Demystifying the Poly Density Bottle


Dr. Kenneth Lyle, Duke University Department of Chemistryby Dr. Kenneth Lyle

The demonstration

The Poly Density Bottle is a fascinating demonstration primarily due to the phenomena being counterintuitive to what one would expect.  The bottle containing white and blue beads suspended in a clear and colorless liquid is shaken vigorously, distributing the beads randomly throughout (bottle A).  Upon standing, the beads separate from one another (bottle B) with the white rising to the surface while the blue sink to the bottom (bottle C).  Then, the two sets of beads move towards one another (bottle D) meeting near the middle (bottle E).  This demonstration can be easily repeated again and again.  And, once prepared, it can be stored for subsequent use year after year.  No additional preparation is required. Read the rest of this entry »


The “Magic” of the Soother Ooze Tube


Ken Byrne, Educational InnovationsBy Ken Byrne

Someone once told me that all magic is science, and all science is magic.  To me, a magic show is a series of puzzles for me to solve, trying to figure out just how they pulled off an illusion.  My favorite science demonstrations are much the same.  I love those demonstrations that make me scratch my head and ask, “Why?”

Here is one of my favorites that is easy and inexpensive.  It feels like a magic trick, but it is all science.  It simply involves rolling a cylinder down an inclined plane.  Sometimes the cylinder will roll down quickly.  Other times it will crawl down slowly. Read the rest of this entry »


Electricity from Mud?! Introducing the MudWatt Kit


Electricity from Mud?! Educational Innovations BlogBy Nancy Foote

When a little kid comes up to you and asks you do science, it’s hard to say no.  But when you’re a science teacher, and that little kid is your granddaughter, you know you have to come up with something fast.

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The Mysterious Floating Golf Ball – A Density Experiment


Linda Dunnavantby: Linda Dunnavant

A Density Experiment

Do you have to teach density as part of your curriculum?  If so, look no further than this “floating” golf ball lab!  Your students will be engaged and hopefully even amazed at how density affects the world around them.

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Summer Science Lesson


Lesson - Educational Innovations BlogWhat’s more summery than watermelon?  These fun lessons from the National Watermelon Promotion Board are perfect summer science activities and can be modified depending upon the grade range you’re teaching.

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