Grade Level
3 - 5
minutes
15 min - 1 hr
subject
Physical Science
Activity Type:
holiday activity, Household materials, kitchen science
Winter break is the perfect time to do a little at-home science. To help you ring in the New Year on a scientific note, we’ve pulled together our favorite hands-on science projects from 2014. Plus, tune in to Science Friday on January 2, 2014, for more home science ideas.
Before you chuck your Christmas tree, try this at-home experiment that explores combustion using festive fuels such as fir, pine, spruce, and cedar.
Materials: pine tree sprig, matches, foil, cookie sheet, water
Act like an experimental chocolatier and determine how different melting and cooling procedures impact the shine, hardness, and texture of finished chocolate.
Materials: chocolate bar, bowl, spoon, microwave, cookiesheet, water, salt
Make a Wire Critter That Can Walk on Water
Learn how insects have inspired engineers to make a robot that walks on the surface of water. Design your own water-walking critter using thin wire, and test its effectiveness: How many paperclips can it hold up using surface tension?
Materials: bowl of water, wire, scissors
Test a few common household ingredients to see which is the most effective emulsifier for making salad dressing—and you can eat your results!
Materials: oil, vinegar, clear cups, mustard, garlic, timer
Add some pizzazz to your favorite clothing and accessories while learning about electrical circuits.
Materials: Wire, tape, a battery, small LED
Meet the Writer
About Ariel Zych
@arieloquentAriel Zych is Science Friday’s director of audience. She is a former teacher and scientist who spends her free time making food, watching arthropods, and being outside.