Thank you gift – Science Outreach Scholars Fall 2020
Thank you Science Outreach Scholars for engaging kids remotely! We proved that we can still stay connected and do hands-on science in a physically distanced way. This science-at-home kit is a way to keep the science fun happening! The information below describes one way to explore and more information on the topic. We welcome you to connect with your inner kid scientist and to have fun!
Reusable Hand Warmer
What to do:
Pop the small disk inside the reusable hand warmer. What do you notice?
What is happening:
The liquid inside here is sodium acetate (vinegar and baking soda). The liquid is supercooled, which means it is below its freezing point, but still in liquid form. When you “pop” the metal disk, you create a small region of rapid expansion and cooling, forming a single crystal of frozen sodium acetate which “seeds” the rest of the pack, which will quickly begin to freeze.
This is reusable! You can melt the sodium acetate by heating in boiling water or leaving it in the sun.
Please note: We don’t recommend microwaving it. The hand warmer can pop and leak.
More details:
Read more about the reusable hand warmers and energy:
This great video shows you what you can do with a large amount of sodium acetate!
Rocket balloons
What to do:
Use the small clear straw to inflate your rocket balloon. Hold the end of the balloon, once you have reached a good size. Let go of the rocket balloon.
What is happening?
The rocket balloon is all about energy! The inflated balloon has elastic potential energy, which is transformed into kinetic and sound energy when you let go of the rocket balloon. Can you make the rocket balloon fly in a straight line?
More details:
We filmed an episode of LSOP Live on Energy where we filled rocket balloons with water (13:07).
Secret Message Pen
What to do:
Write a message or draw a picture with the secret message pen. Can you see it? There is a ultraviolet light on the secret message pen. Shine the light at your message or drawing. What do you notice?
What is happening:
The secret message pen has ink which is only visible in ultraviolet (UV) light. When you shine the UV light at the ink, it absorbs the UV light and gives off light you can see. This phenomena is called fluorescence. What other things can you find that also fluoresce?
More details:
For more information and experiment ideas about the electromagnetic waves (light) and fluorescence, check out these links:
Red Light and UV Light
What to do:
Write a message or draw a picture with different colored markers. Squeeze the red and ultraviolet (UV) lights, and shine them on the writing or drawing. What do you notice?
What is happening:
Objects appear a certain color because some light is absorbed and other light is reflected. In the picture above, there is a drawing with red and orange pencil and blue and orange highlighter. When the red light is used, the blue highlighter absorbs the red light and it looks dark, but the red and orange pencil disappears because it reflects the same amount of red light as the paper. When the UV light is used, the orange highlighter fluoresces and stands out from the background. What color combinations can you create?
More details:
For more ideas for making experiments with your red and UV light, check out this links:
Air Bags
What to do:
Hold the open the end if the air bag a short distance away and flow a sharp stream of air towards the opening.
What is happening:
When you blow air into the air bag, it also pulls air in from around it. This fills the air bag quickly! Can you fill the bag quicker this way or holding it close to your mouth?
More details:
For more more details about pressure, force, and motion, check out this resources:
Reaction Ruler
What to do:
Have a person drop the reaction ruler vertically above your hand. Catch it as fast as you can. Does it make a difference if you wear sunglasses?
What is happening:
This ruler measures your reaction time. Based on the gravity on Earth and the length of the ruler, one can calculate how long it takes it to fall. The reaction times will vary from person to person. Would this be easier or harder to catch on Mars or Venus?
Krazy Flow
What to do:
Take Krazy Flow out of the package. Try putting your hand in the middle of it and raise up your hand. What else does your Krazy Flow move on?
What is happening:
The intertwined coils of metal allow for the Krazy Flow to move on an arm. We encourage you to see what else you the Krazy Flow be used to learn about science.
Little Shop of Physics Multi-tool
What to do:
The Little Shop of Physics multitool can be used for many different ways. We encourage you to explore and discover its uses!
