June 15, 2020 | melissa c
Why should kids have all the fun? This STEAM Stop is designed with adults in mind. The curated activities listed below either require bigger supplies, are more complicated in nature, or include the use of materials not safe for children. Enjoy!
Elephant Toothpaste
- Scientific American provides background information and instructions for elephant toothpaste.
Watch the videos below and experiment (safely!) with different catalysts to increase the speed/volume of foam production.
- World record attempt 1: Science Bob
- World record attempt 2: Mark Rober & Science Bob
- World record attempt 3: David Dobrik & Nick Uhas
- Current Guinness World Record: Manual Do Mundo
Vortex Rings
- Make your own vortex cannon
- Watch this video from Physics Girl and try to make different vortex shapes
Sky Balls & Launchers
Use this series of videos to create flying balls with a slingshot or air cannon launcher (or both)!
- Sky balls
- Tablecloth parachutes
- Slingshot launcher (also good for water balloons)
- Air cannon (also good for candy)
Citizen Science
- Citizen science enables people from all walks of life to advance scientific research. Find something that piques your interest and help gather data that contributes to our understanding of the world around us.
Thermotropic Liquid Crystals
- Surprise visitors with this DIY mood ring toilet seat
Rockets
- Make a Mentos pop rocket
If you're up for an engineering something with a little more power (and danger), try this homemade hobby rocket and launch pad.
- Build a rocket from scratch
- Tablecloth parachute
- DIY fire resistant rocket wadding
- Rocket blast pad
Glow-in-the-Dark Oobleck
- Grab a bag of potatoes and follow along with this video to make glow-in-the-dark oobleck
- If you don't have potatoes (or just want a shortcut), follow this recipe and sub tonic water for tap water
Related Resources
- Experiment with food! Find recipes on our A to Z World Food database
- Our Hobby and Crafts database includes a science and technology section
- Find all kinds of scientific information in our Gale in Context: Science database
- Use Creative Bug to find neat projects that utilize the A(rts) in STEAM
- Enroll in a free tech, computer, or design class through our subscription to Gale Courses
Related Books
How to : absurd scientific advice for common real-world problems by Randall Munroe
Also available in: e-book
Also available in: e-book
Also available in: e-audiobook
Also available in: e-book | e-audiobook
Also available in: audiobook
The science of Rick and Morty : the unofficial guide to Earth's stupidest show by Matt (High school science teacher) Brady
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