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Materials and Matter

Science activity to investigate convection
Inverted Bottles

Watch the rise and fall of hot and cold fluids.

Science activity that explores the properties of soap films and relates them to the properties of plasma membranes
Cellular Soap Opera

Use soap film to model a cell membrane.

Science activity that explores the relationship between volume, density, and pressure
Out of Sink

Make a reverse Cartesian diver.

Science activity that demonstrates light polarization
Rotating Light

Polarized light passing through sugar water reveals beautiful colors.

Science activity that demonstrates the effect of air density on sound
Conversation Piece

A balloon acts as a lens to focus sound.

Science activity that models radioactive decay
Radioactive-Decay Model

Substitute coins for radiation.

Science activity that shows the effect of temperature on pressure
Hand-Held Heat Engine

Make the liquid in this toy rise and fall in a cycle.

Science activity demonstrating static electricity
Electrical Fleas

Start your own electric flea circus.

Science activity that demonstrates a heat engine
Dipping Bird

A dipping bird seems to go forever—but it's not perpetual motion.

Science activity that demonstrates fluid pressure and buoyancy
Condiment Diver

As René Descartes (almost) said, "I sink, therefore I am."

Science activity that demonstrates the Curie point phenomenon
Curie Point

When a piece of iron gets too hot, it loses its attraction to a magnet.

Science activity that demonstrates temperature perception
Cold Metal

"Cold" metal and "warm" wood may be the same temperature.

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