Art
Mae Jemison Featured Scientist
Meet Mae Jemison Mae Jemison is today’s featured scientist in the spotlight. Mae Jemison was born in Alabama in 1956, and grew up in Illinois. She became interested in science as a young student, and excelled in school. She started college when she was just 16 years old, and earned degrees in chemical engineering and…
Read MoreBuild a Diddley-Bow Stringed Musical Instrument
DIY Diddley-Bow Objective: To build a basic diddley-bow in this do it yourself activity. The diddley-bow is an instrument much older than a viol, harp, or lute- it is a modification of a stringed instrument from West Africa. Difficulty Level: Easy (8-14 year olds) Easy with help (6-8 year olds) Kids younger than 6 can…
Read MoreDIY Spectroscope
Objective: Would you like to hold a rainbow in your hand? With a spectroscope, you can! You can make this device from simple materials you have at home. Then you can use it to learn more about light emitted around you. Difficulty Level: Easy (ages 8-14)/Easy with help (ages 3-8) Safety Note: Never look directly…
Read MoreAstronauts Launch from US Tomorrow #LaunchAmerica
Astronauts have not launched from the United States since 2011, and tomorrow’s mission is the beginning of a new era of space travel. NASA and SpaceX will launch two astronauts on a mission to join the crew of the International Space Station. As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley…
Read MoreDIY Drawing Machine
DIY Drawing Machine Objective: Create a drawing machine to make complex mathematical patterns. Explore the science on how gears move. Have you ever played with a Spirograph? These drawing devices can create beautiful patterns and are fun to tinker with. If you have patience and some time, you can build your own drawing machine just…
Read MoreBuild a Droid Arm
Build a Droid Arm Objective: Can you make a droid arm that could pick up a cup? In the Star Wars universe, Droids are machines, but so much more! Droids do many functions that are too dangerous for organic beings to do, from being exposed to the conditions of deep space to serving in battles.…
Read MoreSpeeder Bike Hoop Glider Activity
Speeder Bike/Hoop Glider Objective: Make a glider and learn about the physics of flight. Difficulty Level: Easy (ages 8-14) / Medium (ages 6-8) Download (PDF): Speeder Bike Hoop Glider Instruction Page Video Instructions: Between two Breakers Materials: 2 Straws Black permanent marker Clear tape Scissors Pencil Brown cardstock or construction paper Template Have you ever…
Read MoreEdible Kyber Crystals
Edible Kyber Crystals Objective: In the Star Wars universe kyber crystals are rare, and prized because they were essential to constructing a lightsaber. You can observe how sugar crystals form in this activity. Difficulty Level: Easy with help (ages 5-10)/Medium (ages 10-14) *This project involves using a stove. Be sure that you have an adult’s…
Read MoreHow to Build a Kaleidoscope
Our giant walk-in kaleidoscope at ScienceWorks is always a favorite place for visitors. Have you ever tried using our walk-in kaleidoscope, by yourself or with friends? Have you ever wondered how it works? You can make your own kaleidoscope at home, using some simple materials you have around the house. Then you can try your…
Read MoreEgg Protector Science Activity
Objective: Make an egg protector, a device to keep the egg shell from breaking when you drop it. Difficulty: Easy (Ages 8-14); Easy with help (Ages 2-8) Download and Print (PDF): Egg Protector Project Video Instructions: Between two Breakers Materials: Here are some of the items and materials that can be used in the egg…
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