It is necessary to experiment and learn about the things related to the gross area of science because though it seems a bit yucky, it is necessary for us to understand how things work. An example would be studying sweat and perspiration to make sure that our bodies are fueled correctly for the activities we want to participate in. Another relates to understanding how our skin repairs itself with blisters, scabs, and scars to help facilitate healing and prevent infection. Everyone poops, so why not explore and learn more on the physics related to poop? And finally, we have some experiments to uncover the germiest place in your home. Tune into this TED Talk on Gross Science to find out more about the importance of the gross part of science. 

Want to experiment on your own? Below are some activities and materials for all ages and abilities to explore this topic in different ways. 

Exploding burp bags:

Burps, belches, or whatever you call them are essentially just gas escaping your body. In this experiment, you will gather household items to make burping exploding bags and learn more about burps. 

• Follow this instructional for how-to and extension activities 

Sweat Lab:

Did you know that your body has a built-in cooler? And it might not be what you think! Sweat is produced when you are hot, but its purpose is actually to cool your body as the water in it evaporates from your skin. In this experiment, you'll use the energy produced when water evaporates to cool down chocolate-covered candy so it doesn't melt.

• Follow this instructional for how-to and extension activities 
• Read this Wired.com article on the physics of keeping cool

Skin Tissue: Faux Blisters

Learn why we get blisters while making fake ones in this gross science experiment

• Follow this instructional for how-to and extension activities 

Everybody poops. There are multiple books about it and yet we might not talk about this that much with anyone other than our immediate family and physicians. Did you know that it takes humans and elephants the same amount of time to defecate? This article in Scientific American goes in-depth on the physics of poop. If you're looking for a more "hands-on" activity, try one of the links below. 

• Edible Scat Activity PDF
• NASA Space Poop Challenge
• Name that Scat Quiz

Bacteria live everywhere! Some bacteria are good and some are well, kinda gross. We are going to use this experiment to see where the most germs live at home. Invite everyone at home to make their bets and follow these instructions to see who is right. 

• What is the germiest place in your home? This extended experiment allows you to test your hypothesis on the germiest spot. 
• Easy dirty hands experiment shared by Mott Children's Hospital 
• Additional germ exploration activities here