winter
Wintry Science
Tweet Wintry Science Here’s a seasonally related temperature experiment exploring what happens when we freeze oil & water You will need: a clear plastic container, water, cooking oil food colouring (optional), use of a freezer. Instructions 1. Pour some water into the clear plastic container. You can add some blue or green food colouring [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Sponge Rock
Tweet This experiment will show you how a piece of chalk can absorb a great deal of water in a short time. You will need: A piece of chalk Cup of water A Spring Balance or Newton Meter (either way it needs to show grams) Instructions 1. Weigh the chalk with the spring balance [...]
Frozen Rock
Tweet Do this experiment to see what kinds of rocks break down the most when frozen, thawed and frozen again. You will need: Several different kinds of rocks, such as granite, sandstone, or limestone Plastic bottle or container Water Freezer …and several hours – this is a long format experiment. Instructions Look at each [...]
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 [...]
Cool Hand Fluke?
Tweet …or How You Can Be Tricked By Your Own Nervous System You will need: 3 bowls the same size, big enough to fit your hand in with your hand spread out. hot water, but not scalding cold water (iced if ice is available) lukewarm water Instructions Fill the 3 bowls each a different [...]
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 [...]
Make it Rain Indoors!
Tweet Science experiments are so much fun for kids and so easy to do in school or even in your own home. This experiment will have you making rain inside, much to the delight of the children. You will need saucepan water ice cubes oven mitt and adult assistance ! Instructions The adult will [...]