Okay let’s be real. We all need a little down time and while it may be tempting to use television as the babysitter, here are some super cool, worthwhile science and engineering videos to watch with your kids and thought starters for how you can explore these concepts at home.
Candy Lab: I want candy!
No spoilers on this video … you’ll have to watch and see. Nerd exploration at home…try this technique with Play-Doh. Make colored rolls and wrapping them together using a thin flat piece. Continue to roll until the roll is as thin as you like and use something to cut the pieces. GadgetGirl came up with this on her own and this is what her final dried creations looked like. For older kids you could even try this technique with sushi making or other food.
Epic Christmas Marble Run
These people are seriously my heroes! I love that they did this to their house. Super gratifying to watch and yes you have to watch the whole thing! At home, we weren’t ready for a marble set as WildStyle still forgets not to put things in her mouth so our version of this was to take wrapping paper tubes, tape them together, tie to the stair banister and send different small things down to the bottom like clothes pins, pieces of uncooked pasta or small toy cars and see how fast they would go and if we could get them to land in a small shoe box.
Light Balance on AGT
This one will take some explanation for younger children but it involves coding, design and collaboration between both to create an incredible show. Also a good way to discuss that choreography is a type of coding.
Lego Gummies by King of Random
Bring it home! We ordered the Lego mold off amazon here but actually never dove in to make the gummies. Instead we filled the tray with food coloring and water to make Lego ice for an ice party. If you make the gummies post back and share with us!
Japanese Bottle Train
Bring it home – try filling up different containers of glass with water and see what notes you can make. If you have a musical instrument at home try and match specific notes from the instrument. If you make a song, please post and share it back to inspire others!
3-2-1 Contact Electricity
Okay this had to make the list for us to share this awesome show with our kids. Plus do you really know how electricity is made??
Bubbles!
While we didn’t try mixing smoke in with our bubbles, the Bubble Thing does make some seriously amazing bubbles. It works best on a humid day. Or go low budget but fun every time and try to blow bubbles out the backside of your hands by cupping them when you wash your hands. Use dish soap to make it easier. It’s a great way to experiment with different amounts of soap and water to find what makes the best bubble.
Xylophone in Forest
Yes, this was made for a commercial but the precision of wood cutting and angles and placement is really unbelievable.
250,000 dominoes / Rube Goldberg Machine
It would be interesting to see what Clueless Dad and Imperfect Dad come up with for this one. Should I challenge them??
5 Crazy Science Stunts You Won’t Learn at School
We don’t recommend doing any of these so for once, just sit back and enjoy!
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