allergies

Determine appropriate controls

• You should use non-glass containers where possible.
• Maintain a tidy workspace to minimise accidentally knocking over glass containers.
  Take care when handling broken glass. Wrap broken glass before disposing of it in the bin.
• Use the grater rather than a knife where possible.
• Grate slowly and stop before the end of the cabbage is reached.
• We advise adult supervision if you are undertaking this activity.
• Use an electric kettle to boil water where possible.
• If using a hob ensure flammables are removed from the area and turn the hob off after use.
• Take care when handling the kettle.
• Ensure face is not placed in the steam.
• Take care when adding boiling water to the cabbage, only add enough hot water to just cover the cabbage. Remove the kettle and remaining hot water from the work space.
• Allow cabbage water to cool in a safe place before using for the experiment.
• If scalding does occur run the injured area under running cold water for at least 15 minutes. Call for medical aid if required.
• All products used are commonly found in the home (eg vinegar, baking powder, juice).
• Do not substitute products without first checking with the organiser.
• Rubber gloves and safety glasses may be used if available but are not essential.
• If product gets in eye or if skin appears irritated then rinse with copious cold water and call medical aid if required.
• Wash hands after completing the experiment.
• Do not attempt to ingest any of the materials which have been used in the experiment.
• No common allergens are used in the activities. Do not attempt these activities if you, or anyone within the vicinity, is allergic to the materials listed.

Make it happen

Remotely presented experiments are designed to be low risk and safe for the target age group to perform at home.

You will be guided remotely through the experiment by an academic from Lancaster University.

Hazards and safe working practice will be highlighted throughout the session.

For a full copy of the Risk Assessment, please email g.sheldrick@lancaster.ac.uk.

List of materials

• A small red cabbage
• Three or more small, white paper cups (small, white paper dishes will also work or drinking glasses and white paper)

Things to find at home

• Boiled water (from the kettle or on the hob)
• Strainer
• Two large bowls or pots
• Grater or sharp knife
• Tablespoon measurer or large spoon
• Lemon or lime juice
• Vinegar – ideally clear
• Other foods and liquids to test, such as lemonade, baking soda solution, egg whites, tomatoes, cottage cheese (optional). Ideally things without a strong colour of their own.

This live experiment session will be directed remotely, in a step wise fashion highlighting any potential hazards.

The steps below are just a general guide to give you an overview of the experiment that will be delivered on the day.

Step 1

Take about 100g of the red cabbage and grate it, or cut it, into small pieces and place in a bowl.

Step 2

Cover the cabbage with boiling water. Leave it to steep and cool for at least 30 mins and produce a cooled, purple water.

Step 3

Strain the cabbage and collect the liquid making sure to filter out all of the big chunks of cabbage. Save the liquid for the experiments to follow.

Step 4

Set out your glasses, white paper dishes or white paper cups side by side.
Add a few millilitres to your various household colourless liquids, including tap water. Make sure you know what’s in what!

Step 5

Add ¼ teaspoon or a consistent small volume of the cabbage water to the glasses, and see how the colour changes! If using a clear glass, the white paper will help you see the colour change. Note the colours and substances. Can you assign colour to pH?