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    Home » Key Stage 2 Science » Treasure maps and concentrations

    Treasure maps and concentrations

    November 16, 2014 By Emma Vanstone 1 Comment

    Have you ever made paper look older by soaking it in tea? We used the same idea to learn about concentrations and made treasure maps at the same time, which were great for starting to learn about directions.

    code cracking for kids

    You could also use the opportunity to think about good experimental practice, what variables you have and which conditions you need to keep constant.

    You’ll need

    Paper

    Hot water – be very careful and ask an adult to help

    A Tray

    Pens

    Tea bags

    Measuring jug

    Variables to keep constant

    Amount of water – jug used

    Size of tray

    Time tea bag is left in the water/or number of tea bags

    Size of paper

    Time paper is left in the water

    Variable to change

    Number of tea bags or time the tea bag is left in the water

    Only change one variable, everything else should remain constant.

    Treasure maps

    How to make a treasure map

    • Measure out a quantity of water in a measuring jug that will fit into your tray nicely. Add one tea bag and leave for a set amount of time, we waited 10 minutes, which also allowed the water to cool down.
    • Remove the tea bag and carefully pour the water into your tray.
    • Add one piece of paper, making sure it’s fully submerged.
    • Leave for a set amount of time, again we waited 5 minutes, carefully remove the paper and place in an oven on low heat to dry.
    • Repeat the same process but this time change one factor, you could use 2 tea bags for the same amount of time as you used one, or leave one tea bag for longer, or even leave the paper soaking for longer.
    • Once dry compare the colours of the two pieces of paper, are they different?
    DSC_0977

    Once our maps were dry, we had a go at drawing maps for each other to follow, this was great for starting to think about where places are in relation to each other and thing about general directions.

    Results

    We found the map left in the stronger tea solution was noticeably darker than the weaker solution, which is what we expected. The stronger solution of tea coloured the paper more than the weaker solution.

    More Treasure Map Ideas

    Try comparing how the paper turns out if you use cold water instead.

    Does the type of paper make a difference?

    More Pirate Science Ideas

    Create a code for a fellow pirate!

    code cracking for kids

    This gold coin number activity looks great from Fun a Day.

    Practice measuring with pirate play dough!

    pirate play dough

    Create a pirate treasure hunt with your new treasure map paper!

    pirate treasure hunt

    Last Updated on July 29, 2020 by Emma Vanstone

    « Can you build a tower #ShareScience
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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Becky

      November 19, 2014 at 6:46 am

      Used to love doing this so much!

      Reply

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