The Exploratorium

Rubber Band newton Scale
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In this activity, learners make a simple spring-like scale using a rubber band instead of a spring, and calibrate the scale in newtons (N).

On the Fringe (formerly Bridge Light)
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In this activity, learners trap a thin layer of air between two pieces of Plexiglas to produce rainbow-colored interference patterns.

Bubble Suspension
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In this activity, learners observe as soap bubbles float on a cushion of carbon dioxide gas. Learners blow bubbles into an aquarium filled with a slab of dry ice.

Wilberforce Pendulum
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In this activity, learners build a Wilberforce Pendulum, a special coupled pendulum in which energy is transferred between two modes of vibration, longitudinal ("bounce') and torsional ("twist"), on a

CANdemonium: Make a Drum Out of Recycled Cans
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With three cans and some tape, make a drum that you bonk down on any surface to produce a variety of sounds. This activity also teaches you about pitch, vibration, and frequency.

Breaking the Code: Mayan Math
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This is a lesson plan for an activity in which learners, playing the role of archeologists, use math concepts about number bases to decipher the Dresden Codex, an ancient Mayan document.

Hand Battery
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In this activity about chemistry and electricity, learners form a battery by placing their hands onto plates of different metals.

Cardboard Automata
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Cardboard Automata are a playful way to explore simple machine elements while creating a mechanical sculpture.

Hoopster: An Airplane Made from Paper Hoops
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This activity provides instructions for making an aircraft that can really fly using a straw and paper hoops!

Make Your Own Petroglyph
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In ancient Chaco Canyon, the people used a "sun dagger" petroglyph to mark the passing of seasons.