Building a film canister rocket with minimal mess. All you need is an empty 35 mm plastic film canister, an antacid tablet, water and safety goggles. Put on the safety goggles and step outside to an open area to find a level surface to conduct the experiment. Break the antacid tablet in half and place a teaspoon of water into the film canister. Quickly drop the antacid tablets into the film canister, shut the lid and place the canister upside down. Stand at least 7 feet away from the canister. Within 30 seconds, the buildup of carbon dioxide in the canister from the dissolving antacid will cause the cap to break off and the canister will launch into the air. If the can does not launch within 30 seconds, carefully inspect the canister as the seal may not be fully secured, preventing the launch.
This experiment teaches you that by rubbing your head of hair with a balloon, you can create static electricity that can move positively charged, lightweight objects, such as soda cans. All you need is an empty soda can, an air-blown balloon and a head of hair to complete the experiment. Start by putting the soda can on a level surface and begin to rapidly rub the balloon on your hair for a few seconds. Then hold the balloon close to the can and watch the can roll toward the balloon because of static electricity.
This at-home experiment shows how heat and air pressure can get an egg to be sucked through a narrow bottle opening. Start with a peeled, hard-boiled egg, a long-necked glass bottle and three matches. Begin by placing the bottle on a level surface, far away from any flammable materials. Light the three matches and immediately place them into the bottle. As soon as the matches fall into the glass bottle, place the hard-boiled egg on the bottle opening so that it functions as a cap. Now watch as air pressure pulls the egg through the bottle opening.
In this experiment, you will learn how ultra-violet light makes certain phosphors visible to the naked eye. You will need a black light, tonic water and a dark room to conduct the experiment. Start by placing the tonic water on a table in the dark room and turn on the ultra-violet light near the water. The water will glow because the ultra-violet light causes the phosphors in the tonic water to illuminate.