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!
I brought a pack of CD-Rs and the pack sayd '700 MB'
does this me it has 700 lines? (:
Question: from james_yeboah about the Diffraction experiment :
hello this is Ellie
I have pteronophobia (fear of feathers) is there anything else I can use?
Question: from james_yeboah about the Laser Maze experiment :
hello this is Ellie
I don't have mosaic type mirrors but i have small mirrors can I use those?
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Laser Collimation experiment :
The videos are working on our side. This usually happens due to slow internet or problems with the web browser. If the speed seems okay in other websites, please try cleaning temporary files or try a different web browser.
Go SLOWLY and get it untangled and straightened out. When you're not using it, keep it coiled up around a paper tube or section of carboard, like a spool. Magnet wire tangles very easily, I know!
Question: from raluka2829 about the Crystal Radio experiment :
If the magnet wire breaks or gets very tangled what can i do?
Please find the material list for the materials needed in the main course section. For example, this experiment is in 3rd Grade Earth Science, so go here https://www.sciencelearningspace2.com/grade-levels/third-grade/third-grade-earth-science/ to get the material list.
This one is not, it's wired controlled with the batteries on-board. For a wired remote control, please look at the experiments in Unit 10 Module 2 - the R.O.V.
You are correct, there isn't one for the lower level. You can do this on a notebook page. To track how different water volumes affect your Alka-Seltzer rocket’s height, set up a simple table titled “Rocket Flight Height vs. Water Volume” with columns for “Water Volume (mL),” three “Trial Height” measurements, an “Average Height,” and a “Notes” column for anything unusual (like wind gusts or fizz-timing). List each water amount you want to test—say, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mL—in the first column, then launch the rocket three times at each volume, recording its maximum height in the corresponding trial columns. After each set of trials, calculate the average height and fill it in so you can compare performance across volumes. This clear layout helps you spot which water fill consistently gives the highest launch—and you can even plot those averages on a graph to visualize the optimal fill level. Click for a sample.
Question: from raluka2829 about the Crystal Radio experiment :
What can we use instead of a Germanium diode as well as a telephone handset or Crystal earphone?
We are having a hard time finding them in Toronto.
Thanks!
Question: from stephanie_goben about the Pop Rockets experiment :
Hey Aurora,
I just wanted to ask you if there was a worksheet for this experiment because I didn’t see one after the video!
Thank you,
Elena
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Basic Circuits experiment :
Be sure to only use heavy duty (carbon) batteries in this experiment. You do not want to use alkaline or rechargeable batteries because they provide too much current and can damage the LEDs. That may be why your LEDs are giving off heat.
Normally, LEDs shouldn't give off noticeable heat in this experiment. However, if you use a light bulb that has a filament, it is normal to feel heat.
Question: from stephanie_goben about the Basic Circuits experiment :
Why do both the LED and the light bulb over our table give off heat? I was thinking that only the LED would give off heat.
Yes, if you have all the same components as Snap Circuits you can use them to complete this experiment.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Slingshot Rocket experiment :
Be sure to use a full 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper and fold it the same way shown in the video.
If it is flipping, you may be applying too much force. Try barely pulling the rocket back on the rubber band before releasing it.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the States of Matter experiment :
There actually isn't a worksheet for this lesson. Everything you need is shown on this page and in the video.
Me and my siblings did this last year and instead of using one straw we folded another straw in half and put it inside of the first one. This made the rocket much more durable and held the paperclip in place a bit better
Toads in captivity will eat crickets, mealworms, small earthworms, waxworms, and fruit flies. Crickets are the best staple food, as long as they are smaller than the space between the toad’s eyes. Mealworms and waxworms can be offered occasionally, but shouldn't be the only food source since they have tough exoskeletons or are too fatty. Small, pesticide-free earthworms are also an excellent source of protein. If you're feeding insects from a pet store, it's best to gut-load them (feed them nutritious food first) and occasionally dust them with calcium powder if you’re keeping the toad for more than a few days. Feed the toad every one to two days, preferably in the evening when it's most active. Avoid feeding it wild-caught insects, human food, or anything too large to swallow safely.
Question: from imalight2 about the Amphibians experiment :
I caught a toad. We are keeping it in a terrarium for a few days. what will toads eat in captivity? Crickets? Meal worms?
Question: from airuscopeland about the Butterflying Cups experiment :
Perfect for an "I'm bored, mom" moment. Boys are outside, aiming their flying cups at each other's heads. SMH
Mechanical pencils (the inexpensive kind) are best for this project, because you can separate out the inner rod from the outer tube. Straws are too flimsy, so look for tubes that are thin and rigid and then locate a rod that is a smaller diameter - watch the video to see how we make the project, and then do your best to substitute for the materials based on how we use each part.
Question: from sunnysolace about the P-Shooters experiment :
Is there anything we can use to substitute the mechanical pencil? Or can we use a different kind of mechanical pencil?
There doesn't seem to be a video about the water cycle on this page. But generally speaking, percentages for water storage are only estimates. Yes, in addition to oceans, lakes, rivers, and the atmosphere some water is stored in plants and animals.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Building Speakers experiment :
Only plug in your Styrofoam speaker to an old boom box or radio. Not your computer. Doing so could hurt the amplifier in your computer.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Building Speakers experiment :
The second video on this page will show you how to make the Styrofoam plate speaker.
Hi,
We have a question regarding the water cycle and where water is stored (after watching the second video). After adding up all the percentages, there are 1.379% of water left to get to 100%. Where is this stored? In our bodies? In plants?
Many thanks.
Question: from rebecca_thomas about the Zinc Dust experiment :
Is the zinc we need in the Chem C3000 kit? I only see zinc strips. Also, I cannot seem to find this experiment in the Chem C3000 book that came with the kit. The video says Experiment 53, but in my book Experimet 53 is the same as experimet 51 except we are told to use 5cm of a magnesium strip with 5% vinegar to make a combustible hydrogen gas. Experiment 51 has us putting a small bent piece of zinc sheeting(2cmx2cm) into a test tube (is that in the kit?) and a narrow strip of copper and 5ml of hydrochloric acid. Then we are told to heat it below boiling, let a few bubbles escape, and then to capture the gas into two test tubes, 1 after another and cap them. In experiment 52 we are holding this tube full of gas over the flame and there is to be a small explosion. We are told that the zinc will disappear almost completely. So where in the book is this experiment you do in the video? Thanks so much!
For the vinegar experiment where you remove the outer shell of an egg, you should use a raw egg, not a hardboiled one. The acetic acid in the vinegar reacts with the calcium carbonate in the eggshell, dissolving it and leaving behind the soft, flexible membrane. This creates a “naked egg” that’s squishy, translucent, and fun to gently bounce or examine. Using a hardboiled egg won’t produce the same effect, since the inside is solid and the overall result isn’t as flexible or visually interesting. A raw egg gives the best demonstration of the chemical reaction and makes the experiment more engaging.
Hello Aurora, we're new to Supercharged Science and this is our first experiment. Is there a place to find the answers to the worksheet questions? Thank you!
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Acid Test experiment :
Certain samples, such as limestone, may dissolve if the acid is to strong. So, once you're finished with your experiment, it is best to neutralize the acid as directed.
Question: from hmsc21 about the Acid Test experiment :
does the sample melt if you pour more or wait a bit?
It's winter, and my son wants to do this experiment; we use the flightless fruit flies that are sold at Petco fro this experiment? (Drosophilia melanogaster and/or drosophilia hydei varieties.) Thank you! -Laurie
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Homemade Pulleys experiment :
There really aren't any good alternatives. You will need a spool for this experiment.
If you heated the water in a tea kettle and poured over the sugar in a different non-heated bowl would it still work? Or does it have to be in a pan on the stove?
The one I'm demonstrating with water in a syringe is the absolute easiest to do. The second easiest is carbon dioxide (CO₂): Triple Point: -56.6°C (216.6 K), 5.2 atm (517 kPa). Dry ice (solid CO₂) can be used to observe sublimation and approach the triple point if you control the pressure. A sealed pressure chamber with temperature control (e.g., a strong, transparent pressure vessel) could bring CO₂ to its triple point. Achieving 5.2 atm is challenging but possible with pressure-rated containers (note: a soda bottle can hold around 3 atm, so do NOT put it in a soda bottle because it will burst). This is best done by a chemist or other professional.
Please don't put a flammable liquid inside the balloon, if it bursts, you'll have a liquid fire that is very dangerous.
Question: from 2015ebwebb about the Triple Point experiment :
Is there a compound that its critical or triple point could be at something close enough to standard conditions that we would be able to do it at home.
Question: from 2015ebwebb about the Measuring Heat experiment :
what would happen if we put alcohol in the balloon. Does alcohol have a low heat capacity?
Hi! At around 11:36 in the video when D is being computed, are we to use r-squared in the denominator of the equation? If so, wouldn't that be (2.625)squared? I may be missing something, though.
Astronomers use the concept of center of mass to detect exoplanets through the "wobble" of stars. This is based on the idea that a planet and its star orbit a shared center of mass, causing the star to shift slightly in position. This is covered in depth in the high school physics course (sections 1 & 2) that we have. If you're in the K-8 part of the program, just fill out the first data table, and that's enough.
Question: from tandtmcd72 about the Star Wobble experiment :
Where can I find the video on explaining the formula and how to work the problems?
This is a very helpful resource. Is there a printable version of this page?
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Solar Boat experiment :
It is possible to use a LASER to power a solar cell, but I don't recommend trying it. This requires special setups and most lasers will reflect off the solar call and can cause eye damage.
Is the ice cream on the last slide of the video the ice cream that you have made or just a picture online? It looks REALLY delicious!!! If you did make that, then I hope mine turns out as amazing as yours! I'm thinking of putting frozen blueberries or strawberries.
Question: from redwineh about the Solar Boat experiment :
Can I use a super duper strong LAZER to make the solar panel work?
In the salt and vinegar crystal experiment, the vinegar is really important because it helps the salt dissolve better in water and makes the solution a little more acidic. This allows more salt to be in the water at first, which is important for forming crystals as the water dries up. The vinegar isn’t needed in the rock candy or borax experiments because those materials (sugar and borax) already dissolve well in water without help. Rock candy forms crystals from sugar, and borax crystals grow just by heating and cooling the water.
The sponge is another important part of the salt and vinegar experiment. Its tiny holes, or pores, give the salt crystals lots of places to stick to and start forming. The sponge also soaks up the liquid and spreads it out, which helps the water evaporate faster and lets the crystals grow more quickly. In the other experiments, things like strings or pipe cleaners are used for crystals to grow on, but they don’t absorb liquid the way a sponge does.
If there’s leftover salt in the pot for this experiment, it’s actually a good thing! It shows the water is fully loaded with as much salt as it can hold, which is perfect for crystal-making. In the rock candy and borax experiments, leftover sugar or borax isn’t okay because it can mess up how smoothly the crystals grow. Those experiments need the solution to be completely clear, with everything dissolved.
So, vinegar helps the salt dissolve and makes the water better for crystals. The sponge gives the crystals a place to grow and helps the water dry faster. And leftover salt in the pot just means there’s plenty of salt ready to form crystals when the water dries.
why did we need the weak acid (vinegar) in this experiment and not the rock candy or borax experiment to form crystals? How does the porous sponge effect the experiment? And why was it okay to have left over salt in the pot and not in the other crystal experiments?
Answer: Tech Light Lab Experiments
No, the 700MB is how much storage there is on each disc.
Answer: Diffraction
Use a diffraction grating for best results.
Answer: Laser Maze
Yes you can!
Question: from ellie_yeboah about the Tech Light Lab Experiments experiment :
question! I brought a pack of CD-Rs and the pack sayd '700 MB' does this me it has 700 lines? (:
Question: from james_yeboah about the Diffraction experiment :
hello this is Ellie I have pteronophobia (fear of feathers) is there anything else I can use?
Question: from james_yeboah about the Laser Maze experiment :
hello this is Ellie I don't have mosaic type mirrors but i have small mirrors can I use those?
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Laser Collimation experiment :
The videos are working on our side. This usually happens due to slow internet or problems with the web browser. If the speed seems okay in other websites, please try cleaning temporary files or try a different web browser.
Question: from mammaof312 about the Laser Collimation experiment :
your videos are not working, they just stay paused even tho it says its playing.
Answer: Crystal Radio
Go SLOWLY and get it untangled and straightened out. When you're not using it, keep it coiled up around a paper tube or section of carboard, like a spool. Magnet wire tangles very easily, I know!
Question: from raluka2829 about the Crystal Radio experiment :
If the magnet wire breaks or gets very tangled what can i do?
Question: from sasham3308 about the Simple Hovercraft experiment :
This project is awesome!
Answer: Introduction to Creating a Homemade Weather Station
Please find the material list for the materials needed in the main course section. For example, this experiment is in 3rd Grade Earth Science, so go here https://www.sciencelearningspace2.com/grade-levels/third-grade/third-grade-earth-science/ to get the material list.
Answer: Waterbots
This one is not, it's wired controlled with the batteries on-board. For a wired remote control, please look at the experiments in Unit 10 Module 2 - the R.O.V.
Question: from taiasouthichack about the Introduction to Creating a Homemade Weather Station experiment :
May I also get a list of the materials for each?
Question: from marcsusancarnohan about the Waterbots experiment :
Is this robot remotely controlled? And, if so, how is it remotely controlled?
Answer: Temperature and Le Chatelier’s Principle
Sure thing! Find Chemistry here: https://www.sciencelearningspace2.com/grade-levels/advanced-projects-2/adv-chemistry-course/
Question: from rabikagul about the Temperature and Le Chatelier’s Principle experiment :
how can i access just chemistry for 9-12?
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Crystal Radio experiment :
Only germanium diodes have the properties needed for this activity, so you will need one to build this project.
Answer: Pop Rockets
You are correct, there isn't one for the lower level. You can do this on a notebook page. To track how different water volumes affect your Alka-Seltzer rocket’s height, set up a simple table titled “Rocket Flight Height vs. Water Volume” with columns for “Water Volume (mL),” three “Trial Height” measurements, an “Average Height,” and a “Notes” column for anything unusual (like wind gusts or fizz-timing). List each water amount you want to test—say, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mL—in the first column, then launch the rocket three times at each volume, recording its maximum height in the corresponding trial columns. After each set of trials, calculate the average height and fill it in so you can compare performance across volumes. This clear layout helps you spot which water fill consistently gives the highest launch—and you can even plot those averages on a graph to visualize the optimal fill level. Click for a sample.
Question: from raluka2829 about the Crystal Radio experiment :
What can we use instead of a Germanium diode as well as a telephone handset or Crystal earphone? We are having a hard time finding them in Toronto. Thanks!
Question: from stephanie_goben about the Pop Rockets experiment :
Hey Aurora, I just wanted to ask you if there was a worksheet for this experiment because I didn’t see one after the video! Thank you, Elena
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Basic Circuits experiment :
Be sure to only use heavy duty (carbon) batteries in this experiment. You do not want to use alkaline or rechargeable batteries because they provide too much current and can damage the LEDs. That may be why your LEDs are giving off heat. Normally, LEDs shouldn't give off noticeable heat in this experiment. However, if you use a light bulb that has a filament, it is normal to feel heat.
Question: from stephanie_goben about the Basic Circuits experiment :
Why do both the LED and the light bulb over our table give off heat? I was thinking that only the LED would give off heat.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Laser Burglar Alarm experiment :
Yes, if you have all the same components as Snap Circuits you can use them to complete this experiment.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Slingshot Rocket experiment :
Be sure to use a full 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper and fold it the same way shown in the video. If it is flipping, you may be applying too much force. Try barely pulling the rocket back on the rubber band before releasing it.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the States of Matter experiment :
There actually isn't a worksheet for this lesson. Everything you need is shown on this page and in the video.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Decomposing Hydrogen Peroxide experiment :
There actually isn't a worksheet for this lesson. Everything you need is shown on this page and in the video.
Question: from avezil about the Solar Cookies experiment :
I already have my own solar oven, but I didn't know it could cook cookies. Can't wait to try it.
Question: from marlenalucas about the Laser Burglar Alarm experiment :
Can I use snap circuits for the connection instead of the alligator clips?
Question: from sunnysolace about the Quick 'n Easy Slingshot Rockets experiment :
Me and my siblings did this last year and instead of using one straw we folded another straw in half and put it inside of the first one. This made the rocket much more durable and held the paperclip in place a bit better
Question: from duo_16 about the Slingshot Rocket experiment :
When I did this in class, it just flipped and fell. What could I be doing wrong?
Question: from moschmaus about the States of Matter experiment :
I don't see a worksheet link listed here, is there one for this lesson?
Question: from moschmaus about the Decomposing Hydrogen Peroxide experiment :
I don't see a worksheet linked here, is there one for this lesson?
Question: from moschmaus about the Ideal Gas Law experiment :
where is the worksheet for this lesson?
Answer: Amphibians
Toads in captivity will eat crickets, mealworms, small earthworms, waxworms, and fruit flies. Crickets are the best staple food, as long as they are smaller than the space between the toad’s eyes. Mealworms and waxworms can be offered occasionally, but shouldn't be the only food source since they have tough exoskeletons or are too fatty. Small, pesticide-free earthworms are also an excellent source of protein. If you're feeding insects from a pet store, it's best to gut-load them (feed them nutritious food first) and occasionally dust them with calcium powder if you’re keeping the toad for more than a few days. Feed the toad every one to two days, preferably in the evening when it's most active. Avoid feeding it wild-caught insects, human food, or anything too large to swallow safely.
Question: from imalight2 about the Amphibians experiment :
I caught a toad. We are keeping it in a terrarium for a few days. what will toads eat in captivity? Crickets? Meal worms?
Question: from airuscopeland about the Butterflying Cups experiment :
Perfect for an "I'm bored, mom" moment. Boys are outside, aiming their flying cups at each other's heads. SMH
Answer: P-Shooters
Mechanical pencils (the inexpensive kind) are best for this project, because you can separate out the inner rod from the outer tube. Straws are too flimsy, so look for tubes that are thin and rigid and then locate a rod that is a smaller diameter - watch the video to see how we make the project, and then do your best to substitute for the materials based on how we use each part.
Question: from sunnysolace about the P-Shooters experiment :
Is there anything we can use to substitute the mechanical pencil? Or can we use a different kind of mechanical pencil?
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Cloud Tracker Weather Instrument experiment :
There doesn't seem to be a video about the water cycle on this page. But generally speaking, percentages for water storage are only estimates. Yes, in addition to oceans, lakes, rivers, and the atmosphere some water is stored in plants and animals.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Building Speakers experiment :
Only plug in your Styrofoam speaker to an old boom box or radio. Not your computer. Doing so could hurt the amplifier in your computer.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Building Speakers experiment :
The second video on this page will show you how to make the Styrofoam plate speaker.
Question: from katrin_maurer about the Cloud Tracker Weather Instrument experiment :
Hi, We have a question regarding the water cycle and where water is stored (after watching the second video). After adding up all the percentages, there are 1.379% of water left to get to 100%. Where is this stored? In our bodies? In plants? Many thanks.
Question: from shz_bz about the Building Speakers experiment :
Can I plug in the Styrofoam plate speaker into my PC?
Question: from shz_bz about the Building Speakers experiment :
how do i make a Styrofoam plate speaker?
Question: from arrowmakercpi about the Glowing Slime experiment :
You can add glitter as an additional ingredient though.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Can a Battery Be Used to Store Energy? experiment :
No, this is very low amount of voltage. There is no risk of damaging the headphones.
Question: from sunnysolace about the Can a Battery Be Used to Store Energy? experiment :
Are the headphones gonna get wrecked if I use them for this experiment?
Question: from shz_bz about the The Best Parent-Annoyer Ever experiment :
i am goin to annoy my Dad with this LOL
Question: from duo_16 about the Dinosaur Toothpaste experiment :
It took me a couple tries, But I finally got it to react and pour out the top like it's supposed to.
Answer: Stairstep Candles
Yes of course!
Question: from sunnysolace about the Stairstep Candles experiment :
can you use more than 3 candles?
Question: from duo_16 about the Dinosaur Toothpaste experiment :
Such a fun experiment! This one is one of my favorites!
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Underwater R.O.V. Project experiment :
Everything you need is provided in the links on this page. Was there something particular you needed a link for?
Question: from sasham3308 about the Underwater R.O.V. Project experiment :
Can you please send the links to me?
Question: from rebecca_thomas about the Zinc Dust experiment :
Is the zinc we need in the Chem C3000 kit? I only see zinc strips. Also, I cannot seem to find this experiment in the Chem C3000 book that came with the kit. The video says Experiment 53, but in my book Experimet 53 is the same as experimet 51 except we are told to use 5cm of a magnesium strip with 5% vinegar to make a combustible hydrogen gas. Experiment 51 has us putting a small bent piece of zinc sheeting(2cmx2cm) into a test tube (is that in the kit?) and a narrow strip of copper and 5ml of hydrochloric acid. Then we are told to heat it below boiling, let a few bubbles escape, and then to capture the gas into two test tubes, 1 after another and cap them. In experiment 52 we are holding this tube full of gas over the flame and there is to be a small explosion. We are told that the zinc will disappear almost completely. So where in the book is this experiment you do in the video? Thanks so much!
Answer: Rubber Eggs
For the vinegar experiment where you remove the outer shell of an egg, you should use a raw egg, not a hardboiled one. The acetic acid in the vinegar reacts with the calcium carbonate in the eggshell, dissolving it and leaving behind the soft, flexible membrane. This creates a “naked egg” that’s squishy, translucent, and fun to gently bounce or examine. Using a hardboiled egg won’t produce the same effect, since the inside is solid and the overall result isn’t as flexible or visually interesting. A raw egg gives the best demonstration of the chemical reaction and makes the experiment more engaging.
Answer: Cosmic Ray Detector
Hi there! Yes you should be able to find answers at the back of every handout and worksheet.
Question: from cptbly about the Rubber Eggs experiment :
Cooked or uncooked chicken bones? Or either-or?
Question: from lauriecamp2013 about the Cosmic Ray Detector experiment :
Hello Aurora, we're new to Supercharged Science and this is our first experiment. Is there a place to find the answers to the worksheet questions? Thank you!
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Acid Test experiment :
Certain samples, such as limestone, may dissolve if the acid is to strong. So, once you're finished with your experiment, it is best to neutralize the acid as directed.
Question: from hmsc21 about the Acid Test experiment :
does the sample melt if you pour more or wait a bit?
Answer: Predator-Prey: Who Eats Whom?
Yes you can, but I wouldn't do this in the house, it will be impossible to get rid of them. Perhaps a closet or storage area, or the garage?
Question: from Laurie about the Predator-Prey: Who Eats Whom? experiment :
It's winter, and my son wants to do this experiment; we use the flightless fruit flies that are sold at Petco fro this experiment? (Drosophilia melanogaster and/or drosophilia hydei varieties.) Thank you! -Laurie
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Homemade Pulleys experiment :
There really aren't any good alternatives. You will need a spool for this experiment.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Le Chatelier’s principle experiment :
Oops apologies! This has been corrected.
Question: from shz_bz about the Homemade Pulleys experiment :
What else would work instead of a spool?
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Buzzing Hornets experiment :
This works best if the popsicle stick reaches all the way across the index card, so you'll need to get larger index cards or shorter popsicle sticks.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Rock Candy Crystals experiment :
It is important to heat the water as you add sugar. The ensures that you can dissolve as much sugar as possible.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Disappearing Foam Cup experiment :
You can throw it away in your outside trash. The acetone will evaporate.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the VEX IQ Robotics experiment :
Best thing to do is contact Vex Robotics directly. Here is their website: https://www.vexrobotics.com/
Question: from solomatnikova about the Buzzing Hornets experiment :
What if the index card is shorter then the popsicle stick?
Question: from kahla_wier about the Rock Candy Crystals experiment :
If you heated the water in a tea kettle and poured over the sugar in a different non-heated bowl would it still work? Or does it have to be in a pan on the stove?
Question: from jettica about the Disappearing Foam Cup experiment :
Hi! Just wondering how do we dispose of these materials after the experiment? Thanks :)
Question: from amberdawnbook about the VEX IQ Robotics experiment :
How do I find a team near me for VEX IQ? -Ben B 11 yrs
Question: from 2015ebwebb about the Le Chatelier’s principle experiment :
This is the same video as for the previous lesson?
Question: from tashsmithjbt about the Is It Alive? experiment :
this is such a good video and my little sibling loves the music and the ocean looks amazing were about is it (*-*) so goooooooood
Answer: Measuring a Molecule
Oops! Yes I forgot the 2 in the equation, so sorry about that!
Answer: Balloon Gymnastics
Yes I prefer plastic for use with kids.
Answer: Triple Point
The one I'm demonstrating with water in a syringe is the absolute easiest to do. The second easiest is carbon dioxide (CO₂): Triple Point: -56.6°C (216.6 K), 5.2 atm (517 kPa). Dry ice (solid CO₂) can be used to observe sublimation and approach the triple point if you control the pressure. A sealed pressure chamber with temperature control (e.g., a strong, transparent pressure vessel) could bring CO₂ to its triple point. Achieving 5.2 atm is challenging but possible with pressure-rated containers (note: a soda bottle can hold around 3 atm, so do NOT put it in a soda bottle because it will burst). This is best done by a chemist or other professional.
Answer: Measuring Heat
Please don't put a flammable liquid inside the balloon, if it bursts, you'll have a liquid fire that is very dangerous.
Question: from 2015ebwebb about the Triple Point experiment :
Is there a compound that its critical or triple point could be at something close enough to standard conditions that we would be able to do it at home.
Question: from 2015ebwebb about the Measuring Heat experiment :
what would happen if we put alcohol in the balloon. Does alcohol have a low heat capacity?
Question: from bethcarwile about the Balloon Gymnastics experiment :
does any bottle work
Question: from amyelizabeth_imbody about the Measuring a Molecule experiment :
Hi! At around 11:36 in the video when D is being computed, are we to use r-squared in the denominator of the equation? If so, wouldn't that be (2.625)squared? I may be missing something, though.
Answer: Star Wobble
Astronomers use the concept of center of mass to detect exoplanets through the "wobble" of stars. This is based on the idea that a planet and its star orbit a shared center of mass, causing the star to shift slightly in position. This is covered in depth in the high school physics course (sections 1 & 2) that we have. If you're in the K-8 part of the program, just fill out the first data table, and that's enough.
Question: from tandtmcd72 about the Star Wobble experiment :
Where can I find the video on explaining the formula and how to work the problems?
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Universal Troubleshooting Process (UTP): Going Beyond the Scientific Method experiment :
No, there isn't really a printable version of this, but it would be best to write it out. By writing all of this down, it will help you to remember!
Question: from amyreese1981 about the Universal Troubleshooting Process (UTP): Going Beyond the Scientific Method experiment :
This is a very helpful resource. Is there a printable version of this page?
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Solar Boat experiment :
It is possible to use a LASER to power a solar cell, but I don't recommend trying it. This requires special setups and most lasers will reflect off the solar call and can cause eye damage.
Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Football Ice Cream experiment :
That's a stock picture but it does look delicious, doesn't it!
Question: from elaineeng208 about the Football Ice Cream experiment :
Is the ice cream on the last slide of the video the ice cream that you have made or just a picture online? It looks REALLY delicious!!! If you did make that, then I hope mine turns out as amazing as yours! I'm thinking of putting frozen blueberries or strawberries.
Question: from redwineh about the Solar Boat experiment :
Can I use a super duper strong LAZER to make the solar panel work?
Answer: Which way is North?
Yep that's right! We talked about this during our November live class in Magnetism (if you'd like more details). Great job understanding the concept!!
Question: from susan_northington about the Black Light Treasure Hunt experiment :
I heard that really ripe bananas glow under black light too! - Gloria 12
Question: from karena_gacek about the Which way is North? experiment :
My dad told me that the point that points north is actually a south magnet that they painted with a N.
Answer: Salt & Vinegar Crystals
In the salt and vinegar crystal experiment, the vinegar is really important because it helps the salt dissolve better in water and makes the solution a little more acidic. This allows more salt to be in the water at first, which is important for forming crystals as the water dries up. The vinegar isn’t needed in the rock candy or borax experiments because those materials (sugar and borax) already dissolve well in water without help. Rock candy forms crystals from sugar, and borax crystals grow just by heating and cooling the water. The sponge is another important part of the salt and vinegar experiment. Its tiny holes, or pores, give the salt crystals lots of places to stick to and start forming. The sponge also soaks up the liquid and spreads it out, which helps the water evaporate faster and lets the crystals grow more quickly. In the other experiments, things like strings or pipe cleaners are used for crystals to grow on, but they don’t absorb liquid the way a sponge does. If there’s leftover salt in the pot for this experiment, it’s actually a good thing! It shows the water is fully loaded with as much salt as it can hold, which is perfect for crystal-making. In the rock candy and borax experiments, leftover sugar or borax isn’t okay because it can mess up how smoothly the crystals grow. Those experiments need the solution to be completely clear, with everything dissolved. So, vinegar helps the salt dissolve and makes the water better for crystals. The sponge gives the crystals a place to grow and helps the water dry faster. And leftover salt in the pot just means there’s plenty of salt ready to form crystals when the water dries.
Answer: Calibrated Spectrometer
Sorry about that - we updated all the players, but somehow this one snuck past us! It should be working now.
Question: from laura_black about the Calibrated Spectrometer experiment :
The video for this lesson looks like it got removed. Is that just me or is the lesson truly missing?
Question: from shz_bz about the Salt & Vinegar Crystals experiment :
why did we need the weak acid (vinegar) in this experiment and not the rock candy or borax experiment to form crystals? How does the porous sponge effect the experiment? And why was it okay to have left over salt in the pot and not in the other crystal experiments?