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 arrowmakercpi about the Quick & Easy Density experiment :

What if I don't have vegetable oil?

Question: from arrowmakercpi about the Bubble Experiments experiment :

I LOVE Trumpet Bubbles!!!!!!!

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

OMG! I did the Crystallizing a Supercooled Liquid and it worked! My family were watching when I dropped the ice block in the glass and they were amazed at how quickly it froze! This science program has been great and I can't wait to do more experiments and teleclasses! Thank you so much for letting me join you (:

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

Mixing polyurethane is actually beyond the scope of a home experiment. I show it in the video as a demonstration of an exothermic reaction. Also, the chemicals differ depending on the type of foam. Mixing foam requires proper ventilation and some products require respirators.

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

This particular video doesn't have a workbook. All work is explained was we go through the class.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the What is Energy? experiment :

The video is working when I test it. Please make sure your web browser is up to date and try clearing out cookies. You also might try a different web browser.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Fiber Optics experiment :

The video is working when I test it. Please make sure your web browser is up to date and try clearing out cookies. You also might try a different web browser.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Describing Motion with Equations experiment :

Sure, some web browsers were having problems displaying the equations. This is fixed now.

Question: from KK about the Special Science Teleclass: Chemistry & Chemical Engineering experiment :

Hey Aurora, I was wondering if you could tell me, what chemicals did you use to make the Polyurathane Foam? And is it safe to use it at home? Thanks!

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

Hey Aurora, I was just wondering if there's a work book to fill out through the video? Cheers!

Question: from carol_davis about the What is Energy? experiment :

“What is Work?” is not loading.

Question: from carol_davis about the Fiber Optics experiment :

Is there a reason the video isn’t loading?

Question: from londamail about the Describing Motion with Equations experiment :

In the text between the two videos, the four kinematic equations are jumbled together. Could you please separate them or add some semicolons/commas? Thank you in advance.

Answer:  Acceleration

If the object is slowing down, the acceleration is in the opposite direction from velocity. If an object is speeding up, then both are in the same direction.

Question: from londamail about the Acceleration experiment :

In other words, the acceleration's polarity is based on the change in the absolute value of the velocity? i.e. if the absolute value of the velocity decreases in magnitude on the chart, it is a negative acceleration?

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

Please take a look at step 8. It shares details on how long the crystals take to grow.

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

Any grocery store should have these supplies. Generic brands should be fine.

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

The cylinders should be a magnets and the spheres should be steel ball bearings (not magnets)

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

It is best to use a neodymium cylinder magnet. There are a few sources for these, including Amazon.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Do Plants Store Energy? experiment :

If you have a nut allergy, you'll need to skip this experiment.

Question: from suzanne_mangeri about the Rock Candy Crystals experiment :

How long dose it take?

Question: from suzanne_mangeri about the Rock Candy Crystals experiment :

Where would be the best place to buy ingredients? And which brand is best?

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

And would it still work if I just used the sphere ones? Or is the effect better if I used the sphere ones and the cylinder ones?

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

What type of magnets do you need to make the rocket launcher?

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

what if you're allergic to peanuts

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Homemade Thermostat experiment :

In this experiment, the paper actually remains very close to the same length in warm and cold temperatures. That's because the fiber structure of paper prevents it from changing. However, the metal strip contracts (gets smaller) in cold temperatures and expands (gets longer) in warm temperatures. Colder temperatures cause the molecules in the metal to slow down, which slightly reduces the space between them...causing the size of the metal strip to contract. The opposite occurs in warmer temperatures.

Question: from candjpatch about the Homemade Thermostat experiment :

Hi, great experiment! However, can you please explain why the metal foil shrinks faster than the paper. Does it have to do with specific heat or am I thinking about the wrong thing? What is the specific heat of paper and the aluminium foil? I assume it is aluminium foil. Thanks. :)!

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

That's a good question! This is a good opportunity to think about why vinegar is used. Then, try the experiment with and without vinegar and make notes on the outcome.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Eggshell Crystals experiment :

The crystals in this experiment are made from alum, so that is the only substance you can use. But you have other options for growing crystals in the other experiments.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Distance and Displacement experiment :

The dot on the left describes your starting point. The dot on the right describes a place to which you travelled. In this example, you travel a distance of 26 miles to the dot on the right, but take a "shorter" route back home which only takes 10 miles. Displacement describes a straight line between your starting point and ending point. In this example, you start and finish at the same location, so the displacement is zero. But you travelled a total of 36 miles, so the distance is 36.

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

That pouch should work because it has sodium acetate. The behavior you described is expected. After you crystalize the compound, you need to heat it up to melt it back into a liquid. The process is described in the video on this page, but the procedure is also describe under item #10 on this page: https://www.sciencelearningspace2.com/2019/07/summer-science-activities-for-your-kids/

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Slide Preparation: Staining experiment :

Each brown dot is the nucleus of a onion cell.

Question: from jesuiscele about the Refraction using Lasers and Water experiment :

It absolutely does! Thanks a lot!!

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

the rocket ball launcher is so cool!!!

Question: from emringle about the Slide Preparation: Staining experiment :

what are the little brown dots?

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

What is the significance of using vinegar in this experiment? Does it change the crystals at all from when we made them with just water?

Question: from candjpatch about the Eggshell Crystals experiment :

We cannot buy alum anywhere in our town. Is there any other substance we can use?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Protozoa in the Grass experiment :

Not all filtration systems remove chlorine. A reverse osmosis filtration system that uses carbon block filters will remove 98% of chlorine from tap water. But if you're not sure, it is best to leave the water out overnight.

Question: from anna_scetinina about the Protozoa in the Grass experiment :

does filtered water(filtered with a filter) have chlorine int it ?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Chicken and the Clam experiment :

I doubt there is anything wrong with the soup. It just has to do with the "thickness" (called viscosity) of the soup. If they both roll at the same time, that means the viscosity of the soup is similar in both cans. I'd be interested to see a picture of both cans so I can see exactly what kinds of soup were used. You can email the picture to [email protected]

Question: from j8arocho about the Distance and Displacement experiment :

How does in the first example of displacement show with the 26 and 10 miles how does that cancel out to zero \

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

Hi Aurora, we got a different brand of hand warmers of Amazon because it took less time to ship. They claim to contain 12% distilled water, 88% sodium acetate. As soon as we cut open a corner of the liquid ones they immediately started crystalizing, so we couldn't pour out the liquid to make the experiment. We tried that with two of them. Why would that happen? Thank you.

Question: from jpeterson about the Chicken and the Clam experiment :

if both go at the same is there something wrong with the soup

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Introduction to Creating a Homemade Weather Station experiment :

This is just the introduction video. Each weather instrument has its own lesson and material list. When you click on each lesson, you'll see a new page with instructions, material list and a video.

Question: from krystelseier about the Introduction to Creating a Homemade Weather Station experiment :

Hi Aurora, there aren’t any materials listed for this lesson. Can you help?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Sundial experiment :

Sure, cardboard should be fine.

Question: from Wild_Taco119 about the Sundial experiment :

Can you use cardboard

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Gyro Wheel experiment :

There are lots of sources for gyroscopes. Best thing is to do a search online.

Question: from hartingj about the Gyro Wheel experiment :

Where can you get one of the smaller gyroscopes?

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

Please be sure to download the "Student Worksheet & Exercises", they guide you through using portions of this simulator. The link is under the video.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Mystery Toy experiment :

I tested the video on this page and it is working for me. Try clearing cookies and logging back in. You can also try a different web browser.

Question: from hs4clo about the Design a Solar System experiment :

do you know how to use it? Because I don't know how you control the moon and how to change the velocity very well...... (I do know how but it doesn't show "body 1, body 2, body 3 ect.")

Question: from taylorv727 about the Mystery Toy experiment :

Aurora there is no videos why is that?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Turning Compost into Gold experiment :

There is no video for this lesson. Everything you need is provided in the article.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Is It Alive? experiment :

There is no answer key for this page. The intention is for students to think about what constitutes life. You'll gain more understanding about living organisms as you go through more lessons.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Three Ways to Create a Plant experiment :

There is no worksheet for this particular lesson.

Question: from antara3693 about the Turning Compost into Gold experiment :

no video?

Question: from antara3693 about the Three Ways to Create a Plant experiment :

where is the worksheet? thanks

Question: from emringle about the Is It Alive? experiment :

where do you find the answers for is it alive?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Mole concept experiment :

Actually, that experiment is under the lesson titled, "Air Having Mass". You can find it on the list of lessons of the left side of the screen.

Question: from kpnello about the Mole concept experiment :

So the video ends with you saying "now lets do an experiment where you can see that has mass". Do I just click on the next lesson to see that experiment?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Flying Paper Clip experiment :

It is best to use a strong magnet. If the magnet isn't strong enough, it may not be able to lift the paperclip.

Question: from nlewis192 about the Flying Paper Clip experiment :

I can't believe I did it !!!!!!!!!!!!!! But does it matter how strong it is??

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Electromagnet experiment :

Yep, we use this part of the video if students just want to make an electromagnet.

Question: from jesuiscele about the Electromagnet experiment :

Hi Aurora! This is actually the first part of the Electromganetic Crane, right?

Question: from jesuiscele about the Eddy Currents and Magnetic Brakes experiment :

LOL with the second video! Aurora, you are the best!

Question: from darcey_murphy about the Preparing a Dry Mount Slide experiment :

I picked a fruit fly from my window sill & got to look at it up close Without the LED light, it has so much more detail ^_^

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Origami Airplane & Ninja Star experiment :

That's okay! This one is complicated. Try again in a few days. After some practice, I'm sure that you'll succeed!

Question: from arrowmakercpi about the Origami Airplane & Ninja Star experiment :

I can't do the ninja star! It's too hard!

Question: from arrowmakercpi about the Flying Contraptions experiment :

My bomber worked SO WELL! I used to be SO frustrated with bombers. You made it super easy!

Question: from arrowmakercpi about the Flying Contraptions experiment :

I love it!!!!

Answer:  Preparing a Wet Mount Slide

The best way is to take a photo, because you cannot permanently keep wet mounts. During our Microscopy classes, we go over this quite a bit, so please refer to Unit 26.

Question: from anna_scetinina about the Preparing a Wet Mount Slide experiment :

how do you keep a wet mount slide safe for a long time?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Meteorites experiment :

Meteorites can fall anywhere on earth, but it would be very difficult to find them in a developed area.

Question: from jackiegonzalez772 about the Meteorites experiment :

Are there gold meteorites in riverside, CA?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Do Plants Store Energy? experiment :

Sure, you can use a hazelnut, but be sure to remove it from the shell first.

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

I don't have peanuts can I use a hazelnut instead of a peanut ?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Liquid Prism experiment :

A substance is considered transparent when its molecular structure neither absorbs or reflects light. The H20 molecules in water neither reflect or absorb visible light, so it is transparent to visible light. However, the surface structure of water does reflect some light.

Question: from jesuiscele about the Liquid Prism experiment :

Hi! Why some things look transparent? What is the deal with them?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Relays & Homemade Shockers experiment :

Here is an updated link for a DPDT 12 volt relay: https://www.jameco.com/z/LB2-12DS-R-Rayex-Electronics-DPDT-12A-12V-General-Purpose-Relay-160-Ohm_172719.html

Question: from jesuiscele about the Relays & Homemade Shockers experiment :

hi aurora! the relay you have selected is no longer available at the web site. Which one can replace it? Thanks!!

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Cool Milk Trick experiment :

Any type of food coloring should work.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Protozoa in the Grass experiment :

It is normal for there to be an odor. If the smell is too bad, you can try again with less yeast. But, be sure to check for protozoa before you start over!

Answer:  Catapults

Yes this is back in September's Live Classes - click "Live Classes" and click on "September" and scroll down, you should see it.

Question: from hartingj about the Catapults experiment :

I think I remember seeing a catapult challenge with examples of different types of catapults. I can't seem to find it again. Where could I find this? Thank you so much. My kids just built bridges and towers and are having a great time!

Question: from suzanne_mangeri about the Cool Milk Trick experiment :

Dose gel food coloring work too?

Question: from clynnjust about the Protozoa in the Grass experiment :

We are about a week in and there is a VERY strong, unpleasant odor. Is that normal or should we start over?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Special Science Teleclass: Black Holes experiment :

White holes are theoretical cosmic regions that function in the opposite way to black holes. Just as nothing can escape a black hole, nothing can enter a white hole. Reminder, as of 2023, black holes have been well documented to exist. White holes are just theory.

Question: from KK about the Special Science Teleclass: Black Holes experiment :

Hey Aurora Can you explain what a white hole is?

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Lasers, Jell-O and Trigonometry experiment :

Each packet of gelatin is approximately 7 grams (.25 ounces).

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Flying Contraptions experiment :

Center of gravity describes the balance point of the aircraft. Center of pressure describes the cumulative effect of lifting forces on the aircraft.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Flying Contraptions experiment :

The four forces involved in flight are lift, thrust, drag, and weight.

Answer:  Refraction using Lasers and Water

Thank you for your request. We provide over 700 worksheets for the kids, and I totally understand how it helps students stay organized. We do also want to encourage kids create their own data tables and lab worksheets - we spend time each month during the live classes outlining exactly how to do this just like a real scientist. The key here is to use the worksheets as a training tool, but not to always rely on other people giving you worksheets to fill out. The purpose of the worksheet is to organize your thoughts around your experiment. The purpose of doing experiments is to answer questions that you have about something you are curious about. This means that after a bit, we want your kids to learn how to ask better questions and start to design experiments around those questions, and then be able to take data and figure out a result - an answer to that question. That way, the worksheets are about what your student is interested in and learning about. Does that make sense? The experiments we provide you with in the instructional videos are just the first step, we want the students to do above and beyond what we're showing with their ideas and their curious questions. At first, it's fine to just follow the video and fill out the worksheet. Eventually we want kids confident enough in their own skills and curious about the world around them to use the framework structure we've had them practice with the worksheets and videos and start their own investigations, asking us for help along the way if they need it. We demonstrate how to do this during our live classes quite a bit. I hope this perspective about how we teach science is helpful!

Question: from jesuiscele about the Lasers, Jell-O and Trigonometry experiment :

Hi Aurora! How much (grams) gelatin have you got in each packet? Thanks!

Question: from jesuiscele about the Refraction using Lasers and Water experiment :

Hi Aurora! I've noticed you don't have a worksheet for this experiment. Could you be able to make one? It really helps my kids to organize their experiment. Thanks a lot!

Question: from alive32 about the Flying Contraptions experiment :

Is centre of gravity and centre of pressure forces.

Question: from alive32 about the Flying Contraptions experiment :

What is the other 2 forces at work with the flying machine, because you've said that there are 4 forces.

Question: from Aurora Lipper about the Wind Turbine experiment :

Please send a picture of your experiment to [email protected] and I'll do my best to help. Also, if you have a digital multimeter, please let me know what voltage you were able to read.

Question: from mickmartella_lainez about the How to Use a Microscope: Optics, Observing, and Drawing Techniques experiment :

Cool!

Question: from lauriedopkins about the Wind Turbine experiment :

I am using a 9V Dc motor and reversed the wires and still the LED would not light up .