Engineering
Edible 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…
Read MoreInsect Hotel: Earth Day Engineering Project
Objective: We can encourage beneficial insects to our yards by making them an insect hotel. Difficulty Level: Easy (all ages) Download and Print (PDF): Earth Day Engineering Project: Insect Hotels Materials: A large plastic bin or box Pine needles, Pine cones Sticks, Bark 2 or 4 bricks Empty 2 liter bottles Soil Paper towels A…
Read MoreDIY Pollinator Packets
Objective: You can help native pollinators by making some pollinator packets in this DIY activity brought to you by ScienceWorks Online. These are small spheres made of clay, soil, and wildfire seeds, that you can toss into any bare spot in your garden. Follow this recipe and have some fun out in the garden this…
Read MoreEggshell in Vinegar Experiment
Eggshells are quite strong, even though they are considered fragile. Birds have evolved to make eggs that are hard to break. Of course, that doesn’t mean they can survive being dropped from a height, or being smashed with a hammer. But, the calcium carbonate that makes up an eggshell is very tough. A healthy bird’s…
Read MoreMake a Loom and Weave with Natural Materials
Looms are related to computers! In 1801, Joseph-Marie Jacquard improved on a design for an automatic loom by making it programmable with punch cards. This Jacquard loom inspired later engineers, who used the design as a reference in developing the first computers. Shortly after, Charles Babbage developed a machine to do complex calculations. He called…
Read MoreHow to Make a Science Journal
A science journal is an essential piece of equipment. Scientists record their observations, predictions, and experiments in a journal. You can use any ordinary notebook as a science journal, but it’s a fun project to make your own. This science journal has a pocket attached for specimens you find out in the field, notes, or…
Read MoreZipline Engineering Project
Are you ready for a fun engineering project? Engineering is using science to find ways to solve problems. An engineer starts with an idea, then makes plans for how they could make the idea happen. They design, build, and test out different solutions, and they might start over a few times. If you’ve ever made…
Read MoreHome Science Kit: Build Your Own
If you have a home science kit ready to go, you can do your own science activities and investigations anytime. You can think like a scientist anywhere! Scientists notice the world around them, and ask lots of questions. They try to figure out why things happen, and are always curious. These materials can help you…
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