No, We're Not Going to Teach You How to Actually Blow Something Up...
But we will give you the resources you need to conduct your own science experiments and create gadgets and gizmos. We also will give you crazy awesome videos of other people conducting science experiments, and yeah...they might blow things up a little, like soda bottles and trash cans. We don't want you going off and getting hurt, but a little inspiration goes a long way, right?
Science Experiments
You're probably way past baking soda and vinegar volcanoes at this stage in your science experiment career (even though those volcanoes are still pretty cool), so why not take it to the next step? Check out these books for some great ideas and potential top-notch experiments you've been searching for. (Clicking on the titles will take you to Amazon.com, but we suggest checking with your local library for copies as well! Can we get some library love in here?)
The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists by Sean Connelly
The Mentos and Diet Coke fountains seem fairly simple, but what about the science behind them? Sean Connelly provides all your facts (and important safety tips and directions) in this great book. What's unique about this book is that Connelly assumes his readers like science, want to experiment with it, and are smart enough to tackle projects not meant for the little kids. So go ahead...try the Sandwich Bag Bomb or Giant Air Cannon. After all, you really aren't being completely irresponsible...
The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science: 50 Experiments for Daring Young Scientists by Sean Connolly
Sean Connolly is at it again. Stepping up from totally irresponsible to potentially catastrophic might not be the best thing, unless you're doing science-y stuff. And then, it just sounds like fun. Honestly, what other book is going to teach you how to recreate the Hadron Collider, track how diseases spread using glitter, or build Galileo's telescope?
Secret Science: 25 Experiments Your Teacher Doesn't Know About by Steve Spangler
Steve Spangler has made quite a name for himself as a "science guy" on TV (kind of like that other science guy...you know the one). But he started out as a science teacher, so he really is a man of science. Spangler provides all kinds of experiments in this book, ranging from chemistry and biology to electricity and magnetism. Try Soap Souffle or Leak-Proof Bag as warm-ups, and then dive into some of the more complicated experiments. Spangler also provides excellent explanations of the science principals and concepts behind each project, along with diagrams and charts.
Backyard Ballistics by William Gurstelle
One of the best things about this book is its focus on safety, which you know is very, very important. The projects in this book are more advanced, so you might want some help in constructing any of these 13 ballistics experiments--but they are awesome. From a tabletop catapult to a tennis ball cannon, Gurstelle gives you detailed instructions on each build, including safety precautions, the scientific concepts behind each project, and physics of each machine.
Theo Gray's Made Science: Experiments You Can Do at Home - But Probably Shouldn't by Theo Gray
No, really, you shouldn't try these experiments. What fun is launching a rocket with a Snickers bar? Pfft, none at all! Using liquid nitrogen to make homemade ice cream? Craziness! Why would you be interested at all in these crazy (fun) experiments?
A word of caution: These experiments often involve chemicals or procedures that you should have some help with. So just be warned (adults DO have their uses, you know.)
A word of caution: These experiments often involve chemicals or procedures that you should have some help with. So just be warned (adults DO have their uses, you know.)
Science Experiment Links
(Because you need another excuse to make a mess and learn something from it...)
- Toys from Trash - Holy beakers, science fans! If you are looking for something to do with old scraps and stuff lying around the house, THIS is the place you go!
- The Science Hobbyist - I think this guy may be a little...interesting in person, if his site is any proof. (And trust me, no offense meant!) He take science and makes it not just fun, but funny. Lots of gadgets and gizmos to make yourself here, plus plenty of outside links.
- HeadRush videos on Discovery.com - Kari Byron (from Mythbusters!) shows you some pretty crazy stuff (and no, the Monster aka Elephant Toothpaste NEVER gets old.)
- 40 Cool Science Experiments on the Web - Scholastic offers up some great science experiments to try your hand at.
Crazy Awesome Videos...Of Other People's Science Experiments
First up, the Web-famous EepyBird duo, known worldwide for their Diet Coke and Mentos fountains. They've stepped up their game since then, progressing to land vehicles powered by the frothy (and yes, rather explosive) concoction, but who can resist The Very First Fountain?
Ice on Fire! No, it's not crazy talk, and it's a pretty cool (ha, get it?...yeah, it's a terrible pun) experiment that you can do yourself. This one is done by a pro, and while he's a little corny in his presentation, the experiment itself is pure science.
Microwaves...now doing more than just heating your food! So we know microwaves are handy - they heat up your mac and cheese, act as a timer, and can make regular sized marshmallows gigantic in seconds. But did you know that there is actually a lot of science behind what makes these seemingly simple machines work? Take a look at the actual microwaves in this video...yeah, you'll actually be able to see the "invisible" rays that cook your food and enlarge marshmallows. (And please, DON'T try this at home unless you have someone nearby who knows what they're doing!)
Trash Can Volcano?!? Students at Michigan Tech simulated a volcanic explosion in a 40-gallon trash can. Want to know how to do this? Here are instructions on how to do this experiment safely at home.
Elephant Toothpaste: HUH? That's right, elephant toothpaste. Or better known as, "What happens when you mix dish soap, dry yeast, hydrogen peroxide, and a little bit of food coloring?" Revision3's show Scientific Tuesdays (it's Internet TV at its finest and most scientific-ness!) will show you what happens. It's awesome, and very easy to do at home. If you like this video, check out the other Scientific Tuesday videos on YouTube.
Other Cool Stuff
Fan of the Mythbusters? They've got a great website full of stuff about the show, including the science (look, it's our keyword!) behind all those crazy things they do--go here: Mythbusters and HowStuffWorks.com
Need some ideas on how to build a Rube Goldberg machine, or don't even know where to start? These links should help:
Want to see a Rube Goldberg machine in action? Check out this video for the 2010 National Rube Goldberg Machine Contest - it's a very big deal amongst colleges and universities across the nation.
Need some ideas on how to build a Rube Goldberg machine, or don't even know where to start? These links should help:
- Rube Goldberg Activity from the Utah State Office of Education
- What Makes a Good Rube Goldberg Machine? From the U.S. Dept. of Energy
- Interactive Rube Goldberg Machine Builder from FossWeb
- How to Build a Homemade Rube Goldberg Machine on WikiHow
Want to see a Rube Goldberg machine in action? Check out this video for the 2010 National Rube Goldberg Machine Contest - it's a very big deal amongst colleges and universities across the nation.