Hot Science Experiments How-Tos

How To: Make a maglev motor

Ian uses round magnets, pencil, clay and glass slide to work his magic science experiment. Magentic levitation is said to be a solution for energy costs of trains because it cuts down friction and creates what is mythically regarded as a perpetual energy motor. This is an interesting toy model of how the maglev trains and large scale generators work

How To: Make chemical stalagmites

Check out this science experiment video on how to chemical stalagmites. Chemist Chris Schrempp (star high school teacher and author of the book Bangs, Flashes, and Explosions) walks host Chris Hardwick through the process of making chemical stalagmites and some cool exothermic reactions similar to hand warmers.

How To: Tell if an egg is raw or boiled with Krampf

You can easily tell if an egg is raw or hard boiled without breaking the shell, as long as you know a little science. This experiment uses physics to show how if you spin an egg you can tell if it's insides are viscous or solid! Thanks Happy Scientist Robert Krampf for this great tutorial on the science of eggs and physics of rotation.

How To: Form hydrothermal quartz

How can hot water form beautiful quartz crystals? This mine is red Georgia clay, with veins of minerals running through it. The veins are hydrothermal. Hydro means water. Thermal means heat. So the veins were caused by hot water. But how could hot water form quartz crystals?

How To: Make a bouncing translucent egg

Check out this video to see how to x-ray an egg and make it bounce. This is a cool science experiment that can be done with simple kitchen ingredients. Just get one raw egg and soak it with a cup of vinegar. Let it sit and soak for a couple days and it will feel like rubber. The egg shell will no longer be white, and it will bounce just like a ball, however... it is not a ball so it will break! This is one cool translucent bouncing egg.

How To: Build a potato battery

Like a lemon, a potato can produce electricity. This science experiment was prepared by Ebtisam Al Anzoor and demonstrated by Mustafa Daif. The electricity is proven using an analog micro ameter. The positive is copper from a penny or copper coin while the negative is a galavanized nail. The potato releases a charge and is further proven when it is connected to a calculator. You can daisy chain the potatoes for a greater charge.

How To: Set dry ice on fire

Kent Chemistry offers up some of the most exciting chemistry and general science experiments from their lab. Here Mr. Kent illustrates the process of creating fire with dry ice. How does freezing and flame mix? Watch now to see the amazing chemical reaction!

How To: Crush a soda can with heat and cold water

Want to find out how you can squash a can of Coke with a little science? Just watch this video tutorial to see how to crush a soda can with heat and cold water. You will need to get an empty can of Coke (or Pepsi if you prefer) with a little water inside, something to hold the soon-to-be-hot can with, a bowl, ice, water and salt. You can impress your friends with this trick, all without using your own force... a little chemical and temperature change goes a long way.

How To: Measure the speed of light in chocolate

This tray of chocolate has been cooked in the microwave. Robert Kramf measures the distance between the hot spots that appeared on the surface of the chocolate to find the half distance between the wavelengths the microwave emits. This can be extrapolated by millions to find an estimated speed of light using only chocolate. Measure the speed of light in chocolate.