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Science Activities

Hungry for fresh, exciting science activities based in amazing phenomena? Science Snacks are hands-on, teacher-tested, and use cheap, available materials.

Science activity that explores an optical illusion

Sliding Gray Step

The perceived color of an object depends on its background.

Science activity that uses electricity to break water into its elemental components

Having a Gas with Water

Use electricity to break water into its elemental components.

Shadow Remix

Science activity that models ocean acidification

Ocean Acidification in a Cup

A carbon dioxide–rich atmosphere changes the water beneath it.

Cardboard Automata

Science activity that demonstrates an optical illusion

Hole in Your Hand

What happened to your whole hand?

Science activity investigating electromagnetics and motors

Stripped-Down Motor

Make a simple mini-motor.

Science activity to demonstrate pi using circumference and string

Cutting Pi

String and scissors are all you need to find pi all around you.

Stepping

Stepping is rhythmic movement that uses the body as an instrument.

Science activity demonstrating color afterimage phenomenon

Bird in a Cage

Stare at one color—but see another.

Science activity to make a parachute out of simple materials

Parachute Plummet

Launch parachutes to see how they fall.

Science activity that explores heat absorption by different-colored materials

Give and Take

Dark-colored materials absorb and emit energy more readily than light-colored materials.