electricity
Thermal Things
Tweet A simple thermal energy experiment While our planet receives thermal energy from the sun, some devices consume energy, which is also given off in the form of thermal energy. This is a simple experiment which will demonstrate energy consumption as we measure how much thermal energy light bulbs give off. You will need a [...]
Electromagnet – the improved version
Tweet Making an electromagnet is fun and easy. You will need A large iron nail (about 3 inches) About 3 feet of THIN COATED copper wire A fresh D size battery Some paper clips Instructions 1. Leave about 8 inches of wire loose at one end and wrap most of the rest of the [...]
What A Pickle!
Tweet Turn a gherkin into a battery! You will need: a gherkin (aka dill pickle) a pencil aluminium foil (unused) a small knife (eg penknife) 2 alligator-clip leads a piezo buzzer 12V (small 12V buzzer) Try Maplins or a similar supplier Instructions 1. Fold a sheet of foil several times to make a thick [...]
Saltwater Circuit
Tweet Did you know that you can use salt water to make a light bulb shine? It sounds crazy, but it’s true! This is because salt water is a good conductor of electricity. You will need: a cup or beaker masking tape water insulated copper wire salt 9-volt battery aluminum foil 3.7-volt light bulb in [...]
Super-Simple Electromagnet
Tweet Make a magnet that turns on and off with electricity. You Will Need Large nail Plenty of plastic coated wire (stripped of the plastic at each end) Battery Washer or paper clip (any metal object containing iron will work) Instructions Wind the plastic coated wire tightly around the nail about 40 times – [...]
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. [...]
Science Is Attractive!
Tweet Do some materials attract better than others? You will need A plastic drinking straw 10″ length of sewing thread plastic ball point pen candle Instructions 1) Tie the thread to the exact centre of the straw and ask a friend to hold it suspended. 2) Rub the pen on a rug until it [...]
Make a ‘Nearly Neon’ Sign
Tweet Do you love the look of neon signs? How would you like an inexpensive alternative that can be customized to say whatever you want? You can make a fake neon sign using fluorescence to make inexpensive common materials glow. You will need Flexible plastic tubing (usually sold as aquarium tubing) Glue gun Cardboard [...]
Make a Glow in the Dark Skull for Halloween
Tweet If you have liquid laundry detergent and a UV light, you can make a glow-in-the dark skull that you can put on your pathway or window that will be invisible during the day but will glow at night or when you switch off the lights. You will need Liquid laundry detergent or else mix [...]
Splitting Water
Tweet All you need in order to see electrolysis in action is a battery and a couple of pencils! (Adult supervision required.) You will need 6-volt or 9-volt battery Two alligator clip leads or insulated wire Beaker or glass Piece of thin cardboard Two 2B pencils Instructions Fill the beaker or glass with warm [...]