Learn with us online while the Exploratorium is temporarily closed. You can help us reopen—donate today.

Materials and Matter

Science activity demonstrating buoyancy and semipermeability in soap bubbles
Bubble Suspension

Soap bubbles float on a cushion of carbon dioxide gas.

Science activity demonstrating light polarization and stress patterns
Bone Stress

Polarized light reveals stress patterns in clear plastic.

Science activity demonstrating electrolysis of water
Indicating Electrolysis

Break water into hydrogen and oxygen with a simple device.

Science activity that demonstrates the eddy current phenomenon
Eddy Currents

A magnet falls more slowly through a metallic tube than it does through a nonmetallic tube.

Science activity that demonstrates electrostatic charge
Charge and Carry

Store up an electric charge, then make sparks.

Science activity that explores how graphing can reveal patterns in data
Plot the Dot

Graphing can be a slippery slope to understanding.

Science activity that demonstrates luminescence and flourescence
Glow Up

Different kinds of light can be used to study life.

Science activity that demonstrates the art of natural dyes
Dye Like a Natural

Stain your clothes on purpose.

Science activity that demonstrates differences in density
Klutz-Proof Density Column

This density column always returns to its original three layers.

Science activity that demonstrates how geysers work
Geyser

Just spew it—build your own cyclic hot water fountain.

Science activity that visualizes convection cells
Pie-Pan Convection

Visualize the spectacular fluid motion of convection cells.

Science activity that demonstrates static electricity
Holding Charge

Use static electricity to stick a straw almost anywhere.

Pages