Hot Science Experiments How-Tos

How To: Shrink plastic with household materials

In this video, we learn how to shrink plastic with household materials. You will need: tin foil, plastic container, scissors, glove, and colored markers. To start, you will preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Then, cut a piece of the plastic out in a square shape. Next, draw whatever you want onto your piece of plastic. Make it as colorful as you would like to! When finished, put this in the oven using a glove. Make sure it's on the foil when you put it in. Then, leave it in for less than a minu...

How To: Build parachutes with household materials

In this video, we learn how to build parachutes with household materials. You will need: a long string, Mylar, mesh, plastic, scissors, tape, and a weight. To get started, you will first cut your plastic or mesh into a circle or octagon shape. Then, take your string and cut it into several pieces. Then, tape the strings onto your material all around. After this, tie your weight to the strings so it's fully secured. Now, go to somewhere high and throw down your item! The parachute will help ke...

How To: Build a catapult out of rubber bands & a wire hanger

In this tutorial, we learn how to build a catapult out of rubber bands & a wire hanger. To do this, you will first need: one wire hanger, plastic spoon, rubber bands, small marshmallows, and measuring tape. Now, hold your hand in the center of the hanger and pull up both sides around it. After this, fold back the front for balance and straighten it up so it's stable. Next, you will take one rubber band and put it around the sides. Then, take the spoon and put it in between the rubber band and...

How To: Star gaze with your kids

In this video, Daddy Troy teaches us how to star gaze with your kids. This can get your kids interested in space and teach them a thing or two, while still having a good time. First, Google offers a service called Google Earth, which will show your child the entire earth, moon, and mars. Kids can use these programs just like a video game. They can see real pictures as well as their own home or grandma's home. This is free and a lot of fun! Next, you can see satellites with your naked eye in t...

How To: Make polymer putty with household materials

In this tutorial, we learn how to make polymer putty with household materials. You will need: borax, white glue, water, 3 plastic cups and spoons, and food coloring to color your putty. Now, dissolve 4 tbsp of Borax in 2 liters of warm water. Then, prepare equal parts of glue and water together. To make this, you will need 2 parts of the glue solution to 1 part of the Borax solution. Once you mix these together, you can add in some food coloring to it. Pour this into different cups to make di...

How To: Make iron sulfide with sulfur and iron

In this home-science how-to from Household Hacker, we learn how to create an exothermic reaction by combining sulfur with iron, producing iron sulfide in the process. For all of the details, including step-by-step instructions, as well as to see what happens when these two elements meet, watch this video guide.

How To: Make bubbling acid with ammonia and dry ice

In the mood for a little mad science? In this home-science how-to from Steve Spangler, we learn how to prepare a bubbly, color-changing concoction using water, ammonia, a universal indicator (cabbage juice will do fine), dry ice, gloves and two plastic cups. Now, repeat the process, this time adding a teaspoon of ammonia when you add your universal pH indicator.

How To: Make copper metal from copper sulfate

This free video science lesson from the Home Scientist demonstrates a simple technique for creating ammonium chloride from hydrochloric acid and ammonia. For all of the relevant details and detailed, step-by-step instructions, as well as to get started trying this experiment yourself, watch this home-science how-to.

How To: Mod a Bresser Biolux NG or AL microscope to view larger objects

This free video science lesson from YouTube's bionerd23 demonstrates a simple technique for modding a Bresser Biolux NG or Bresser Biolux AL microscope to view larger objects like minerals. You'll also learn how to mod your microscope to allow you to take pictures and shoot video through it. For all of the relevant details and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-science how-to.