Magic Melting Ice Cubes
Simon Quinnell, from the National Science Learning Centre, shows how to carry out some ‘magic’ at the Christmas dinner table using ice cubes, a plastic chopping board and a frying pan. When asked to feel the plastic and the metal, people usually describe the plastic as warmer to the touch. They are then surprised…
Magic Gas
Simon Quinnell, from the National Science Learning Centre, demonstrates the properties of gases in this surprising Christmas table experiment. He drops an effervescent digestion tablet into a wine glass containing some water to generate carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is heavier than air, and can be poured over a candle flame.…
Flying Tinsel
Simon Quinnell, from the National Science Learning Centre, demonstrates static electricity and charge using a balloon and a piece of plastic tinsel. Rubbing the balloon on a jumper builds up a negative charge on its surface. When the positively charged tinsel is dropped onto the surface of the balloon it is first attracted to…
Jumping Candle Flame
Simon Quinnell, from the National Science Learning Centre, shows how to carry out some ‘magic’ at the Christmas dinner table using a candle and a match. After letting the candle burn for a minute, Simon blows the flame out so that the smoke continues to rise above it. Then when a match is placed near the wick, the…
Experiments in Science: Time Lapse Video
Richard Needham, from the National Science Learning Centre, demonstrates how to use time lapse video to speed up action that would otherwise be either too slow to notice within a normal school science lesson, or to provide opportunities to explore gradual changes outside a classroom. Examples of biology experiments which could…
4/5- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Demonstrations for the Christmas Dinner Table
In this Science Learning Centre video, Simon Quinnell demonstrates four experiments, with the theme of Christmas, that teachers can do in the school laboratory. These are: • Tea bag convection - see how a burning teabag mysteriously rises on convection currents in the air around it. • The candle demonstration - generate…
Jelly Liquidiser
In this Christmas table experiment, Simon Quinnell, from the National Science Learning Centre, demonstrates why pineapple should not be added to jelly. When he adds pineapple to a bowl of jelly, the jelly liquefies due to the action of an enzyme in the fruit which breaks down the gelatin. This is an example of a defence…
Primary Science Activities for Winter
In this National Science Learning Centre video, Zoe Crompton shows two activities that primary teachers can use in the winter. Each one involves using snow or ice. The first activity is inspired by the question "Why do we put salt on the roads?" It demonstrates a fair test to compare the effectiveness of table salt and…
Dry Ice Demonstration
In this National Science Learning Centre video, Simon Quinnell demonstrates an experiment using solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) and sodium hydroxide which is likely to impress students. The experiment can be used to talk about the properties of solids, liquids and gases, acids and alkalis or used as an open evening demonstration.…
- 4/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Cannon Fire Demonstration
In this Science Learning Centre video, Simon Quinnell demonstrates a spectacular and noisy experiment showing the oxidisation of hydrogen peroxide using ethanol and potassium permanganate. An exciting illustration of energy changes, the sound of these substances reacting with each other sounds like cannon fire.
Ice Melting Blocks Demonstration
In this National Science Learning Centre video, Simon Quinnell investigates the way different materials conduct heat using conductivity blocks and ice cubes. The video shows how the ice cubes melt at different rates depending on the thermal conductivity of the materials they are sitting on. Simon explains how this experiment can…