Science Snacks: tool | Exploratorium

Science activity investigating spectroscopy

CD Spectroscope

Turn an old CD into a spectroscope to analyze light.

Science activity that demonstrates conductivity of solutions

Conductivity Meter

Make a conductivity meter and let your electrolytes shine.

Science activity detecting electric charge

Build an electroscope to detect electrical charge using straws.

Science activity measuring density of a liquid

Eyedropper Hydrometer

Construct a simple hydrometer to compare the densities of solutions.

Science activity that explores heat absorption by different-colored materials

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

Science and engineering activity to make a record player

Make a record player with a pencil, pin, and paper.

Science activity that demonstrates use of nonstandard measurements and simple ratios for estimating sizes or distances

Handy Measuring Tool

Measure the height of an object indirectly using your hand and a ratio.

Build an inclinometer, a tool that can measure the height of a distant object, no matter how far away it is

Find the height of a tree, paper rocket or North Star.

Science activity demonstrating electrolysis of water

Indicating Electrolysis

Break water into hydrogen and oxygen with a simple device.

Science activity that demonstrates a simple wind generator

Build a simple wind generator.

Science activity that demonstrates finding the approximate masses of very small things

Make a balance that weighs very light things.

Science activity that will allow you measure things that are too small to measure with commonly available means

Micrometer Caliper

Measure the thickness of a sheet of paper.