This fun science experiment uses the Irish myth of the pot of gold at the end of the rain-bow to teach kids about being made new through prayer and service.

Materials

  • Mason jar
  • Old dull & dirty pennies
  • Salt
  • Vinegar
  • Paper towel

Instructions

  1. Mix one teaspoon of salt and ¼ cup up of vinegar in the Mason jar.
  2. Drop in the dirty pennies
  3. Wait about five minutes. (During this time, you can try to teach one of the scripture verses in the St. Patrick’s Day Idea Starter.)
  4. Remove the pennies and dry them with a towel

Explanation

Over time, a chemical reaction happens to the pennies which causes a layer of copper sul-fate to form. This is what makes some pennies look green. Washing the pennies in salt and vinegar breaks down the chemical bond, exposing the shiny layer of copper underneath.

Application

The more time we spend in prayer and serving others, the more we become like these shiny pennies. We become the world’s pot of gold at the end of the rain-bow. We changed from our everyday dingy selves and are made into missionar-ies. How do you think you can be made new and serve this month.