Science Experiments How-Tos

How To: Craft a mobius strip out of paper

Mr. G shows us how to craft a mobius strip out of paper in this video. First, take a sheet of copy paper and fold it in half length wise and crease it down the middle. Now, cut the paper on the crease so you have two strips of paper. Next, lay the papers end to end and tape them together. Now, the strip and give it half of a twist and attach it together with tape on one of the ends to the other. Now get a felt tip pen and draw a line down the middle of the strip. Now as you roll the paper, yo...

How To: Find the North Star, Polaris

In this tutorial, we learn how to find the North Star. To find this, measure the angle distances on the sky, while using your hand stretched out at arm's length. For the angles, three joined fingers make 5 degrees and a fist makes 10 degrees. You can make 15 to 20 degrees using your entire hand. Polaris is in the center of the sky, but it is not the brightest star there is. If you can find the Big Dipper, you will be able to find the North Star because it's in line with this. By using this te...

How To: Cut a bottle

In this tutorial, Tony Vo teaches us how to cut a bottle. You will need: a glass bottle, yarn, lighter, sink of cold water, and acetone or alcohol. First, take your glass bottle and tie a piece of yarn around the part you want to cut. Wrap the yarn two times around, then tie it tie it tightly. Now, take the acetone and drop it onto the yarn until the entire piece is saturated. Next, take your lighter and burn the yarn on the bottle. As soon as the flames die down, place the bottle into a sink...

How To: Remember the parts of the cell

Are you much for science? Cytoplasm. Nucleus. Endoplasmic reticulum. Organelle. These words might sound alien, but breaking down the parts of a cell and their functions will help you remember. This is one of the best ways for cell identification, and it's perfect for science class studying.

How To: Make (non-Newtonian) Oobleck from corn starch & water

Mr. O shows his audience in this video how to make oobleck, a slime-like substance which has a variety of unique properties. For this project, you will need a mixing bowl, food coloring, corn starch, a measuring cup, and water. First, color the water with food coloring to a color which is much darker than the color you would like. You will need the correct ratio of water to cornstarch, in a 1 to 2 ratio. Add some water to the bowl and add the cornstarch, then add the rest of the water. Finall...

How To: Do a science experiment with dry ice

In this tutorial, Science Bob shows us how to do a science experiment with dry ice. First, take a block of dry ice and place a quarter on top of it. Make sure you are using rubber gloves when you do this, it's dangerous to touch gloves with your bare hands. When you press the quarter down, it will cause it to vibrate very quickly. You can put any type of metal on top of the dry ice and it will make different noises. This is only one of the many things you can do with dry ice. You can also use...

How To: Make your own thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates

The price of TLC plates can add up. See how to make thin-layer chromatography plates (TLC plates) for a few cents each that are as good as commercial TLC plates that sell for a dollar or two each. You can use these home-made TLC plates the same way you'd use chromatography paper, but the plates provide sharper separations and require far less analyte. They also lie flat, and are much easier to store for later reference. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, and to get sta...

How To: Make homemade playdough

Playdough is one of the best types of toys that any kid can play with. Not only is it flexible, but it's also non-toxic. In this video tutorial, you'll find out the recipe for making your own homemade Playdough from scratch. It's easy to do and will save you money. Good luck!

How To: Turn pennies into silver and gold coins with zinc

One of the most famous and repeated chemistry experiments involves money. Some would say this is more of a trick than an experiment, but you can be the judge of that. No one can just turn pennies into silver or gold coins, but someone with a few chemicals can. So, if you want to cooler cents in your pocket, try out this chemistry trick yourself. Nurd Rage (Dr. Lithium) shows you how to turn pennies into silver and gold coins using zinc.

How To: Make giant smoke rings

Get your kid's creative juices flowing during the Halloween holiday by trying out this great science experiment with Steve Spangler. Get the inside secrets on how to create smoke rings that are sure to cast an eerie feeling over your home. Get your science on this Halloween by following these simple instructions on how to make smoke rings with your kids!

How To: Make a model of a space comet

Are you an active or aspiring scientist? In this free educational video from National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, learn how to make a model of a comet, and why models are important to scientists. Get started on a scientific road to discovery with help from this excellent video on how to make a model of a space comet.

HowTo: See Invisible Magnetic Fields

"Magnetic fields are everywhere- you just can't see them." The science-inspired-art project, Magnetic Movie, by Semiconductor, demonstrates the imaginary "secret lives of invisible magnetic fields". Don't miss it - it's an amazing project. The magnetic fields are beautifully depicted. However, they are indeed imaginary.

How To: Properly read a micrometer

A micrometer is a common tool that most mechanical engineers are required to understand. They can be a difficult one to understand. But with the right instructions, can be simple to understand. Well this tutorial provides just that! Find out the proper way to read a micrometer in no time at all. Enjoy! Properly read a micrometer.

How To: Read a vernier caliper

A vernier caliper is a great tool to use if you're interested in measuring things externally, internally, and in some cases the depth. It gives you a precise measurement and includes both metric and inch measurements on the upper and lower part of the scale. It's an easy tool to use and can be helpful in certain situations. So sit back and enjoy this tutorial on how to read a vernier caliper. Enjoy!

How To: Read a dial caliper

This device is a refined version of the vernier caliper. What seperates this from the other is that is has a circular dial that is measured thanks to a small gear rack. The device can still be used to measure things externally and internally as well as sometimes depth. The side of the caliper can be locked in order to keep it in place and is quick to use. So find out how to read this dial caliper following some easy steps. Enjoy! Read a dial caliper.

How To: Measure with a micrometer

If you aren't employed as a mechanical engineer, chances are you may have no idea what this is. This device is called a micrometer. It's used to make certain measurements and is often looked at as a form of a caliper. This tutorial will show you how to measure properly with a micrometer. You never know when you'll need one, but at least you'll know how to use one. Enjoy!

How To: Use vernier caliper

For those who may not know what the device in this tutorial is, it's a vernier caliper. It's basically a scale that measure certain thins, but this one is more precise than others. They can measure internal, external and sometimes depth. This devise is used to obtain a precision measurement. It can be a bit confusing to use, but can be helpful in certain situations. So sit back, pay attention, and enjoy!

How To: Make an electro-magnet with only three things

An electromagnet is a fun, cool science experiment that you can easily make at home. In this tutorial, learn how to make a powerful electromagnet with only three pieces! And the best part is, you probably already have these items in your house or garage! So, why not gather some supplies and try making an electromagnet? You will definitely impress your class and friends.

How To: Make an edible plant cell model for biology class

Science fairs are some of the most creative moments during the elementary school period. Not only are you able to research a topic of interest, but you also have try to find various ways in which to showyour scientific results. In this case, you'll find out how to make an edible plant cell model for an easy science fair project of for biology class. It's easy to do and will surely attract the attention of your teacher and others. Enjoy!

How To: Do a jumping flame science experiment

This nifty little science experiment is sure to be one that will not only educate, but entertain as well. This tutorial shows you how to do a jumping flame experiment using nothing more than a candle, a flame, and some smoke to help the flame travel. It's perfect for those young and old and is easy to perform. Enjoy!

How To: Make a tightrope walking magnet

In this how to video, you will learn how to make a tight rope walking magnet. You will need a power supply with currents between 15 to 25 amps. A thick wire from a half to one centimeter is also needed for the tight rope. A small neodymium magnet will also be required. String the wire from one end to another. Place the magnet at one end. Use a pair of pliers and a piece of metal as a switch to run the current through the wire. Once that is done, the magnet should go down the wire. A magnetic ...

How To: Do a yeast experiment to see how much C02 it produces

In this Education video tutorial you will learn how to do a yeast experiment to see how much C02 it produces with different types of food. Yeast is a fungus and it has to eat. After it eats, it produces CO2 gas. The bubbles in bread are produced by the CO2 gas from the yeast. Take five different types of food items and measure out the same quantity for each item. In the video it is 8gms of cookie, oil, flour, salt and sugar. Take six glasses of water and mix one packet of yeast in each glass....

How To: Make a tea bag fly experiment at home

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a tea bag fly with a home experiment. Viewers learn how to make a tea bag fly using convection. The materials required for this experiment are: tea bags, matches, tin foil and scissors. Begin by cutting the top of the tea bag and open it. Empty out the tea. The tea bag should be a cylinder shape. Place the tea bag on top of a piece of tinfoil and use your matches to light the top of the tea bag. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy ...

How To: Make blue phosphorescent glow-in-the-dark powder

Making a blue glowing substance is easy, as long as you already know the secret to making green luminescent phosphorescent glow powder. By watching the green glow-in-the-dark procedure, you know that you will need strontium nitrate, aluminum nitrate, europium and dysprosium nitrates, and nitric acid. That will make a green glow, but if you want to make a blue version, it's a relatively easy fix...

How To: Build a rain gauge

In this how to video, you will learn how to build your very own rain gauge. You will need tape, scissors, rain gauge ruler, and a jar. First, go to the website shown and print and cut out the ruler on the screen. Next, cut the tape strips. You will need them to be about 5 inches in length. Next, attach the rain gauge ruler to the jar. You will do this by placing the ruler on the tape and place the ruler on the jar. Make sure the ruler is aligned with the bottom edge of the jar. Take the secon...

How To: Make potassium trichromate

In this how-to video, you will learn how to make potassium trichromate. You will need potassium chromate and dichromate. It is easy to go between the two. You can add a base to the dichromate to make the chromate. It will go from orange to yellow. The trichromate can be produced. You will need nitric acid, potassium dichromate, and sodium disulphate. First, make a solution of sodium sulphate. Take a long test tube and the potassium dichromate to it. Add double the volume of concentrated nitri...