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!
Hands-On Wednesday: Crystal Snowflakes
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.
Hands-On Wednesday: Magnet Jar
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:
- Fill the cup with some metallic powder or cut up steel wool.
- Tape the top of the cup or put the lid on. Make sure the tape or lid is on tightly!
- Move your magnet around the cup or jar to see what happens!
- Use the magnet to clean up any excess magnetic powder or steel wool.
Hands-On Wednesday: Vector Toy
Vector Toy
In this demonstration, use your favorite walking toy to observe the forces causing the toy to move! Observe how the forces acting on the toy change as it gets closer to falling off the edge, and see how these changes affect the toy.
