Search Results

This is written as a static display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on experiment for learners to conduct.

Visitors add drops of copper sulfate solution onto a steel nail. They observe the nail change color from silver to brown as the copper plates onto the nail.

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.

Learners are given mysterious white powders and have to determine their identity with chemical tests.

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

Learners mix a solution containing luminol and copper with a fake blood solution. A chemical reaction between the luminol solution and fake blood (hydrogen peroxide) show learners a blue glow.

In this activity (on page 2), pairs of learners create an imaginary crime scene. One person leaves the room while the other person moves a few things around.

Learners experiment with a 2-liter plastic bottle containing water and four “divers." The divers consist of open, transparent containers with the opening points downward.

In this activity (on pages 41-47 of PDF), learners explore tesselating geometric patterns (repeated shapes, similar to the art of M.C. Escher).

Learners compare the properties of two balls that appear identical. One ball bounces, while the other ball "thuds." The “bounce” ball is made of the polymer polybutadiene (-C4H4-).

Learners observe working lava lamps to understand how they work (included in PDF link).

In this tabletop activity (on pages 32-40), learners make Möbius strips -- 3D surfaces with only one side.

Learners observe two joined glass tubes containing a conductive salt solution. Electrodes are passing an electric current through the water.

Learners experiment with a commercial photo-sensitive paper (Sunprint® or NaturePrint® paper). They place opaque and clear objects on the paper and expose it to bright light, observing the results.

Learners observe an electrochemical cell constructed from a small jar containing zinc and copper strips immersed in separate solutions. The strips are connected to a motor that turns a small fan.

This guide outlines how to plant a garden even if you don't have a yard!

Visitors observe three beakers. One beaker contains an egg immersed in vinegar. Visitors observe carbon dioxide gas escaping from the shell as the calcium carbonate reacts with the vinegar.

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

Learners combine different plant solutions -- made from fruits, vegetables, and flowers -- with equal amounts of vinegar (acid), water (neutral), and ammonia (base).

Learners build a simple one-cell battery and use an ammeter to measure the flow of current.