Smell is one of the most intense of senses. It is one closely associated with memories of place and time. It plays strongly on our emotions. It’s also nature’s way of warning us about what to avoid and what we are attracted to. Here, we create one of the most pungent smells around, and realise the power of chemical changes. This is also a remarkable reaction because it absorbs huge amounts of heat and is a classic endothermic reaction. Anyway, the next time you go into a smelly toilet, you know the exact gas you are smelling! If it makes you feel any better, ammonia is basic in nature and a vital building block in proteins, which are essential for life. Bonus: Fire extinguisher. Make a hole in a plastic bottle cap and fix a bendable straw. Wrap given soda in a tissue paper and put it in the bottle with vinegar. Shake the bottle and point the straw to a burning flame. Does it turn off? ThinkTac TACtivities use simple and accessible materials to develop scientific temper by observing physical realities, testing, hypothesising, questioning and analysing. Variations are designed to encourage tinkering, creating opportunities to apply logic, problem solve and think critically and creatively. All TACtivities are linked to the curriculum and help understand underlying science concepts, assisted by topic guides and videos. Our App provides access to step-by-step videos, interactive simulations, variation videos, topic guides, topic videos and exploration games for most TACtivities.
