Investigating Phenomena: What Causes the Colored Solution?
Carolina Phenomenon Phenomena-driven science! Phenomena are observable, naturally occurring events that are everywhere and spark student questions and investigations. Ask students to observe the DCI-linked phenomena in the video and complete the attached student sheet prior to remote learning discussions. Observations: Carefully watch the petri dish electrolysis video. Gather all the evidence you can from […]
Crystallization Investigation
Crystallization through precipitation lab Crystals are solids that form when molecules join in a regular repeating pattern. Crystals mesmerized humans early in our history and served as currency as well as decoration. Today, the jewelry industry relies on precious and semi-precious crystals for rings, pendants, and more; the electronics industry relies on quartz crystals for […]
Investigating Phenomena: Why Does Hot Water Freeze Faster?
Carolina Phenomenon Phenomena-driven science! Phenomena are observable, naturally occurring events that are everywhere and spark student questions and investigations. Ask students to observe the DCI-linked phenomena in the video and complete the attached student sheet prior to remote learning discussions. Observations: Carefully watch the freezing water video. Gather all the evidence you can from the […]
3-D Imaging: The Mystery Unlocked
Seeing the Solar System in a New Dimension Moviegoers are demanding more from their sensory experience, and 3-D viewing has become popular for many blockbuster movies. Unlocking the mystery of 3-D imaging not only spurs discussion about the greatest 3-D movies, but it also provides opportunity to discuss visual perception, optics, and colors with your […]
The Conical Pendulum
An Experiment in Circular Motion and Centripetal Acceleration The conical pendulum lab allows students to investigate the physics and mathematics of uniform circular motion. A motorized, plastic plane* is suspended from a thin string and “flies” in a circular path with a constant speed. The plane and the supporting string trace a conical pendulum. Students […]
Investigating Phenomena: What Causes the Dry Ice Explosion?
Carolina Phenomenon Phenomena-driven science! Phenomena are observable, naturally occurring events that are everywhere and spark student questions and investigations. Ask students to observe the DCI-linked phenomenon in the video and complete the attached student sheet prior to remote learning discussions. Observations: Carefully watch the ice/pipet explosion video. Gather all the evidence you can from the video, and […]
Make a Splash with Summer Science Camps
Get recommendations on lab materials and activities to support your summer science. Summer and summer science camps are right around the corner, and now is the time to select materials and activities. We’ve put together some of our favorite science camp topics to help with planning and purchasing. In-person, virtual, and to-go options Whether you’re […]
A Brief Overview of Gravity and Gravitational Force
An introduction to Newton’s Law of Gravitation, specetime geometry, and quantum gravity. Gravity The word gravity has many definitions. As defined by dictionary.com, gravity means “the force of attraction by which terrestrial bodies tend to fall toward the center of the earth,” or “heaviness or weight,” or “serious or critical nature,” among other definitions (Dictionary.com, […]
Rock Candy: An Edible Study of Crystallization
An Investigation of Supersaturated Solutions Making rock candy is a safe way to introduce students to solutions and crystal growth–and you can make it a tasty treat at the same time! This activity helps students visualize how a supersaturated solution grows the extra-large crystals of sucrose needed to make rock candy. Table sugar (sucrose) and […]