Search Results

This simple, yet surprising physics demonstration challenges preconceptions about forces, and demonstrates the strength of atmospheric pressure.

In this demonstration, learners observe as a bottle is placed on a table with wooden hoop balanced on top and a pencil balanced on top of the hoop.

In this demonstration, learners observe the effects of density and pressure. A "diver" constructed out of a piece of straw and Blu-Tack will bob inside a bottle filled with water.

In this demonstration, learners observe the effects of air pressure. They will watch as marshmallows inside a bottle expand as a vacuum pump removes air from the bottle.

In this physics demonstration, learners will be surprised when a handkerchief holds water in an upside-down glass.

Perform this classic inertia demonstration to illustrate the transfer of potential energy to kinetic energy.

This is a quick, yet dramatic activity/demonstration that introduces learners to the concept of energy transfer. A small ball is placed on top of a large ball and both are dropped together.

In this demonstration about momentum, use physics to distinguish between a hard-boiled egg and a raw egg without cracking them open.

In this physics demonstration, learners are challenged to break a raw egg just by squeezing it. Learners will be shocked by their inability to complete the deceivingly simple challenge.

This is a web activity about simple machines. Learners will explore a lawn mower and identify six different simple machines which work together to help make our lives easier.

In this activity, learners explore motion and airflow by setting two aluminum cans on their side and blowing air in-between them.

In this quick activity, learners use a toaster to investigate the source for the Earth's wind. Learners hold a pinwheel above a toaster to discover that rising heat causes wind.

Balance a ball in the air with a hair dryer! This Exploratorium produced activity shows learners concepts like lift and air streams. You can try many different angles, speeds, and ball types.

In this quick and easy activity and/or demonstration, learners illustrate the effect of the weight of air over our heads.

In this physics activity, challenge learners to remove the bottom coin of a stack of nickels without knocking over the stack. Use this activity to demonstrate friction.

In this activity, learners explore static electricity and electrical charges while experimenting with an inflated balloon, unflavored gelatin powder, and a wool sweater.

Listen to the beat of gravity. By taking two strings with weights tied to them at different, yet uniform intervals, you can hear the uniformity (and rhythm) of gravity's accelerating pull.

In this physics activity, challenge learners to lift a book with just air using a plastic bag and a straw. This activity demonstrates compressed air and forces.

Create a simple dual pendulum and get them to swing in identical ways. This is a simple, low cost, activity produced by the Exploratorium.

In this activity, learners discover how hard their hearts work to pump blood.