Search Results

Learners make a refrigerator that works without electricity. The pot-in-pot refrigerator works by evaporation: a layer of sand is placed between two terra cotta pots and thoroughly soaked with water.

This activity explores the basic workings of a siphon, which is the core technology that makes toilets work.

Visitors mix water and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in a large flask. They then add citric acid to the mixture and stopper the flask. The resulting reaction creates carbon dioxide gas.

Learners design, build, and test models of "dragon boats" made from up to three milk cartons.

This online simulation game explores the different consequences of water levels on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest.

Using electrolysis, learners produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water molecules in a solution.

Visitors separate a mixture of pebbles, salt crystals, and wood shavings by adding water and pouring the mixture through a strainer.

Learners compare the properties and solubilities of Styrofoam (TM), ecofoam packing peanuts, and popcorn. First, the solubility of each substance is tested in water.

Visitors mix urea with water in one flask and mix calcium chloride with water in another flask. They observe that the urea flask gets cold and the calcium chloride flask gets hot.

Visitors prepare six solutions combining vinegar and ammonia that range incrementally from acid (all vinegar) to base (all ammonia).

Visitors observe a bottle with a balloon attached around the mouth. The bottle contains a solution of yeast, sugar, and water.

Visitors test solutions of water, sugar, salt, and hydrochloric acid and the solids salt and sugar. They clip leads from the hand generator to wires immersed in each substance.

This is written as a display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on activity. Learners discover how all the parts of a diaper work together to keep babies dry and comfortable.

Learners make a simple battery out of "sandwiches" of aluminum foil, pennies, and a salt water-soaked paper towel.

Learners work in groups to construct bridges using stale marshmallows and toothpicks.

Learners build models of sinkholes to gain an intuitive knowledge of their physical aspects.

In this crafty chemistry activity (on page 2 of the PDF), learners make their own paper from used paper they may have otherwise thrown away.

Learners will explore the scientific mystery behind a disappearing group of trees by examining data and attempting to explain the decline.

In this activity (on page 2 of PDF), learners create a low-tech refrigerator that requires no electricity to keep food from spoiling.

Learners build a filter from old soda bottles and dirt. They create polluted water, and pour it through their filter to clean it.