Cool Homemade Science Experiments
Homemade science experiments are a great way to gain a better understanding of science. Often, real-world concepts can be demonstrated with cheap, easy, and interesting experiments that can take place on a kitchen counter. Performing such experiments can teach a young scientist much about science and the world around them, leading to a greater interest in science and possibly a lifelong career in the field.
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Growing Bacteria
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In a petri dish, bacteria form little dots called colonies. Bacteria are everywhere. With a few tools, one can culture bacteria found on everyday objects. A petri dish, a small plastic dish with a lid, can be filled with a gelatin called agar. Bacteria grow easily in agar. To culture bacteria, simply wipe a sterile cotton swab over a surface, then rub the swab gently into the agar. Bacterial colonies will grow up overnight. Do not swab humans, bathroom surfaces, or mammals as they might contain dangerous bacteria.
Circutry
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Learning to power a light bulb is an easy first step in electronics. Circuitry experiments are of much interest to young science enthusiasts. These experiments often lay the foundations for more complex work with electronics. Several simple circuits can be made with a few supplies from an electronics or hardware store. Such circuits can light up a light bulb, detect magnetic fields, "sense" light or movement, and test conductivity. Whenever doing this sort of experiment, use a battery -- never use household current.
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Enzymes
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Beef liver contains the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide. Enzymes are chemicals that regulate almost everything in living things. There are several easy experiments you can do with enzymes. Grinding up beef liver yields a substance rich in enzymes. To see them work, simply place the ground liver in a test tube with peroxide. The enzymes will break the peroxide down into gas, which you can see as tiny bubbles or foam. Try this experiment under different conditions (different temperatures, adding salt etc.) to see what effect it has on the enzyme.
Goop
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Different liquids can have very different properties. A simple mixture of cornstarch and water, and possibly some food coloring produces a very bizarre liquid. Slowly add water to the cornstarch until a gooey consistency is reached. This liquid is called a "non-Newtonian liquid." It has properties not normally associated with liquids, like the ability to compress. Comparing the properties of this mixture with water or vegetable oil will highlight the unique properties of this liquid.
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References
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