Kids Have Fun with Coating

For work, I develop coatings that enhance material performance. In the following lesson plan, kids learn about coatings in construction.

Through games and hands on activities, kids observe:

• Coatings can protect against corrosion; toothpaste protects against tooth decay.
• Varnish is a water-resistant coating that is used on wood decks.
• Coating performance depends on its chemistry; some coatings are water-resistant, whereas others are water absorbent.

Several activities require preparation the night before. I recommend parents work with kids to prepare activity supplies ahead of time, especially Find the Weak Spot and Riddling with Water, and then encourage their children to set the pace and do the activity with their friends.

Please check out my lesson Fun with Coating, which provides an overview for teachers and parents and includes a supply list. Many of the materials can be found in the home; purchasing all materials for a class of 24 is about $60 in 2026.

I presented during National Chemistry Week in 2026 on the theme of Chemistry of Construction, and thank the Cincinnati Local Section of the American Chemical Society for reimbursing me for the supplies. I created all the activities, except for Toothpaste Experiment with Eggs, which was reported by Siva Stephens in Sciencing on March 24, 2022.¹