Pressure is the amount of force that is exerted on something. Gravity causes pressure naturally. Water pressure is the force created by the weight of water. When you jump into a pool, you can feel the force pushing around you. Water pressure can push water through pipes and hoses. Here is an easy water pressure experiment….
Here is a simple physics experiment using a property called static electricity. Every object is made up of small particles called atoms. These particles are extremely small and you cannot see them without a microscope. There are two types of charges in every atom — positive change(s) and negative charge(s). Only negative charges are free…
Surface tension is the glue that binds water into a cohesive sphere and the force that makes water bead up on a surface. It is one of the amazing properties of water. Surface tension in water is created by the attractive forces between the water molecules It can be broken up. In this experiment, we…
After finishing the Hovercraft and Friction experiment, you will be left with an empty CD case. Here is an upcycling idea. The empty CD box can be used in this gardening project. Grow a little indoor greenhouse full of grass in you kitchen. Like most plants, grass needs water, soil, air and sunlight to grow….
Can you make rain in your own home? This is a rain making experiment that simulates how rain forms. A simulation is an imitation. This experiment mimics the rain making process in nature, but it’s not the real process. We can then closely study it. Unlike other rain making experiment, this one is super simple….
3D drawing is a visual illusion trick kids will love to learn. In this project, we will be learning about the properties of depth perception. You will draw an object that looks like it’s jumping out of (or into) the 2D piece of paper. See how your eyes can perceive images differently when the picture…
Do grapes sink or float? Grapes can do both. Whether a grape sinks or floats depends on its density relative to the water it’s in. An object’s buoyancy is determined by its density compared with the density of the surrounding water. Density of water can be changed by adding salt. Let’s try this experiment to…
Can water defy gravity and float in midair? Not really, but with some help, it can appear to be. Air molecules, which we cannot see with naked eyes, are constantly moving and bombarding everywhere. The resulting force is air pressure. Normally, the air pressure above and below the water are the same. When equal forces…
Toothpicks are made of dry wood. Using the absorbing property of wood and the surface tension property of water, you can create a fun trick to impress your kids (or friends). In this simple experiment, we will turn broken toothpicks into an expanding star. Before you start, be sure to watch the video below. The…
Refraction Of Light Have you ever noticed if you look through a glass of water, the image behind the glass sometimes looks funny or distorted? It’s like the glass of water is playing tricks on your eyes. The trick is actually created by the refraction of light. Light travels at different speed through different materials….
Little kids love soap bubbles (a lot of grownups do, too!) Blowing bubbles, chasing them, trying to catch them and eventually popping them can provide hours of fun for kids. It’s one of many children’s favorite outdoor activities. Do you know why bubble pop when they are touched? Is it possible to touch a bubble…
Magnetism is invisible, but it’s all around us. There is a giant magnetic field on Earth. In this experiment, we will see a smaller version of magnetic field. We will use iron filings to see the magnetic field in 3-dimension. (Here’s an example on 2-dimensional magnetic force field.) Magnet attracts iron and the magnetism can…
Have you tried our popular experiment “Why is the sky blue?” experiment? Now the next question is, “If the sky normally looks blue, why are sunsets orange in color?” From the last experiment, we know that when light (representing the sun) passes through a clear fluid (representing air) holding small particles (representing dusts), blue is scattered…
Kids are fascinated by rainbows. A rainbow is the result of light reflection, refraction and dispersion through water droplets in the air. A spectrum of rainbow color can usually be seen after rainfall when the air is full of moisture. Among the spectrum of colors, red, blue and yellow are primary colors. They can be combined…
What Is Water Cycle? Water cycle is also known as hydrologic cycle or hydrological cycle. It describes how water moves continuously on Earth. Water loops through different stages – evaporation, condensation, precipitation and flow. It then goes back to the evaporation stage. The whole cycle starts all over again and hence the name “water cycle”. Water Cycle…