Tag: hands-on

Need an extra lift for your paper airplane? Then put together this paper airplane launcher! As you pull the rubber band back farther, you build up more potential energy, which transfers to more kinetic energy when you launch your plane. All you need is a wooden board, two nails, a long rubber band, a paperclip, a hole punch, tape, and of course, your paper airplane!

Create a bubbly, colorful reaction with this homemade lava lamp. Observe how the different densities of oil and water cause them to separate into layers, and then add some fizzy alka-seltzer and watch the reaction!

We can’t help but dream of cooler weather as it starts to warm up outside. Escape the summer heat by creating your own winter wonderland out of crystal snowflakes. The snowflakes are made simply by using pipe cleaners, string, borax, boiling water, food coloring, and popsicle sticks.

Explore magnetic fields by making your own magnet jar! Magnetic objects can either attract or repel other magnetic objects. All magnetic objects have magnetic poles where magnetic field lines begin and end. One pole is positive and the other is negative. Try it out and see how many fun shapes you can make with the magnets!

Materials:

• Steel wool or metallic powder
• Cup or Jar
• Lid
• Tape
• Scissors
• Magnet

How To:

1. Fill the cup with some metallic powder or cut up steel wool.
2. Tape the top of the cup or put the lid on. Make sure the tape or lid is on tightly!
3. Move your magnet around the cup or jar to see what happens!
4. Use the magnet to clean up any excess magnetic powder or steel wool.