clouds
Blue Sky – Red Sunset
Tweet Whenever it’s not completely filled with clouds, we can see that the sky is blue. As our world turns the sun rises and sets, and as it sets it looks red. These two observations are related. You will need: A torch a transparent container with flat parallel sides (a 10-litre [2½- gallon] aquarium is [...]
Star Attraction
Tweet WATCH STARS IN MOTION WITH THIS EASY TO MAKE DEVICE A good idea for your Space Corner – if you have one…or as a stand-alone activity • A dark, solid-coloured umbrellaYou will need: • Star-shaped stickers or dot stickers • An experiment partner Instructions Stick star-shaped stickers on the inside of a [...]
Steel Wool Combustion!
Tweet In this experiment we will make fire from a battery and steel wool. We will demonstrate how to use electricity to make heat and sparks. Then harness the sparks to create a fire. The project is easy and definitely fun to see, and is best tried outside in a sheltered spot with adult supervision. [...]
Global Greenhouse Games
Tweet A simple but effective experiment which replicates a global-scale effect on the table top and helps to explain an important aspect of atmospheric science. You will need: • A tall plastic fizzy drinks bottle • Glass jar small enough to fit inside the bottle • Scissors • Thermometer Instructions 1. Use the scissors to [...]
Crazy Candle Trick
Tweet Everyone knows you can put out a candle flame by pouring water on it. In this science magic trick or demonstration, the candle will go out when you pour ‘air’ onto it. You will need: • a lit candle • a transparent glass (so people can see what is inside the glass) • baking soda [...]
Sunrise, Sunset
Tweet This activity is another one which has real visual appeal as well as demonstrating some fascinating science. Everyone will be amazed to see the different colours produced by something as simple as torchlight shining through a glass of milky water. You Will Need A clear drinking glass Water Teaspoon Torch White card. Instructions Half fill a [...]
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 [...]
Homemade Hand Warmers
Tweet Perhaps you’ve carried a hand warmer along to a football game or crammed them into the toe of your ski boots. While there are various types of commercial hand warmers, this version uses rusty iron filings to create a toasty, pocket-portable heat source. By the way this one needs adult supervision. You will need: [...]
Summery Sun Prints
Tweet You can make fun pictures using the sun’s power to fade the colour from construction paper! This project uses repositionable glue, as an option, which you can find in most shops that sell office or school supplies You could also do the project by setting objects on your paper and laying it flat in [...]
Super Solar Oven
Tweet You can use the sun’s energy to heat up a tasty treat with this simple solar oven! (Get an adult to help you with the cutting and to advise on the cooking.) You Will Need Cardboard pizza box (the kind delivered pizza comes in) Stanley knife or scissors, Aluminium foil, Clear tape, Large heavy-duty, [...]