In order to turn on neon lights, they are typically attached to a cord and plugged into a socket. There are alternative sources of power that will illuminate neon lights, however. Each student will need a small neon lamp -- which parents or teachers can order in bulk online -- and access to a microwave. Instruct students to place the lamp in the microwave for 20 seconds and observe what happens. Students should remove the light with gloves and allow it to cool completely. At the base of the lamp are wires, which need to be twisted together and wrapped in aluminum foil before placing the light in the microwave for another 20 seconds. Students should record their observations and compare data together in class on the following day.
Young children enjoy learning about the buildup of static electricity, and science teachers or parents can make connections between static charge and neon illumination. Provide each child with a neon lamp and ask them to propose some ways to build static charge. Learners may suggest wearing socks and dragging their feet across the carpet or rubbing an inflated balloon on their head. Try these and other methods before touching the wire ends of the neon lamp. Observe the results and compare whether certain methods of producing static electricity are more effective at lighting the neon lamp than others.
Most students are familiar with the neon signs in business windows, but few know how different colors of light are produced. In order to conduct this experiment, instructors will need one quart of neon, as well as a pint of argon, helium, carbon dioxide, mercury and phosphorous. Ask students to predict and record a hypothesis about the color each element will produce. Test each gas in a sign wired with neon tubing and determine which student correctly predicted the greatest number of colors produced.
Biology students can use neon lights in an experiment to determine whether different light sources affect heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. At least 20 volunteers will be needed to ensure accurate data and experiment results. Record the heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature of each subject. Place five people in a room with incandescent lighting only. Assign a second group of five to a room lit by florescent bulbs. A third group will need to go to a room illuminated by white neon light, and the final group should be placed in an area lit by red neon. All volunteers should remain in their assigned space for one hour. Record the heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature of everyone as they exit their rooms and compare the findings.