— Milpitas, CA
Summer is the best time to explore different skills and activities you enjoy. The summer weather allows for experiments to be conducted not just indoors, but also outdoors. Here are some STEM-related experiments you can do by yourself or with your friends and families this summer!
Lift a bottle using friction
Friction is the force that restricts movement. By utilizing friction between your pencil and rice, this activity will allow you to lift a bottle with only a pencil!
What you need:
Funnel
Rice (non-cooked)
Pencil
A plastic bottle
Instructions:
Using the funnel, slowly fill the plastic bottle with rice. Insert a pencil all the way in, but make sure there is space for you to hold the pencil. Lift the pencil. The bottle should lift along with your pencil, but insert the pencil back into the bottle and try again if it doesn't.
Hydrophobic Sand
In this experiment, you will be making water-repellent sand. This may sound nearly impossible, but it's true: This type of sand doesn’t get wet!
What you need:
Water repellent fabric protector
Transparent plastic cup
A disposable plate and spoon
Water
Colored sand
Fan
Instructions:
On a disposable plate, spread out the sand in a thin layer. Spray the water-repellent fabric protector on top of the sand until it feels damp. Next, use the plastic spoon to mix the sand around and apply the fabric protector again. Leave for 1-2 hours or until dry. Repeat this process a few more times. After you are sure that the sand has been nicely coated with the fabric protector, fill the clear plastic cup with water. Put some sand into the cup. Once you take it out, notice how the sand is still completely dry!
Ice on a String
In this activity, you will be able to lift another unusual object. Using a piece of yarn, you will be able to lift up ice as the two are stuck together.
What you need:
Salt
11 inches or more of yarn
Ice Cubes
Water
A plate
Instructions:
Start by holding the yarn in water and moistening it. Next, put some water on the plate and then lay the ice cubes on the plate. Put the moist yarn on top of the ice, but leave part of the yarn off the plate to hold on to. Sprinkle salt on top of the yarn part of the yarn that is touching the ice. Wait 10-13 seconds and lift the string. You will notice that some of the ice will rise with it. How many can you lift?