Science Safety
 | ALWAYS have an adult present. | |
| ALWAYS wear the correct safety | |
| gear while doing any experiment. | ||
| NEVER eat or drink anything when | |
| performing Hooked on Science experiments. |
Experiment Archive
Forth of July Science
Using a few ingredients from around the house you can learn all about the science
behind the vivid colors fireworks create.
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Place two tablespoons of copper sulfate, Morton salt substitute, calciumchloride, borax, salt, and boric acid in a different section of the muffin pan.
STEP 2: Dip six different cotton balls in the rubbing alcohol.
STEP 3: Using the tongs pick up the cotton balls and place each in a different section.
Make sure that each cotton ball is covered with the powder in each section of the muffin
pan.
STEP 4: Using the grill lighter ignite the cotton balls one at a time.
Explanation
The color of each flame depends on the ingredient being burned. Borax will burn green,
salt contains sodium and will burn yellow, Morton salt substitute contains potassium
chloride and burns purple, and calcium chloride will burn an orange-red. Therefore,
fireworks get their unique colors due to the ingredient added to the firework.
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Glowing Germs
The spread of the H1N1 Flu "Swine Flu" is thought to spread from person to person
through coughing or sneezing. Health officials encourage you to wash your hands often
with soap and warm water. Here's an experiment that will prove you don't always wash
all the germs completely off your hands.
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Squeeze some of the GlitterBug® Potion onto your hands and rub thoroughly.
STEP 2: Wash hands as usual.
STEP 3: Using the UV light examine your hands.
Explanation
The UV light revealed glowing areas on your hands. These "glowing" areas are where germs reside. Health officials encourage you to wash your hands for 20 seconds.
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Noisy Money
Did you know you could create some strange sounds by using an assortment of coins
and a balloon?
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Push a coin through the small opening of the balloon.
STEP 2: Blow up the balloon and tie off the opening.
STEP 3: Place the tied off part of the balloon in the palm of your right hand, squeeze the balloon, and then move your hand in a circular motion.
Explanation
The unique shape of the coin vibrated the walls of the balloon creating the strange noise.
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Cup of Sounds
Did you know you can create unique sounds by using some ingredients from around the
house.
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Using a knife, create a hole in the bottom of the plastic cup.
STEP 2: Cut about 2 feet of string and thread the string through the hole in the plastic cup.
STEP 3: Tie a knot in the string big enough so the string will not pull out of the hole in
the plastic cup.
STEP 4: Wet the sponge, grab the string close to the plastic cup, and then pull
downward.
Explanation
You created sound by moving the wet sponge along the string. The sound was amplified
as it passed through the plastic cup.
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Egg in a Bottle
Eggs aren't just for eating! Did you know you can do some cool science experiments
with eggs?
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Light a small piece of paper on fire with the matches and immediately place the paper in the jar.
STEP 2: QUICKLY put the egg on the opening of the jar and watch.
Explanation
As the air pressure in the jar decreases the higher air pressure outside the jar pushes
the egg through the small opening and into the jar.
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Crystal Hearts
Here's a science experiment that your sweetheart will love!
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Twist a red pipe cleaner into the shape of a heart.
STEP 2: Using the thread, tie your pipe cleaner heart to the ruler. Place the ruler on the top of the container to see if the heart floats freely inside the container.
STEP 3: Remove the ruler with the heart attached and add several cups of boiling water
into the container. Add about 1/4 cup of borax for every 2 cups of boiling water. Stir the
mixture until most of the borax is dissolved.
STEP 4: Place the ruler back on the top of the container allowing the heart to float in the
borax solution. Leave the heart in the borax solution overnight.
Explanation
Borax is a crystal. When water is heated, the molecules move farther apart. This makes
a lot of room for borax crystals to form. As the water evaporates, the crystals deposit on
the pipe cleaner creating a crystal heart.
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Valentine's Day Carnations
Here's an experiment that will show you how the stem of a plant is used to carry water to
its different parts.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Fill the drinking glass half full of water and add red food coloring.
Step 2: Cut the stem of the carnation at an angle and place the carnation in the drinking glass for 24 hours.
Explanation
The colored water moved up the stem into the petals and changed the color of the
carnation from white to red.
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Magnetic Money
Did you know the dollar in your pocket is magnetic?
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Hold the dollar bill steady allowing the money to hang freely from your fingers.
STEP 2: Look for a place on the dollar bill that has a lot of ink and bring the neodymium magnet close to the dollar and observe what happens.
Explanation
The dollar was attracted to the strong magnet because of the ink. To prevent
counterfeiting dollar bills are printed with magnetic ink.
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Phlegm
Here's an experiment that will teach the kids a lesson on why you shouldn't smoke.
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Boil the water and then mix in the gelatin, sugar, and Rennet tablets.
STEP 2: Let cool and then place in a container.
Explanation
This slimy experiment represents the amount of phlegm a person with emphysema usually coughs up in one day.
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Tablecloth Science Trick
Here's an experiment you can try at the dinner table and one that might get the entire
family "Hooked on Science."
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Place the tablecloth on the table and then arrange the glass dishes on the tablecloth.
STEP 2: Grab the edges of the tablecloth and pull down toward the floor quickly.
Explanation
The dishes stayed as you quickly removed the tablecloth because of inertia. Inertia
describes how all objects tend to resist change in motion.
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Christmas Science Ornaments
Have you ever considered adding a little science to the Christmas tree? Using pipe
cleaners and borax you can make ornaments that might get the entire family "Hooked on
Science."
Materials
Instructions
STEP 1: Twist red and white pipe cleaners together and form the shape of a candy cane.
STEP 2: Using the thread, tie each candy cane ornament to the ruler. Place the ruler on the top of the container allowing the candy cane ornaments to float freely inside the
container.
STEP 3: Remove the ruler with the ornaments attached and add several cups of boiling
water into the container. Add about 1/4 cup of borax for every 2 cups of boiling water.
Stir the mixture until most of the borax is dissolved.
STEP 4: Place the ruler back on the top of the container allowing the ornaments to float
in the borax solution. Leave the ornaments in the borax solution overnight.
Explanation
Borax is a crystal. When water is heated, the molecules move farther apart. This makes
a lot of room for borax crystals to form. As the water evaporates, the crystals deposit on
the pipe cleaners, creating a scientific Christmas ornament.
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Rocket Balloon
They whine and buzz while flying through the air and at the same time Rocket Balloons
teach kids a science lesson they won’t forget.
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Using the hand pump inflate the Rocket Balloon.
STEP 2: Hold the end of the Rocket Balloon so the air does not escape from the Rocket Balloon.
STEP 3: Pointing the Rocket Balloon away from your face and others release the Rocket
Balloon.
Explanation
The air rushing out of the balloon forces the Rocket Balloon through the air. This
experiment is perfect for teaching Newton’s Laws of Motion.
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Spooky Fog
With a little dry ice you can create the spookiest Halloween ever!
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Fill the bowl half of the way with warm water.
STEP 2: Put the gloves onto your hands and place a piece of the Dry Ice into the warm water and observe.
Explanation
When you placed the Dry Ice into the warm water a cloud formed above the bowl. Dry
Ice is frozen carbon dioxide and is -109.3°F. As Dry Ice breaks down it turns directly into
carbon dioxide gas. In science this process is called sublimation.
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Lava Lamp
It's a groovy way to get "Hooked on Science" and all you need are a few items from the
kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Fill the plastic bottle three quarters of the way with vegetable oil.
STEP 2: Fill the plastic bottle the rest of the way with water.
STEP 3: Place several drops of food coloring into the plastic bottle.
STEP 4: Break the Alka-Seltzer tablet into two pieces.
STEP 5: Place each of the pieces of Alka-Seltzer tablet into the bottle.
Explanation
This experiment proves water and oil doesn't mix. The carbon dioxide gas created when you dropped the pieces of Alka-Seltzer tablets into the mixture causes the colored water
blobs to push to the top through the oil.
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Naked Egg
Here's a Hooked on Science experiment that will show you what happens when you
remove the shell from around an egg.
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Place the eggs in the tall drinking glass.
STEP 2: Pour the vinegar over the eggs and let sit for 24 hours.
STEP 3: 24 hours later rinse each egg under the facet.
STEP 4: Using your fingers rub each egg until the shell is completely removed from the egg.
STEP 5: Hold your naked egg up to a light and take a peek inside.
Explanation
The vinegar is an acid that breaks down the calcium carbonate in the eggshell. This
chemical reaction reveals the invisible membrane hiding under the shell that keeps the
contents from oozing outside the egg.
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Carbon Dioxide Explosion
What happens when you mix vinegar with baking soda?
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Place two tablespoons of baking soda onto a piece of toilet paper. Fold the piece of toilet paper so the baking soda is on the inside.
STEP 2: Pour the warm water and vinegar inside the zip-lock bag.
STEP 3: Place the baking soda toilet paper square into the mixture and zip up the top.
Explanation
When you mixed the baking soda with the vinegar you caused a chemical reaction that
created carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas filled up the zip-lock bag so much
so that it popped.
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The Collapsing Can
Did you know you can crush a can by using air? It's another experiment that might get
you and your family "Hooked on Science."
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1 : Fill the bowl with ice and water.
STEP 2 : Place 1 tablespoon of water into the empty soda can. Turn the hot plate on high and place the soda can on the hot plate.
STEP 3 : Once the water vapor appears above the can use the tongs and grasp the can.
STEP 4: QUICKLY flip the can and dip the can into the cold water.
Explanation
You removed the air from inside the can by heating the water and then dipping the can
into the icy water. Once the air is removed the air on the outside is so strong it crushes
the can.
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Fireproof Balloon
Did you know you can hold a flame next to a balloon and the balloon will not burst?
Here's another experiment that might get you and your family "Hooked on Science."
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Blow up a balloon and tie the end so the air stays inside the balloon.
STEP 2: Have an adult light a match and place the flame under the balloon. What happened?
STEP 3: Place 1/4 of a cup of water into a balloon.
STEP 4: Carefully blow up the balloon and tie the end so the air and water stay inside
the balloon.
STEP 5: Have an adult light a match and place the flamed under the balloon. What
happened?
Explanation
The water absorbs the heat from the flame keeping the balloon from bursting.
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Air Cannon
Did you know you can build your very own air cannon by using a few items from around
the house?
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Using a knife have an adult cut a 5 inch hole in the bottom of the trash can.
STEP 2: Cut a large square from the shower curtain. Make sure this square is large enough to stretch over the top of the trash can.
STEP 3: Stretch the piece of shower curtain over the top of the trash can.
STEP 4: Secure the piece of shower curtain with the bungee cords.
Explanation
The air cannon proves that air takes up space. When you hit the shower curtain the
pressure on the inside of the can increases and pushes the air out of the trash can.
The smaller the hole in the bottom of the trash the faster the air will push out of the trash
can.
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Balloon Blow-Up
What happens when you mix vinegar with baking soda?
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Add 3 teaspoons of baking soda to the balloon.
STEP 2: Fill the bottle 1/3 full with vinegar
STEP 3: Without dropping in the baking soda, fit the balloon over the bottle opening
STEP 4: Hold up the balloon and let the baking soda fall into the vinegar and watch.
Explanation
When you mixed the baking soda with the vinegar you caused a chemical reaction that created carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas caused the balloon to expand.
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Diaper Genie Windbag
How many breaths of air will it take you to blow up a six foot long Diaper Genie
windbag? Here's another experiment that might get you "Hooked on Science."
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Remove about six feet of Diaper Genie refill and cut.
STEP 2: Tie a knot in one end of Diaper Genie windbag.
STEP 3: Using two fingers and two thumbs hold open the end of the bag that is not tied.
STEP 4: Holding the bag six to twelve inches from your mouth and blow a stream of air into the bag.
Explanation
As the stream of air from your mouth blows into the bag it pulls more air from the
atmosphere into the Diaper Genie bag creating a super breath.
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Squeaky Clean Science
Some of you might use in the shower, but have you ever considered putting it in the
microwave? We're talking about Ivory Soap! It's a squeaky clean science experiment that
might get you "Hooked on Science."
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Put one bar of Ivory Soap on a paper towel and place it into the microwave.
STEP 2: Heat the soap for 5 minutes and watch what happens.
Explanation
The heat causes the air molecules inside the Ivory Soap to bounce around. When this occurs the Ivory Soap expands into an incredible size.
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Film Canister Rocket
Have you ever wanted to create your own rocket? You can and it's easy!
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Fill the film canister 1/2 of the way full with water.
STEP 2: Place one of the Alka-Seltzer tablets in the film canister and quickly turn the canister so the top is on the surface and wait for your rocket to take off.
Explanation
Carbon dioxide gas builds up so much pressure it forcibly launched the film canister into
the air. With an Alka-Seltzer tablet, the CO2 is produced as a result of a chemical
reaction.
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Glue Slime
It's gooey, slippery, sticky, and kids love it. We're talking about slime and all you need
are a few items from around the house to make your own batch.
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Dissolve eight tablespoons of Borax into one quart of warm water.
STEP 2: Place 1/4 cup of glue into the bowl and slowly add the 1/4 cup of Borax solution.
STEP 3: Stir the mixture until a soft ball forms and then using your hands, work the ball until it is smooth and elastic.
Explanation
Glue Slime is a polymer which is a long chain of molecules. The Borax linked the glue's
molecules together creating the slime.
Source: http://sciencekit.com
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Soaring Toilet Paper
Did you know a leaf blower can be used to rapidly unroll an entire roll of toilet Paper?
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1 : Place the toilet paper on the dowel and unroll the tissue.
STEP 2 : Hold the dowel horizontally with the roll unrolling away from you.
STEP 3: Turn on the leaf blower and aim the stream of air just over the top surface of the roll.
Explanation
Bernoulli's Principle states that the pressure of a liquid decreases as its velocity
increases. Increasing the velocity over the surface of the paper, lowers the pressure of
the air pushing on the toilet paper. The paper is lifted because there is a sufficient
number of air molecules striking the lower side of the toilet paper to overcome the
downward pull of gravity and the lower air pressure on the upper side.
Source: Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning
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Leak Proof Bag
Here's an experiment that will have your friends going wow.
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1: Fill a plastic Ziploc bag about three quarters of the way with water.
STEP 2: Stick a sharp round pencil through the bag.
Explanation
The Ziploc bag is made out of polymers. Polymers are long chains of molecules and when the sharp pencil is pushed through the bag these molecules seal up around the
pencil, which prevents the water from gushing out of the bag.
Using a few ingredients from around the house you can learn all about the science
behind the vivid colors fireworks create.
Ingredients
| Copper Sulfate | |
| Morton’s Salt Substitute | |
| Calcium Chloride | |
| Borax | |
| Salt | |
| Boric Acid | |
| Cotton Balls | |
| Rubbing Alcohol (70% Isopropyl) | |
| Grill Lighter | |
| Muffin Pan | |
| Tongs |
Instructions
STEP 1: Place two tablespoons of copper sulfate, Morton salt substitute, calcium
STEP 2: Dip six different cotton balls in the rubbing alcohol.
STEP 3: Using the tongs pick up the cotton balls and place each in a different section.
Make sure that each cotton ball is covered with the powder in each section of the muffin
pan.
STEP 4: Using the grill lighter ignite the cotton balls one at a time.
Explanation
The color of each flame depends on the ingredient being burned. Borax will burn green,
salt contains sodium and will burn yellow, Morton salt substitute contains potassium
chloride and burns purple, and calcium chloride will burn an orange-red. Therefore,
fireworks get their unique colors due to the ingredient added to the firework.
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Glowing Germs
The spread of the H1N1 Flu "Swine Flu" is thought to spread from person to person
through coughing or sneezing. Health officials encourage you to wash your hands often
with soap and warm water. Here's an experiment that will prove you don't always wash
all the germs completely off your hands.
Ingredients
| GlitterBug® Potion | |
| UV Light |
Instructions
STEP 1: Squeeze some of the GlitterBug® Potion onto your hands and rub thoroughly.
STEP 2: Wash hands as usual.
STEP 3: Using the UV light examine your hands.
Explanation
The UV light revealed glowing areas on your hands. These "glowing" areas are where
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Noisy Money
Did you know you could create some strange sounds by using an assortment of coins
and a balloon?
Ingredients
| 3 Transparent Balloon | |
| Assortment of Coins |
Instructions
STEP 1: Push a coin through the small opening of the balloon.
STEP 2: Blow up the balloon and tie off the opening.
STEP 3: Place the tied off part of the balloon in the palm of your right hand, squeeze
Explanation
The unique shape of the coin vibrated the walls of the balloon creating the strange noise.
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Cup of Sounds
Did you know you can create unique sounds by using some ingredients from around the
house.
Ingredients
| Plastic Cup | |
| Sponge | |
| String | |
| Water |
Instructions
STEP 1: Using a knife, create a hole in the bottom of the plastic cup.
STEP 2: Cut about 2 feet of string and thread the string through the hole in the plastic
STEP 3: Tie a knot in the string big enough so the string will not pull out of the hole in
the plastic cup.
STEP 4: Wet the sponge, grab the string close to the plastic cup, and then pull
downward.
Explanation
You created sound by moving the wet sponge along the string. The sound was amplified
as it passed through the plastic cup.
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Egg in a Bottle
Eggs aren't just for eating! Did you know you can do some cool science experiments
with eggs?
Ingredients
| Hard-Boiled Egg | |
| One Jar with a 1/2-Inch Round Neck | |
| Matches | |
| Paper |
Instructions
STEP 1: Light a small piece of paper on fire with the matches and immediately place the
STEP 2: QUICKLY put the egg on the opening of the jar and watch.
Explanation
As the air pressure in the jar decreases the higher air pressure outside the jar pushes
the egg through the small opening and into the jar.
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Crystal Hearts
Here's a science experiment that your sweetheart will love!
Ingredients
| Red Pipe Cleaners | |
| Thread | |
| Water | |
| Borax | |
| Ruler | |
| Container |
Instructions
STEP 1: Twist a red pipe cleaner into the shape of a heart.
STEP 2: Using the thread, tie your pipe cleaner heart to the ruler. Place the ruler on the
STEP 3: Remove the ruler with the heart attached and add several cups of boiling water
into the container. Add about 1/4 cup of borax for every 2 cups of boiling water. Stir the
mixture until most of the borax is dissolved.
STEP 4: Place the ruler back on the top of the container allowing the heart to float in the
borax solution. Leave the heart in the borax solution overnight.
Explanation
Borax is a crystal. When water is heated, the molecules move farther apart. This makes
a lot of room for borax crystals to form. As the water evaporates, the crystals deposit on
the pipe cleaner creating a crystal heart.
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Valentine's Day Carnations
Here's an experiment that will show you how the stem of a plant is used to carry water to
its different parts.
Ingredients
| 1 White Carnation Flower | |
| Drinking Glass | |
| Water | |
| Red Food Coloring |
Instructions
Step 1: Fill the drinking glass half full of water and add red food coloring.
Step 2: Cut the stem of the carnation at an angle and place the carnation in the drinking
Explanation
The colored water moved up the stem into the petals and changed the color of the
carnation from white to red.
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Magnetic Money
Did you know the dollar in your pocket is magnetic?
Ingredients
| Neodymium Magnet | |
| United States One Dollar Bill |
Instructions
STEP 1: Hold the dollar bill steady allowing the money to hang freely from your fingers.
STEP 2: Look for a place on the dollar bill that has a lot of ink and bring the neodymium
Explanation
The dollar was attracted to the strong magnet because of the ink. To prevent
counterfeiting dollar bills are printed with magnetic ink.
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Phlegm
Here's an experiment that will teach the kids a lesson on why you shouldn't smoke.
Ingredients
| 2 Cups of Water | |
| 1 Envelope of Plain Gelatin | |
| 2 Cups of Sugar | |
| 4 Rennet Tablets |
Instructions
STEP 1: Boil the water and then mix in the gelatin, sugar, and Rennet tablets.
STEP 2: Let cool and then place in a container.
Explanation
This slimy experiment represents the amount of phlegm a person with emphysema
______________________________________________________________
Tablecloth Science Trick
Here's an experiment you can try at the dinner table and one that might get the entire
family "Hooked on Science."
Ingredients
| Several Heavy Glass Dishes | |
| Tablecloth without a Hem | |
| Square Table with an Edge |
Instructions
STEP 1: Place the tablecloth on the table and then arrange the glass dishes on the
STEP 2: Grab the edges of the tablecloth and pull down toward the floor quickly.
Explanation
The dishes stayed as you quickly removed the tablecloth because of inertia. Inertia
describes how all objects tend to resist change in motion.
______________________________________________________________
Christmas Science Ornaments
Have you ever considered adding a little science to the Christmas tree? Using pipe
cleaners and borax you can make ornaments that might get the entire family "Hooked on
Science."
Materials
| Red and white pipe cleaners | |
| Thread | |
| Water | |
| Borax | |
| Ruler | |
| Container |
Instructions
STEP 1: Twist red and white pipe cleaners together and form the shape of a candy cane.
STEP 2: Using the thread, tie each candy cane ornament to the ruler. Place the ruler on
container.
STEP 3: Remove the ruler with the ornaments attached and add several cups of boiling
water into the container. Add about 1/4 cup of borax for every 2 cups of boiling water.
Stir the mixture until most of the borax is dissolved.
STEP 4: Place the ruler back on the top of the container allowing the ornaments to float
in the borax solution. Leave the ornaments in the borax solution overnight.
Explanation
Borax is a crystal. When water is heated, the molecules move farther apart. This makes
a lot of room for borax crystals to form. As the water evaporates, the crystals deposit on
the pipe cleaners, creating a scientific Christmas ornament.
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Rocket Balloon
They whine and buzz while flying through the air and at the same time Rocket Balloons
teach kids a science lesson they won’t forget.
Ingredients
| Rocket Balloon | |
| Hand Pump |
Instructions
STEP 1: Using the hand pump inflate the Rocket Balloon.
STEP 2: Hold the end of the Rocket Balloon so the air does not escape from the Rocket
STEP 3: Pointing the Rocket Balloon away from your face and others release the Rocket
Balloon.
Explanation
The air rushing out of the balloon forces the Rocket Balloon through the air. This
experiment is perfect for teaching Newton’s Laws of Motion.
| Newton’s First Law of Motion – Newton’s First Law of Motion states that the | |
| velocity of an object can be changed only if an unbalanced force is applied to it. | ||
| Newton’s First Second Law of Motion – Newton’s Second Law of Motion states | |
| that acceleration is produced when a force acts on a mass, and the greater the mass of an object, the greater the force needed to accelerate it. | ||
| Newton’s Third Law of Motion – Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for | |
| every action there is a reaction equal in strength and opposite in direction. |
Spooky Fog
With a little dry ice you can create the spookiest Halloween ever!
Ingredients
| Dry Ice | |
| Warm Water | |
| Bowl | |
| Gloves |
Instructions
STEP 1: Fill the bowl half of the way with warm water.
STEP 2: Put the gloves onto your hands and place a piece of the Dry Ice into the warm
Explanation
When you placed the Dry Ice into the warm water a cloud formed above the bowl. Dry
Ice is frozen carbon dioxide and is -109.3°F. As Dry Ice breaks down it turns directly into
carbon dioxide gas. In science this process is called sublimation.
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Lava Lamp
It's a groovy way to get "Hooked on Science" and all you need are a few items from the
kitchen.
Ingredients
| Plastic Bottle with Cap | |
| Vegetable Oil | |
| Water | |
| Food Coloring | |
| Alka-Seltzer Tablet |
Instructions
STEP 1: Fill the plastic bottle three quarters of the way with vegetable oil.
STEP 2: Fill the plastic bottle the rest of the way with water.
STEP 3: Place several drops of food coloring into the plastic bottle.
STEP 4: Break the Alka-Seltzer tablet into two pieces.
STEP 5: Place each of the pieces of Alka-Seltzer tablet into the bottle.
Explanation
This experiment proves water and oil doesn't mix. The carbon dioxide gas created when
blobs to push to the top through the oil.
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Naked Egg
Here's a Hooked on Science experiment that will show you what happens when you
remove the shell from around an egg.
Ingredients
| 2 Uncooked Eggs | |
| 2 Cups of Vinegar | |
| 1 Tall Drinking Glass |
Instructions
STEP 1: Place the eggs in the tall drinking glass.
STEP 2: Pour the vinegar over the eggs and let sit for 24 hours.
STEP 3: 24 hours later rinse each egg under the facet.
STEP 4: Using your fingers rub each egg until the shell is completely removed from the
STEP 5: Hold your naked egg up to a light and take a peek inside.
Explanation
The vinegar is an acid that breaks down the calcium carbonate in the eggshell. This
chemical reaction reveals the invisible membrane hiding under the shell that keeps the
contents from oozing outside the egg.
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Carbon Dioxide Explosion
What happens when you mix vinegar with baking soda?
Ingredients
| 1 Cup of Warm Water | |
| Zip-Lock Sandwich Bag | |
| 2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda | |
| 1/2 Cup of Vinegar | |
| Toilet Paper |
Instructions
STEP 1: Place two tablespoons of baking soda onto a piece of toilet paper. Fold the
STEP 2: Pour the warm water and vinegar inside the zip-lock bag.
STEP 3: Place the baking soda toilet paper square into the mixture and zip up the top.
Explanation
When you mixed the baking soda with the vinegar you caused a chemical reaction that
created carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas filled up the zip-lock bag so much
so that it popped.
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The Collapsing Can
Did you know you can crush a can by using air? It's another experiment that might get
you and your family "Hooked on Science."
Ingredients
| 1 Empty Soda Can | |
| Hot Plate | |
| Bowl | |
| Water | |
| Ice | |
| Tongs |
Instructions
STEP 1 : Fill the bowl with ice and water.
STEP 2 : Place 1 tablespoon of water into the empty soda can. Turn the hot plate on
STEP 3 : Once the water vapor appears above the can use the tongs and grasp the can.
STEP 4: QUICKLY flip the can and dip the can into the cold water.
Explanation
You removed the air from inside the can by heating the water and then dipping the can
into the icy water. Once the air is removed the air on the outside is so strong it crushes
the can.
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Fireproof Balloon
Did you know you can hold a flame next to a balloon and the balloon will not burst?
Here's another experiment that might get you and your family "Hooked on Science."
Ingredients
| 2 Balloons | |
| Water | |
| Matches |
Instructions
STEP 1: Blow up a balloon and tie the end so the air stays inside the balloon.
STEP 2: Have an adult light a match and place the flame under the balloon. What
STEP 3: Place 1/4 of a cup of water into a balloon.
STEP 4: Carefully blow up the balloon and tie the end so the air and water stay inside
the balloon.
STEP 5: Have an adult light a match and place the flamed under the balloon. What
happened?
Explanation
The water absorbs the heat from the flame keeping the balloon from bursting.
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Air Cannon
Did you know you can build your very own air cannon by using a few items from around
the house?
Ingredients
| 32 Gallon Trash Can | |
| Shower Curtain | |
| 2 Bungee Cords |
Instructions
STEP 1: Using a knife have an adult cut a 5 inch hole in the bottom of the trash can.
STEP 2: Cut a large square from the shower curtain. Make sure this square is large
STEP 3: Stretch the piece of shower curtain over the top of the trash can.
STEP 4: Secure the piece of shower curtain with the bungee cords.
Explanation
The air cannon proves that air takes up space. When you hit the shower curtain the
pressure on the inside of the can increases and pushes the air out of the trash can.
The smaller the hole in the bottom of the trash the faster the air will push out of the trash
can.
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Balloon Blow-Up
What happens when you mix vinegar with baking soda?
Ingredients
| Vinegar | |
| Baking Soda | |
| Balloon | |
| Bottle with a Narrow Neck |
Instructions
STEP 1: Add 3 teaspoons of baking soda to the balloon.
STEP 2: Fill the bottle 1/3 full with vinegar
STEP 3: Without dropping in the baking soda, fit the balloon over the bottle opening
STEP 4: Hold up the balloon and let the baking soda fall into the vinegar and watch.
Explanation
When you mixed the baking soda with the vinegar you caused a chemical reaction that
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Diaper Genie Windbag
How many breaths of air will it take you to blow up a six foot long Diaper Genie
windbag? Here's another experiment that might get you "Hooked on Science."
Ingredients
| Diaper Genie Refill |
Instructions
STEP 1: Remove about six feet of Diaper Genie refill and cut.
STEP 2: Tie a knot in one end of Diaper Genie windbag.
STEP 3: Using two fingers and two thumbs hold open the end of the bag that is not tied.
STEP 4: Holding the bag six to twelve inches from your mouth and blow a stream of air
Explanation
As the stream of air from your mouth blows into the bag it pulls more air from the
atmosphere into the Diaper Genie bag creating a super breath.
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Squeaky Clean Science
Some of you might use in the shower, but have you ever considered putting it in the
microwave? We're talking about Ivory Soap! It's a squeaky clean science experiment that
might get you "Hooked on Science."
Ingredients
| Ivory Soap | |
| Microwave |
Instructions
STEP 1: Put one bar of Ivory Soap on a paper towel and place it into the microwave.
STEP 2: Heat the soap for 5 minutes and watch what happens.
Explanation
The heat causes the air molecules inside the Ivory Soap to bounce around. When this
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Film Canister Rocket
Have you ever wanted to create your own rocket? You can and it's easy!
Ingredients
| Film Canister with Snap-On Lid | |
| Water | |
| Alka-Seltzer® Tablet | |
| Safety Goggles |
Instructions
STEP 1: Fill the film canister 1/2 of the way full with water.
STEP 2: Place one of the Alka-Seltzer tablets in the film canister and quickly turn the
Explanation
Carbon dioxide gas builds up so much pressure it forcibly launched the film canister into
the air. With an Alka-Seltzer tablet, the CO2 is produced as a result of a chemical
reaction.
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Glue Slime
It's gooey, slippery, sticky, and kids love it. We're talking about slime and all you need
are a few items from around the house to make your own batch.
Ingredients
| 1/4 Cup of Glue | |
| 1/4 Cup of Borax | |
| Warm Water | |
| 2 Beakers | |
| Stirring Rod |
Instructions
STEP 1: Dissolve eight tablespoons of Borax into one quart of warm water.
STEP 2: Place 1/4 cup of glue into the bowl and slowly add the 1/4 cup of Borax solution.
STEP 3: Stir the mixture until a soft ball forms and then using your hands, work the ball
Explanation
Glue Slime is a polymer which is a long chain of molecules. The Borax linked the glue's
molecules together creating the slime.
Source: http://sciencekit.com
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Soaring Toilet Paper
Did you know a leaf blower can be used to rapidly unroll an entire roll of toilet Paper?
Ingredients
| Leaf Blower | |
| Toilet Paper | |
| Dowel Rod |
Instructions
STEP 1 : Place the toilet paper on the dowel and unroll the tissue.
STEP 2 : Hold the dowel horizontally with the roll unrolling away from you.
STEP 3: Turn on the leaf blower and aim the stream of air just over the top surface of
Explanation
Bernoulli's Principle states that the pressure of a liquid decreases as its velocity
increases. Increasing the velocity over the surface of the paper, lowers the pressure of
the air pushing on the toilet paper. The paper is lifted because there is a sufficient
number of air molecules striking the lower side of the toilet paper to overcome the
downward pull of gravity and the lower air pressure on the upper side.
Source: Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning
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Leak Proof Bag
Here's an experiment that will have your friends going wow.
Ingredients
| Several Round Pencils | |
| 1 Plastic Ziploc Bag | |
| Water |
Instructions
STEP 1: Fill a plastic Ziploc bag about three quarters of the way with water.
STEP 2: Stick a sharp round pencil through the bag.
Explanation
The Ziploc bag is made out of polymers. Polymers are long chains of molecules and
pencil, which prevents the water from gushing out of the bag.
| Each Hooked on Science experiment is safe to perform with an adult present. If not performed correctly the experiment could be dangerous. Jason Lindsey, Hooked on Science, and ALL Hooked on Science affiliates expressly disclaims all liability for any occurrence, including, but not limited to, damage, injury or death, which might arise as consequences of the use of any experiment(s) online or on air. The guardian of the child and the performer of the experiment assume all the liability and will use these science experiments at their own risk! |
| Disclaimer |
Educator Comment
“I was so impressed with Jason and his
in-depth knowledge of science. He
created an atmosphere of excitement
and kept the attendees involved.
Fantastic!!!”
“I was so impressed with Jason and his
in-depth knowledge of science. He
created an atmosphere of excitement
and kept the attendees involved.
Fantastic!!!”
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