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Make your own mini-book: The Art of Sciences & Bubbles is now available in a downloadable PDF format.
Combine water and detergent.
Stir well, but do not shake.
For stronger bubbles, add ½ cup corn syrup or glycerin, or more detergent.
Experiment with different brands of dishwashing detergent until you find one that works best for you.
HINT: Playing with bubbles can be messy and slippery! Try blowing bubbles outdoors, near…
Q. If products aren’t tested on animals (Awesome!), how do companies ensure they’re safe to use?
A. Testing methods that don’t rely on animals as used for demonstrating and predicting the toxicity of chemicals and product formulations are increasing being used in product development applications and for some product categories they are accepted by regulatory authorities to help show a chemical or product is safe.
When consumer products are demonstrated to be…
Q. Are there anything other than intentionally added ingredients in cleaning products?A. Yes. Cleaning products primarily contain intentionally added ingredients that help them clean effectively, such as surfactants, builders, solvents, enzymes, preservatives, fragrances, and other functional ingredients. In some cases, cleaning products may also contain extremely small amounts of substances that are not intentionally added for a cleaning function. These are often called trace chemicals, trace…
What’s the science behind how cleaning products remove dirt and bacteria?Cleaning products work by leveraging chemistry and biology to break down, lift, and eliminate unwanted substances from surfaces. Most cleaning agents contain active ingredients—such as surfactants, enzymes, or disinfectants—that target specific types of dirt and microorganisms.Surfactants are molecules that reduce surface tension, allowing water to spread and penetrate grime. They surround and loosen…
A STEM classroom activity with an online resource.
Have you ever thought about what soap is? This slippery, sudsy stuff we use every day does its job without us thinking much about it. We know it makes the world cleaner but do you know what makes soap soap? If you want to explore these questions, we invite you to check out "Exploration Clean". Exploration Clean is an Interactive Online Resource to help students (and adults) understand the science…
I can’t decide if I want to get a scented product or a fragrance-free one. What are the pros and cons of each?When choosing a detergent or cleaning product, think about how the product makes you feel about your cleaning routine. Scent is an important factor—some people enjoy a pleasant fragrance, while others prefer products without any scent. Using a cleaning product with a scent you love can make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Certain fragrances can transport you to a…
There's lots to teach about cleaning! The origins of personal cleanliness date back to prehistoric times. Since water is essential for life, the earliest people lived near water and knew something about its cleansing properties - at least that it rinsed mud off their hands. And clean hands keep you from sharing germs. Browse ACI's publications for teacher resources.
STEM Education
The…
Keeping clean and healthy when you are not at home is important. Get school cleaning resources, including tips for students and custodians.
Clean Hands at School
Kids get dirty, it's true... but cleaning your hands before eating and after using the restroom can help you stay healthy. Learn when, why and how you should clean your hands.
Hand…
I've been hoarding disinfectants for the last year. Should I worry about them expiring?The shelf life of disinfectants is approximately 1 year. The one year of effectiveness typically begins with the manufacture date. The expiration date is there because over time the active ingredient (the chemical doing the advertised action) may degrade. After the expiration date the product may no longer be doing the work you expect it to, so make sure to use the product prior to the…
How has improved cleanliness standards impacted public health?
Today, we may take cleaning for granted but it plays a vital role in health. We can see that by looking at the drop in the infectious disease mortality rates in the 19th century. For example, of the top 10 leading reasons for death, infectious disease was 633% higher in 1900 vs 1997 in the US. Advances in medicine like penicillin and vaccines played a critical role in the treatment of incurable diseases and disease eradication (or…