Life

Science Ninja Anthony Morgan stopped by the studio to show us some fun and easy science experiments you can do at home with your kids. Because remember: science is everwhere.

DIY Speakers

This is a quick and simple way to make speakers for your smartphone in a pinch. Perfect for kids, camping and barbecues!

[diyspeakers]

What you’ll need:

• 1 cardboard tube
• 2 plastic cups
• 1 marker for tracing
• a blade or scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut holes for your paper tube into the side of the cups, and a small hole along the side of the tube for your smartphone.
2. Pop your phone in and enjoy the beats!

Disappearing Glass

This one is a great optical illusion demonstration to do with kids or friends using simple materials from your kitchen.

[glass]

What you’ll need:

• 2 or 3 Pyrex beakers or bowls
• 2 L bottle of vegetable oil
• latex or rubber gloves
• a towel (for clean up!)

Instructions:

1. Place your small beaker or bowl into a bigger beaker or bowl.
2. Pour the vegetable oil into the large beaker and watch the small one disappear!

Dancing Cornstarch

Teach your teenager about sound waves, vibrations and non-Neutonian substances using everyday household items.

[cornstarch]

What you’ll need:

• 1 box of corn starch (16oz)
• a pitcher of water
• plastic wrap
• a speaker
• food colouring

Instructions:

1. Add food colouring and water to a bowl.
2. Mix in cornstarch, stirring until you have a thick, tacky fluid (it should be difficult to move a fork or spoon through the solution).
3. Wrap your speaker in plastic.
4. Pump up the volume, adding the cornstarch solution bit by bit, and watch your cornstarch monster dance!