Search Results

If a sailboat is stranded because there is no wind, is it possible to set up a fan on deck and blow wind into the sail to make the boat move?

In this activity, learners use a laser pointer and two small rotating mirrors to create a variety of fascinating patterns, which can be easily and dramatically projected on a wall or screen.

In this activity, you'll make an electric motor--a simple version of the electric motors found in toys, tools, and appliances everywhere.

In this activity, learners build a simple electrolysis device. Then learners use an indicating solution to visualize hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water.

In this activity, learners explore electronics and motion by making a Scribbling Machine, a motorized contraption that moves in unusual ways and leaves a mark to trace its path.

In this activity, learners use their strength to light a light bulb. A chain made from paper clips is placed in series with a battery and flashlight bulb.

This is an activity that demonstrates how batteries work using simple household materials. Learners use a pickle, aluminum foil and a pencil to create an electrical circuit that powers a buzzer.

In this demonstration, cook a cake using the heat produced when the cake batter conducts an electric current.

In this activity, high voltage is applied across a pickle to emit a yellow glow. This activity should only be conducted by skilled adults and is best suited as a demonstration.

In this activity about electricity, learners explore what happens when you blow a fuse.

In this activity about electricity and magnetism, learners examine what happens when a magnet exerts a force on a current-carrying wire.

In this activity, learners explore chemiluminescence and fluorescence. Learners examine 3 different solutions in regular light, in the dark with added bleach solution, and under a black light.

In this activity, learners use a laser pointer and two small rotating mirrors to create a variety of fascinating patterns, which can be easily and dramatically projected on a wall or screen.

This activity explores the concept of center of gravity by having learners build a Jitterbug--a motorized toy that seems to dance--using a recycled CD and a DC motor.

Light painting is a creative activity that involves creating striking images and illusions using a camera, a light source, and a little practice.

In this activity, learners construct a device out of a piezoelectric igniter, like those used as barbecue lighters.

In this activity, learners create a tiny electric, motorized dancer. Learners use the interactions of magnetism and electric current to make a wire spin, while displaying the Lorentz Force in action.

Construct a simple battery that's able to power a small light or motor out of foil, salt water, and charcoal. A helpful video, produced by the Exploratorium, guides you along on this activity.

Make your own simple speaker so you can listen to your favorite radio station. Just wind a coil, attach it to a piece of cardboard or Styrofoam, hold a magnet nearby, and listen.

In this activity, learners simulate the process of DNA fingerprinting by using electricity to separate colored dyes.