weekly stem fun!

hidden messages

This weeks STEM is a secret. A secret message that is! We will be using the process of oxidation to take a typical household item and use its acidity to create a message on a typical piece of paper. I used this process to tell a friend a joke! Try writing the question of the joke in pen/pencil and writing the answer in our secret ink so you don't give the answer away.

What makes up the secret ink? It's LEMON JUICE. So let's discuss the science behind this process. 

Fruits contain carbon compounds and those are completely colorless at room temperature. However these carbon compounds can be broken down by heat which in turn releases the carbon. When carbon comes in contact with oxygen the process of oxidation turns the color of the lemon juice brown and therefore visible.

Check out our example of our secret ink below and post your own creations on social media (with parental or guardian approval) and use the hashtag #HCFM so we can see your creations! 


BONUS QUESTION: Can you think of any other examples of oxidation that occur in your home? Comment below and if you answer correctly you can win a free ride on the carrousel for your next museum visit!

Check Carrousel Courrier Jr. later this week to see what we will be up to for this weekends STEM weekend!
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