Natural indicators

Try this out. Click on the pic to see its enlarged view.

Magnetic Pick Up

YOU WILL NEED


A piece of paper
A paper clip
Thread
Clear tape
Scissors
A strong magnet
HERE'S HOW

Cut a paper kite shape about three inches long and attach a paper clip to one corner. To the opposite corner, tape a piece of thread about eight inches long. Tape the other end of the thread to a flat surface. Use a strong magnet to pick up the paper clip and extend the string to full length. Hold the kite between your fingers and slowly move the magnet away from the paper clip. When you release the kite, it “flies,” unattached to the magnet.

WHY?

Magnets have a magnetic field, an invisible force that attracts some kinds of metal. Metal objects within the magnetic field do not have to touch a magnet to be pulled by magnetism.


Text by NGS Staff
Illustration by David Bamundo

Electromagnetic Circuit

Electromagnetic Circuit (telegraph):

Glue the foam to the cardboard. Stick the tip of the nail into it so that it is upright. Unwrap the large loop of a paper clip so that the short loop remains with a long wire down. Stick this paper clip into the foam so that the short loop is positioned closely above the nail. When the switch is closed the short loop will be attracted to the nail head and a tap will be heard. The paper clip should spring back and tap back each time the switch is closed. This may require some adjusting. Angle the paper clip stem back a bit so the foam can push it back.

Closing the switch will cause current to flow through the coated wire around the nail. The magnetic field associated with the current will be concentrated on the nail and will induce magnetism in the nail. The nail will attract the paper clip above it and a tap will be heard. The taps are controlled by opening and closing the switch.

VINEGAR BATTERY

VINEGAR BATTERY



A zinc coated nail (2" galvanized nail) and length of copper wire (6 cm of 14 gauge copper wire) are suspended in vinegar (4% acetic acid). 
A discarded film container is ideal for this project .
The copper lead is the "+" terminal of the battery and the galvanized nail is "-".

rocket car

ROCKET CAR

Objective: Newton's Third Law of Motion is demonstrated with escaping air as the action force.

Description: In this activity, students construct a balloon-powered rocket car that rolls across the floor because air is forced to escape through a plastic.

Materials and Tools:4 pins
Styrofoam tray
Cellophane tape
Flexi-straw
Scissors
Drawing compass
Marker pen
Small party balloon
Ruler

Procedure:

1. Using the ruler, marker, and drawing compass, draw a rectangle about 7.5 cm by 18 cm and four circles 7.5 cm in diameter on the flat surface of the tray. Cut out each piece.

2. Inflate the balloon a few times to stretch it. Slip the nozzle over the end of the flexi-straw nearest the bend. Secure the nozzle to the straw with tape and seal it tight so that the balloon can be inflated by blowing through the straw.

3. Tape the straw to the car as shown in the picture.

4. Push one pin into the center of each circle and then into the edge of the rectangle as shown in the picture. The pins become axles for the wheels. Do not push the pins in snugly because the wheels have to rotate freely. It is okay if the wheels wobble.

5. Inflate the balloon and pinch the straw to hold in the air. Set the car on a smooth surface and release the straw.

HAVE FUN WITH LEMON

Slide Album: HAVE FUN WITH LEMON