Science Friday Home Science Highlights of 2014

Science Friday Home Science Highlights of 2014

Grade Level

3 - 5

minutes

15 min - 1 hr

subject

Physical 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.

Christmas Tree Combustion

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

Chocolate Crystal Concoctions

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

Salad Dressing Science 

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

Fashion Circuit

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

Ariel 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.