Have a question? My team and I are happy to hear your questions and get you answers! When you type a question, it shows up not only on that experiment but also here so you can easily find your answer. You'll find question boxes at the bottom of every experiment in the program.

Question: from tashsmithjbt about the Family Pedigree experiment :

thank u aurora

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Salt & Vinegar Crystals experiment :

It is best of the top of the water is level with the top of the sponge. Be sure to start with a slightly damp sponge. A dry sponge is more likely to float. In other words, run water over the sponge and squeeze out most of the water. The place the sponge in the dish and pour the solution over the sponge as shown in the video.

Question: from bronlyncathie about the Salt & Vinegar Crystals experiment :

Is it ok if the sponge floats

Question: from tupperlisa83 about the Do Plants Store Energy? experiment :

Photosynthesis is a great way to harness power. 1. is photosynthesis 2.same 3. burn for heat, and heat water I also burned sugar, animal cookie and onion skin.

Question: from tupperlisa83 about the Atmospheres experiment :

It was interesting to have the air temperature stay the same throughout the experiment but the bottles change so much. The one with cling wrap the highest temp. Plain bottle was the lowest/

Question: from tupperlisa83 about the Atmospheres experiment :

While air stayed same bottle with saran wrap went up every time up to over 99. Clear bottle 10 degrees less.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Special Science Teleclass: Renewable & Alternative Energy experiment :

Cookies, s'mores, and hot dogs are common choices.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Newton's Second Law of Motion experiment :

Please try restarting your computer and re-logging into the website. You can also try a different web browser.

Question: from tabbi8407 about the Newton's Second Law of Motion experiment :

videos are not working for me today?

Question: from ip108043 about the Special Science Teleclass: Renewable & Alternative Energy experiment :

what kind of food can i make with this?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Transverse and Longitudinal Waves experiment :

In transverse wave, energy is strongest at the point where rope is farthest from the middle. But, keep in mind that point is in motion as the energy travels down the rope.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Special Science Teleclass: Renewable & Alternative Energy experiment :

No problem, just wait until it gets warmer!

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Slide Preparation: Heat Fixes experiment :

You will need regular Iodine or Lugol's Biological Stain Solution.

Question: from wirrwarr about the Transverse and Longitudinal Waves experiment :

is there a point in the rope were the energy is the strongest and if there is how can u find it

Question: from tupperlisa83 about the Special Science Teleclass: Renewable & Alternative Energy experiment :

It is too cold in Oregon right now, it will not work, tried 3 times

Question: from tashsmithjbt about the Slide Preparation: Heat Fixes experiment :

what do you need to use for the stain if we don't have iodine

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Special Science Teleclass: Chemistry experiment :

When they are heated past the melting point and subsequently allowed to cool, the aqueous solution of sodium acetate and water becomes supersaturated. This solution is capable of cooling to room temperature without forming crystals. But if you touch a crystal to the solution, it will start a chain reaction. Notice that you can take your "icicle" and change it back into liquid by heating it above the melting point again. When it cools, it will go back to room temperature without crystalizing.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Meteor Shower April 16-25 experiment :

The best time to observe is after midnight, local time. Yes indeed, you can see it from Australia.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Planetarium and Star Show experiment :

A black hole is an object whose gravity is so strong that even light cannot escape its pull.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Lie Detectors experiment :

R1 does indeed affect the current. In the example, we determine the current across R1 first. Now that we know the resistance and current for R1, we can determine the voltage across R1. Now that we know the voltage across R1, we can remove that amount of voltage from the rest of the circuit. Notice the equation V2 = V3 = Vtot - V1 The remaining voltage is 3.889V. Therefore R1 does affect the current and voltage across R2 and R3. By the way, the current flowing through each resistor in a parallel circuit is different, depending on the resistance.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Rock Candy Crystals experiment :

You will start seeing crystals in a couple weeks, but it will still take months to see big results.

Question: from shz_bz about the Rock Candy Crystals experiment :

How long would it take for the crystals to grow if i use the tips you said?

Question: from herdingkittens about the Lie Detectors experiment :

In a circuit with two resistors in parallel and one in series with that set, for example the circuit schematic in question 13, to find the current of one of the parallel resistors, e.g. R2, why do we use the resistance of that resistor alone? Doesn't the resistor in series, R1, affect the current?

Question: from az25horse about the Planetarium and Star Show experiment :

what is a black hole!!!!!!!

Question: from bronlyncathie about the Meteor Shower April 16-25 experiment :

What time is it and can I see it from Perth

Question: from ashblythephotography about the Special Science Teleclass: Chemistry experiment :

Why does the liquid have to heat up to become an ice?

Answer:  Laundry Soap Crystals

Anytime you use cookware for chemistry, we recommend not using again for food you will consume. Get yourself a saucepan or cooking pot just for kitchen chemistry, and discard it when you're through so no one else will use it, as it may contain trace amounts of chemicals that are nearly impossible to clean.

Answer:  Eggshell Crystals

Sure - anything that will hold your crystal solution will work just fine!

Question: from shz_bz about the Eggshell Crystals experiment :

Can you use something else besides egg shells?

Question: from shz_bz about the Laundry Soap Crystals experiment :

Do we have to use an old pot we don’t care about because we don’t have one that we don’t care about and can’t we just clean our pot that we need after we use it or is impossible to clean?

Answer:  Special Science Teleclass: Physics of Motion

This was part of a class where while the kids were working on their projects, I was answering questions about the science program. Since you are already a member, this part has been removed, and then when the students returned we answered a few kids questions and closed the class. The content for the class is complete - so at the end have your students begin the catapults... I hope this helps!

Answer:  Laser Microscope

Sure, just aim it at a blank white wall and move closer or further until it comes into focus, just like aiming a flashlight on the wall. Have fun!

Answer:  Laundry Soap Crystals

The borax should dissolve in warm water, so try heating the water a bit first before adding the borax. If the crystals don't form in the solution, it simply means you didn't have enough borax in there as it cooled. Just heat it up and try again!

Answer:  Cool Milk Trick

IU haven't tried it yet - please tell me what you find out!

Answer:  Rock Candy Crystals

If you use the tips I shared (warm spot, seeding the stick..) then it takes less time, depending on how large you want it. If you're in a rush, please try the borax crystals.

Question: from privatefortsao about the Laser Microscope experiment :

Aurora is it possible for you to tell me how you were able to project it onto the white wall? Thanks!

Question: from jcquantz1 about the Special Science Teleclass: Physics of Motion experiment :

The video just seemed to cut off before being done. Aurora was giving the kids about 6 minutes to build the catapults and said something about the parents staying, then it ends. Is that all it was supposed to be? Seems unfinished.

Question: from meganjruffin about the Cool Milk Trick experiment :

Could you use dairy free milk like almond milk or oat milk?

Question: from shz_bz about the Rock Candy Crystals experiment :

Is this experiment really going to take six months? Does it always take six months? And is there a way to speed it up or do I have to wait six months?

Question: from shz_bz about the Laundry Soap Crystals experiment :

Every experiment we did we could never get are borax to devolve so that is why i wasn’t sure if i could do the experiment did we do something wrong or is it the tips of borax we had please

Question: from elaineeng208 about the Circular Motion experiment :

Why does one ball lift up ten balls?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Ammonia Experiments experiment :

The manufacturer changed the contents of their kit after this video was made. You'll want the C2000 kit in order to complete the experiments on this page: homesciencetools.com/product/thames-kosmos-chem-c2000-kit/

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Celery Stalk Water Race experiment :

Be sure you are using fresh celery and that you trim off the edges. If the celery appears dry, it won't work. Also be sure to dilute the gel coloring in water. If the gel is thick, it won't travel up the stalk.

Answer:  Special Science Teleclass: Renewable & Alternative Energy

The worksheet is listed as a link in the materials section.

Question: from sewbawavw about the Special Science Teleclass: Renewable & Alternative Energy experiment :

I cant find the worksheet

Question: from emmalehman about the Celery Stalk Water Race experiment :

We conducted this activity with Gel Food Coloring (purple) and the food coloring did not travel up any of the celery stalks!

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Eggshell Crystals experiment :

It is best to remove the membrane. That way the alum can properly bond with the shell.

Question: from jettica about the Eggshell Crystals experiment :

Does it matter if the membrane is still inside of the shell or should that be removed when cleaning? Thanks!

Question: from yurikaseko about the Ammonia Experiments experiment :

HI there, I watched the video to try to figure out where to get the chemicals..but you mentioned that it was in the kit and I am still unsure of where to get them. I do see your link to homesciencetools , is that where i should go? and how do I know what quantity I should be getting? thank you! i am new to this!

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Design a Solar System experiment :

You should be able to select the bodies using this menu on the right hand side. If you aren't able to make a selection, please try a different web browser. Object Selection

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the BEAM Robot: Solar Roller experiment :

You will want to use rosin-core solder intended for electronics. The most common electronics solder is called "60/40". It is 60% tin and 60% tin. You could also use lead free solder, but it requires a higher temperature.

Question: from amberdawnbook about the BEAM Robot: Solar Roller experiment :

What kind of solder do you use?

Question: from ruthmmartens about the Design a Solar System experiment :

I can't make my own bodies. All it shows is the sun, earth, and moon. Is it just my computer? or is this the way it is supposed to be? I also wondered if it would be ok to do this and submit it as a science fair project. (as long as I document what I do of course.) thank you

Answer:  Terraqua Column

It depends on the temperature and the pH. You can read more about how to care for fresh water shrimp here: https://caesarstropicalfish.com/blogs/news/a-guide-to-freshwater-shrimp-care

Answer:  Robotic Hand

Something springy and elastic will be a good substitute.

Answer:  Calorimeter

Yes, we want as much heat as possible to go into the water.

Answer:  Turning Copper into Silver into Gold

You can find most of the materials at hometrainingtools.com

Answer:  Simple Hovercraft

To allow the air to escape very slowly and consistently, not all at once.

Question: from baileyalferez about the Terraqua Column experiment :

Would Freshwater shrimp survive?

Question: from subs4sktipre about the Robotic Hand experiment :

Can you use other rubber bands to substitute for these ones?

Question: from herdingkittens about the Calorimeter experiment :

Do you have to put a lid on the coffee cup to prevent heat escaping into the surrounding air?

Question: from kmosby716 about the Simple Hovercraft experiment :

what are the holes in the cap for?

Question: from amy_lawrence about the Turning Copper into Silver into Gold experiment :

can i get links for all supplies

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Star Gazing experiment :

It sounds like you may have downloaded the picture of a completed star wheel, instead of the two separate parts needed to make your own. Once you click on the link that takes you to Sky & Telescope, scroll down to the part that says "MAKE A STAR WHEEL". Then download Part 1 and Part 2.

Question: from arrowmakercpi about the Star Gazing experiment :

I downloaded the chart but it was too blurry to read. What do I do?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Solar Drinking Bird experiment :

The original drinking bird works best when the water is room temperature.

Question: from kateryna_moheb about the Solar Drinking Bird experiment :

Does it work better with hot or cold water?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Hovercraft experiment :

Those are just some silly sound effects at the end of the video.

Question: from arrowmakercpi about the Hovercraft experiment :

What about the noise at the end of the video? Is it just sound effects, or do you actually have a cat? [We do]

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Can Fish Drown? experiment :

When water sits in a fish tank without circulation, then there is nothing to replace the oxygen the fish breath out of the water. Also, the warmer the water is, the more air will escape out of the water. Yes, less air will escape when in a cold climate, but there still needs to be circulation to introduce new oxygen into the water. As you said tides, wind, storms, and currents help distribute oxygen. Lakes and ponds often have rivers or small creeks that introduce turbulence...which introduces air. But, fish are less likely to survive in a pond that is stagnant. Keep in mind that underwater plants help introduce oxygen, but there still needs to be movement in the water to distribute that oxygen.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Can Fish Drown? experiment :

This experiment demonstrates that air is dissolved in water and that the amount of air dissolved varies based on the water's temperature. If a body of water is stagnant and gets too warm, there may not be enough air for the fish to breath.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Fast Ball experiment :

Speed describes how fast something is going. Velocity describes the change in distance over a given amount of time. Acceleration describes a change in speed or velocity.

Question: from elaineeng208 about the Fast Ball experiment :

How is acceleration different from speed and velocity?

Answer:  Generating Oxygen

This is included in the C3000 kit.

Question: from vasquezfun about the Generating Oxygen experiment :

Where do you get the rubber tubing from?

Question: from vasquezfun about the Generating Oxygen experiment :

To be clear we are disposing the Potassium permanganatein the trash?

Question: from vasquezfun about the Can Fish Drown? experiment :

I'd like to re-ask this question. Is heating up the water and the air escaping in the test tube similar to air sitting still in a fish tank and the air leaving? What if water sat still in a very cold climate? Would less O escape? Does it then escape faster in warmer climates? And does this mean that while the ocean is constantly moving (tides, wind, storms, etc.) that this helps to keep the O adding? How about lakes, ponds, puddles? thanks

Question: from vasquezfun about the Can Fish Drown? experiment :

I still don't understand how the connection of this experiment to fish needing the air.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Light Speed Particles experiment :

Remember that math gives us a way to describe what was written in the word problem. As the boulder rolls down the hill, friction performs work against the boulder. That works takes away some of the energy. That’s how we arrive at KE = PE - WFS.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Light Speed Particles experiment :

In this unit we learn about conservation of energy. The concept of potential energy equaling kinetic energy is a way to write out that concept as a formula. As the car rolls up the emergency ramp, its kinetic energy (motion) is converted into potential energy. Once the car is at rest at the top of the ramp, it has only potential energy. By using the PE and KE formulas together, we’re able to determine the distance it takes for the car to come to a stop.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Shopping List for Unit 10 experiment :

We have this project: https://www.sciencelearningspace2.com/2010/03/underwater-r-o-v-robot/.However, it uses a wired connection for controls and doesn't include a camera.

Question: from christyoctavo about the Shopping List for Unit 10 experiment :

JMJ Dear Aurora and friends I have a question . We have a couple of good sized ponds and creeks on our property. I was wondering if you have any instructions on building a submersible we can remote control and has a camera which projects to an app or in another form to our phone or tablets. We want to combine it with biology and studies for our property, like fish stocking ponds, controlling plant growths in the ponds etc

Question: from herdingkittens about the Light Speed Particles experiment :

In question 19, it uses the formula, 'KE=PE-Wf'. Shouldn't it be, 'KE=PE+Wf'?

Question: from herdingkittens about the Light Speed Particles experiment :

In question 13, it says that potential energy equals kinetic energy without any explanation. Why are they equal?

Question: from rebecca_thomas about the Volcanoes experiment :

We made a volcano cake once for my son! We used dry ice and something else(and something else to make it erupt. I wish I could remember what it was. It was a big hit with all his friends.

Question: from arrowmakercpi about the Building Bridges experiment :

cool! i did this on a slightly wobbly table that i made an earthquake with, and used a small fan to create "hurricane force" winds! thx for the fun aurora!

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Explosions experiment :

This is an example of the distributive property. We start with 0=MV+m(v+V) then, we multiply m times v and m times V. This becomes 0=MV+mv+mV. Then we collect the terms so the equation is 0 = V (M + m) + mv.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Non-constant Mass experiment :

You're right the value is 7000. Not sure where 6440 came from.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Fruit Battery experiment :

Sure, you can use an orange.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Tetrahedral Kite experiment :

No, regular paper won't work because it is too heavy. You'll need to use tissue paper.

Question: from herdingkittens about the Non-constant Mass experiment :

At 3:50 it says 6400 Newtons, but I got 7000. What's going on?

Question: from ruthmmartens about the Fruit Battery experiment :

Can I use an orange instead of a lemon or lime?

Question: from arrowmakercpi about the Tetrahedral Kite experiment :

Can I use regular paper instead of tissue paper? I don't have tissue paper.

Question: from herdingkittens about the Explosions experiment :

At 4:35 where did the extra little 'm' come from?

Question: from hdtaphorn about the Quantum Mechanics: Double Slit Experiment experiment :

I loved the video. thank you so much Aurora

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Liquid Prism experiment :

A CD will separate colors all on its own, so it won't work for this experiment. It is best to use a mirror.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Ideas for Exploring Microscopic Life experiment :

Agar is a gelatinous substance made from various kinds of red seaweed. It is what we call a biological culture media. In other words, we use it as food for bacteria. It is available in powder and pre-mixed forms here: https://www.homesciencetools.com/. Just search on the word agar.

Question: from carolinametzgers about the Ideas for Exploring Microscopic Life experiment :

What is agar and where can I find it? Thank you!

Question: from arrowmakercpi about the Liquid Prism experiment :

can you use an old CD instead of a mirror? pretty sure it does the same thing........

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Nerve Tester experiment :

Most coathangers have a thin coating over the metal. The most common problem is that coating hasn't been removed. Be sure to rub sandpaper across the entire coat hanger to remove that epoxy coating. Also, try reversing the connections for your LED. It might be connected backwards. If you still have problems, please take pictures of your setup and email them to [email protected].