balloon
Mutant Marshmallows
Tweet In the microwave, an ordinary marshmallow will puff up until it’s enormous! You Will Need: marshmallows paper plates or paper towels microwave oven toothpicks (if you want) food colouring (if you want)…and adult supervision. Instructions Put two marshmallows on a paper plate or paper towel. Put the plate in the microwave. Set the timer [...]
Hot Air Balloon
Tweet Make your own hot air balloon. There is something very cool about things that fly – this homemade hot air balloon is no exception. Suitable for children aged 8+ with adult supervision You Will Need: Plastic refuse bag Hair dryer Duck / Gaffa tape (or a plastic packing strip) Safety note: This experiment should [...]
Two Sound Detectors!
Tweet 1) Examine how the ear detects the arrival of sound. You will need: A rubber band Uncooked rice Plastic bowl Scissors Saucepan Large spoon A piece of plastic Sticky tape Instructions: Cut the piece of plastic so that it is bigger than the top of the bowl. Tape the plastic down to keep [...]
Even More Air Pressure Experiments
Tweet Try these fun and surprising air pressure activities. You will need: Ping balls Funnels Empty water or pop bottles Paper towels Balloons String Instruction Put a ping-pong ball inside the wide part of a funnel and blow hard into the narrow end. Why doesn’t the ball pop out? As you blow into the [...]
Swinging Science
Tweet Looking for a simple but effective static electricity activity but you’d also like a detailed explanation of what’s going on Read on…. You will need: tape scissors two balloons string / thread a woollen or nylon jumper Instructions Inflate both balloons so they are the same size. Tie a knot in the neck [...]
Super Balloons
Tweet Balloons are rather fragile things. You know that they must be kept away from sharp objects. They also need to be kept away from flames. A fire can weaken the rubber and cause it to burst. However, in this experiment you will find out how you can hold a balloon directly in a flame [...]
Frosty The (Indoor) Snowman
Tweet The following version of this activity was devised for pre-school children in Florida where the kids are likely never to have seen a real snowman! However it will be just as much fun for children of all ages, wherever you live! You will need 3 large balloons 1 large bowl 1 medium bowl 1 [...]
Scope It Out!
Tweet Make your own stethoscope and check your heart rate before comparing it to others. You might not be a real doctor but you can still use some of their medical equipment as part of this fun science project. You Will Need A balloon A piece of tubing 2 small funnels Scissors A timer Rubber [...]
Brrrrr….Frozen Bubbles
Tweet Try this winter experiment for soapy fun. Using soap bubbles, you’ll turn them into frozen bubbles. How to Make Frozen Bubbles You will need Soap powder Sugar Hot water Bowl Spoon or whisk Bubble wand This is an activity for a cold, cold (below freezing) day when there is no wind in the air. [...]
This Sucks!
Tweet This Sucks! …Or…How to make your own model Vacuum Cleaner! A vacuum cleaner is able to suck dirt off carpet because high pressure air from outside it flows toward low pressure air inside. In an electric vacuum, a fan causes air inside the vacuum to move quickly, which lowers the air pressure, causing suction. [...]