energy
Heat Transfer
Tweet Another simple thermal energy investigation. An important aspect of thermal energy is Heat Transfer, and older primary school students can begin to understand the concept of insulation and heat transfer as it relates to thermal energy. You will need: A number of different materials, perhaps including… a metal pie plate a fleece-lined sweatshirt an [...]
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 [...]
Water Molecules on the Move
Tweet This experiment is great for testing if hot water molecules really move faster than cold ones. Pour some water, drop in some food colouring and compare results. A simple classic experiment worth revisiting. What you’ll need: • A clear glass filled with hot water • A clear glass filled with cold water • Food [...]
Honeycomb Candy
Tweet This is an easy-to-make kitchen science confection that has an interesting texture caused by carbon dioxide bubbles getting trapped within the honeycomb. Ingredients 150 gms sugar 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons water 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda Greaseproof paper Oil, butter or non-stick cooking spray Instructions Coat a sheet of greaseproof paper using oil, butter, [...]
Suspended Bottle
Tweet This is another of those experiments that look like magic – but are really science of course. You will need: Coke bottle or any other plastic screw top bottle Uncooked Rice A pencil or chopstick or any other straight rod Instructions 1. Fill the bottle with uncooked rice. 2. Plunge the pencil straight [...]
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 [...]
Balancing Stick
Tweet Does it matter which end is up? You will need: One 1/2 in (1.25 cm) wooden dowel approximately 3 feet (90 cm) long A lump of clay Instructions: Place a lump of clay about the size of your fist 8 inches (20 cm) from the end of the dowel. Experiment One Balance [...]
Scientific Slushy!
Tweet Cool off and amaze your friends by making any soft drink or soda turn into a slushy on command. Here’s how to do this fun and refreshing supercooled science project. You will need: A soft drink A freezer Any soda or soft drink works for this. The slushy project works especially well with 16-oz [...]
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 [...]