Learn more at http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/water-whistle-sick-science People have told us that we do things to our own tune around Steve Spangler Science. At first we didn’t know what they meant, but then we decided that they had to be talking about our Water Whistle experiment. We’ve created an instrument out of nothing more than a drinking straw and a glass of water. It’s musical and fun as well as a great lesson in vibration, sound, and pitch.
Learn more at http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/magic-rollback-can-sick-science In our long line of “magical” science, we introduce the Magic Rollback Can. The Magic Rollback Can appears to be a normal can of coffee or oats, but after you roll it along the ground a little ways and watch it come back, you’ll be wondering just how it works.
Magicians have made money appear from behind ears and out of nostrils for years. And you’ve seen Steve set a $100 bill on fire without harming Mr. Franklin. That’s all well and good, but we want to take your money… er… teach you a trick that uses science to make money “appear” as if it has disappeared.
Steve Spangler is a celebrity teacher, science toy designer, speaker, author and an Emmy award-winning television personality. Spangler is probably best known for his Mentos and Diet Coke geyser experiment that went viral in. Spangler is the founder of www.SteveSpanglerScience.com, a Denver-based company specializing in the creation of science toys, classroom science demonstrations, teacher resources and home for Spangler’s popular science experiment archive and video collection. Spangler is a frequent guest on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and Denver 9 News where he takes classroom science experiments to the extreme. For teachers, parents or DIY Science ideas – check out other sources of learning:
Learn more at http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/berry-ph-paper-sick-science No longer must you search for specialty litmus paper. Here at Steve Spangler Science, we’ve come up with a formula that will allow you to create your own acid and base detecting litmus paper using little more than a bit of fruit.
Learn more at http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/match-levitation-sick-science Whether watching that movie about wizards or catching up on our magic tricks, we love it when things mysteriously rise into the air. We are especially fond of levitation when there are no strings or trickery attached… stuff just starts lifting off of the ground. That’s what happens with the Match Levitation experiment. Truly, there’s nothing up our sleeves. Try it and you’ll see for yourself!
Check out http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/falling-ring-catch-sick-science to learn more about this experiment and to see other cool science experiments. Is it possible to catch a falling ring with a loop of string? Sure it is! It’s going to take a bit of experimentation and trial and error, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time! You’ll see how motion and force can sometimes create unexpected results.
Learn more at http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/buzzing-noise-maker-sick-science Are you the type that craves attention? Want to make a ton of noise? The Buzzing Noise Maker experiment is perfect for you! The greatest aspect of the Buzzing Noise Maker is that, while you’re attracting all that attention and making all that noise, you can explain it by saying, “Hey! Steve Spangler is teaching me about science.”
Check out the experiment at http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/cd-hovercraft-sick-science We used to think that building our own hovercraft was going to take a couple of trips to NASA. We quickly realized that it was a little iffy having jet engines and ultra-lightweight material anywhere near Steve. We had to develop our own design using everyday materials, and that’s exactly what we did. Using a CD, a balloon, and a few other household items you can create a working hovercraft, too!
Download the free templates at http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/diskspinners You might have heard the term, “Faster than the human eye.” But is there really something that can happen so fast that a normal human eye can’t register it? Believe it or not, it’s absolutely possible and the Spinning Disc Illusion is a great way to learn how easily your eyes can be beaten.
Learn more at http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/ice-cube-rope-sick-science Most normal people won’t put effort into trying to catch a solid chunk of ice with a rope. Luckily, we aren’t most people… and we certainly are not normal. Steve and his freeze-ologists wondered if it was possible to pick up an ice cube by using a rope. Seems simple enough. But here’s the catch… you can’t tie the rope around the ice cube! Believe it or not, it is possible!
Is it possible to make a thermometer out of water? Absolutely! The best part about our Water Thermometer experiment is that you have all the materials you need in your own home. That’s right, you’ll be measuring temperature with this amazing homemade tool in no time.
Is there a way to see air changing? Sure, there are clouds and fog, but those are particles of water. Does anything happen to air when it gets cooled or heated? We’ve come up with a great way to see how air changes when it gets hotter and colder… and you can do it all with just a few things you probably already have in your house!
Have you ever tried writing in the dark? Even something as simple as your own name might turn out looking like you were writing in an earthquake. We knew there had to be a better way, and after giving Steve and his team a bit of time they came up with a beautiful and amazing solution – Light Writer. It’s a phenomenal trip into the world of optics, photography, and fun.
Ever wonder how light switches really work? Using some christmas lights, a couple alligator clips, a battery, and a switch, you can build your own circuit at home.
When it comes to creating something out of nothing, Steve Spangler takes the cake. The Steve Spangler Science team recently challenged Steve to create a simple homopolar motor by using objects that he could find around his home. The trick to homopolar motors is the use of electromagnets and a lack of polarity change. It’s complicated, so we were sure that Steve would have trouble. Much to the surprise of everyone, Steve not only accomplished the (what we thought to be) impossible, but he did it twice. Steve was so proud that he wanted to give both of his designs to you. It’s a Sick Science 2-for-1 with the Electromagnetic Motor.
When it comes to creating something out of nothing, Steve Spangler takes the cake. The Steve Spangler Science team recently challenged Steve to create a simple homopolar motor by using objects that he could find around his home. The trick to homopolar motors is the use of electromagnets and a lack of polarity change. It’s complicated, so we were sure that Steve would have trouble. Much to the surprise of everyone, Steve not only accomplished the (what we thought to be) impossible, but he did it twice. Steve was so proud that he wanted to give both of his designs to you. It’s a Sick Science 2-for-1 with the Electromagnetic Motor.
What happens when you have a build-up of gas? Don’t answer that question! The gas in question is carbon dioxide and the explosion is nothing short of fun. Warning: It’s impossible to do this activity just once. It is addicting and habit-forming. Proceed at your own risk!
This experiment answers the age-old question, “Which came first, the rubber egg or the rubber chicken?” It’s easy to make a rubber egg if you understand the chemistry of removing the eggshell with vinegar. What you’re left with is a totally embarrassed naked egg and a cool piece of science.
It’s probably not a wise idea to soak a $20 bill in a flammable liquid and set it on fire, but that’s what you’ll have to do with this science demonstration. Sure, you could use just a $1 bill, but then you don’t sweat as much. There is a point to all of this burning… it’s the fact that to everyone’s amazement, paper money never actually burns (if you do it correctly). Read on to discover the secret behind this amazing demonstration.
We’ve taught you the water absorbing secret behind the polymer inside diapers, but did you know that a Diaper Genie bag is a great way to demonstrate some properties of air? That’s right! That plastic smell-shield isn’t just for odor defense any longer. Now you can use the thin plastic bag to show Bernoulli’s Principle and amaze your friends.
APRIL FOOL’S! A few days ago we posted a video showing a paper airplane hovering between two fans. This is not actually possible without the help of a little fishing line. We thought why not have some fun around April Fool’s Day and see how many people we could trick.
We don’t know if the Wright Brothers ever made the attempt, but Steve Spangler has defied the odds to create a hovering airplane. We don’t suggest any passengers (because they wouldn’t fit), but this Floating Paper Plane is a great hands-on science tool for teaching the science behind airplanes, lift and drag, and principles of air.
Our science guy, isn’t taking a break to read the newspaper. He’s using a sheet of newspaper and some karate-chopping skills to demonstrate the incredible power of air pressure.
The Tea Bag Rocket is really an adaptation of a classic science demonstration called the Ditto Paper Rocket. If you’re old enough to have experienced Ditto paper, you’ll recall the bluish-purple ink and that unforgettable smell of freshly printed copies. (Come to find out… both the Ditto machine solvent and the ink were highly toxic, but no one seemed to care back then.) Each piece of Ditto paper had a sheet of tissue paper that separated the two-part form, and it was this discarded piece of paper that teachers and kids used to make Ditto paper “rockets.” Since Ditto paper is a thing of the past, science enthusiasts have found a simple replacement – a tea bag.
Last summer, Spangler Labs took a company trip to an amusement park. We didn’t go for a company retreat, we didn’t even go on a day off. We went to do research on physics, the science of motion. One amusement park ride that really got Steve thinking was the gravitron. As we all stood in a circular room with our backs against the wall, the walls began to spin. Faster and faster the walls spun until the floor dropped out from under us. There were shrieks of terror as everyone thought they were about to fall, but to our surpise… we didn’t drop! Steve wanted to find a way to recreate this phenomenon on a small, kitchen-science scale. Steve Spangler Science gives you the Marble Gravitron!
Recently, the scientists at Spangler Labs had a day where they recollected their fond memories of elementary school. Some thought back to their favorite science or math class, but Steve was excited about the playground equipment. He loved the monkey bars, the swings, and even loved to play tetherball.
But, he recalled, his favorite thing to do on the playground was seesaw. Steve’s memories even included a daredevil stunt where he seesawed while it was on fire. He was a regular elementary Evil Knievel. And then it hit him…what if he could use some amazing science principles to make a magic seesaw?
Where does the water go when a plant is watered? With this experiment, children can discover for themselves how essential the functions of roots and stems are to plant growth. As the colored water is absorbed, students will be able to see how the water is absorbed into the plant and the petals of the carnation change color.
Our visual division here at Steve Spangler Labs loves the science of color mixing. We’ve mixed gels, fizzing tablets, and even different colored lenses together to get the secondary colors. We needed something new. So, we found an amazing way to combine scientific principles of physics with the visual science of color mixing. Our discovery isn’t just visually spectacular, it’s scientifically sound!
Steve Spangler is a celebrity teacher, science toy designer, speaker, author and an Emmy award-winning television personality. Spangler is probably best known for his Mentos and Diet Coke geyser experiment that went viral in. Spangler is the founder of www.SteveSpanglerScience.com, a Denver-based company specializing in the creation of science toys, classroom science demonstrations, teacher resources and home for Spangler’s popular science experiment archive and video collection. Spangler is a frequent guest on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and Denver 9 News where he takes classroom science experiments to the extreme. For teachers, parents or DIY Science ideas – check out other sources of learning:
It’s an explosion of color! Some very unusual things happen when you mix a little milk, food coloring, and a drop of liquid soap. Use this experiment to amaze your friends and uncover the scientific secrets of soap. It’s also the perfect idea for your next science fair project!
Steve Spangler is a celebrity teacher, science toy designer, speaker, author and an Emmy award-winning television personality. Spangler is probably best known for his Mentos and Diet Coke geyser experiment that went viral in. Spangler is the founder of www.SteveSpanglerScience.com, a Denver-based company specializing in the creation of science toys, classroom science demonstrations, teacher resources and home for Spangler’s popular science experiment archive and video collection. Spangler is a frequent guest on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and Denver 9 News where he takes classroom science experiments to the extreme. For teachers, parents or DIY Science ideas – check out other sources of learning:
How long does it take to empty a soda bottle full of water? You’ll amaze your dinner guests and explore some of the scientific properties of air and water when you learn how to empty a full bottle of water in just a few seconds!
About Steve Spangler Science…
Steve Spangler is a celebrity teacher, science toy designer, speaker, author and an Emmy award-winning television personality. Spangler is probably best known for his Mentos and Diet Coke geyser experiment that went viral in 2005 and prompted more than 1,000 related YouTube videos. Spangler is the founder of www.SteveSpanglerScience.com, a Denver-based company specializing in the creation of science toys, classroom science demonstrations, teacher resources and home for Spangler’s popular science experiment archive and video collection. Spangler is a frequent guest on the Ellen DeGeneres Show where he takes classroom science experiments to the extreme. Check out his pool filled with 2,500 boxes of cornstarch!
On the education side, Spangler started his career as a science teacher in the Cherry Creek School district for 12 years. Today, Steve travels extensively training teachers in ways to make learning more engaging and fun. His hands-on science boot camps and summer institutes for teachers inspire and teach teachers how to prepare a new generation for an ever-changing work force. Over the last 15 years, he has also made more than 500 television appearances as an authority on hands-on science and inquiry-based learning.
On the business side, Spangler is the founder and CEO of Steve Spangler Science, a Denver-based company specializing in the creation of educational toys and kits and hands-on science training services for teachers. The companys unique business strategies and viral creations have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine, Wired and TIME Magazine where online readers voted Steve Spangler #18 in the Top 100 Most Influential People of the Year for 2006 (what were they thinking?). You’ll find more than 140 Spangler created products available online at SteveSpanglerScience.com and distributed to toy stores and mass-market retailers worldwide.
Spangler joined NBC affiliate 9News in 2001 as the science education specialist. His weekly experiments and science segments are designed to teach viewers creative ways to make learning fun. His now famous Mentos Geyser experiment, turning 2-liter bottles of soda into erupting fountains, became an Internet sensation in September 2005 when thousands of people started posting their own Mentos explosions on YouTube.com.
As founder of SteveSpanglerScience.com, Spangler and his design team have developed more than 140 educational toys and science-related products featured by mass-market retailers like Target, Wal-Mart, Toys R’ Us, Discovery Channel Stores and over 1,400 independent specialty toy stores. His educational science catalog and on-line business offers more than a thousand science toys and unique learning resources. Recently, Spangler has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine, WIRED, the History Channel, Food Network and TIME Magazine where on-line readers voted Steve Spangler #18 in the Top 100 Most Influential People of the Year for 2006.
His recent appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show have taught viewers how to blow up their food, shock their friends, create mountains of foam, play on a bed of nails, vanish in a cloud of smoke and how to turn 2,500 boxes of cornstarch and a garden hose into a swimming pool of fun.
If you’ve ever changed a diaper and noticed what looked like tiny crystals on the baby’s skin, you’ve uncovered the secret of superabsorbent, disposable diapers. Those tiny crystals actually come from the lining of the diaper and are made out of a safe, non-toxic polymer that absorbs moisture away from the baby’s skin.
Sick Science™ is a trademark of Steve Spangler, inc.
It’s one of those things you hear about but wonder if it’s true. Can you use taco sauce to clean the tarnish off of a penny? Believe it or not, taco sauce does a great job of cleaning pennies, but how does it work? Which ingredients in the taco sauce really do the cleaning? Eight year old Jack Spangler tackled these questions as part of his science fair project and made a surprising discovery.
It’s a popular e-mail buzzing across the internet and through inboxes. How do you get a cork out of a wine bottle? It’s a dilemma that Steve just had to solve. After many hours doing research, Steve has come up with the scientific answer to the classic puzzle.
