A New Twist on the Tablecloth Trick
Are you planning your Thanksgiving dinner? Make sure to include the Tablecloth Trick for the pre-dinner entertainment.
First, make sure you have a tablecloth without a seam or an edge. A frayed edge that hasn't been sewn is perfect. Lay the…
Happy Halloween with Self-Carving Exploding Pumpkins
We at Steve Spangler Science have demonstrated Exploding Pumpkins for over 15 years. This year, we tried experimenting with small and large pumpkins to see which one would produce the biggest bang and test our timing skills. With the help of…
Lie Detection with the Classic Iodine Clock Reaction
Clay and Nick from Lenski Elementary joined me on 9News this week to test the honesty of 9News anchor Mark Koebrich.
Two clear liquids are mixed together and a question is asked. A truthful answer, and the liquid will remain clear. An untruthful…
The Explosive Power of Ethanol Rocket Fuel
This demonstration involves fire and is intended for trained chemistry teachers. Do not do this at home.
Homer Hickam's Rocket Boys is the story of kids in the 1950's who were fascinated with rocket science. The characters use pipes filled…
The Methane Mamba and Fire Bubbles
This demonstration is for educational purposes only. Do not try this at home.
Methane is one of only 13 gases that are lighter than air. Pump a little methane into soapy water, add a little fire and watch it do its dance.
With the help…
Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head – Mysterious Floating Water Worries Weathercaster
One glass mason jar filled with water and capped off with a simple index card put the fear of getting wet into 9News Weathercaster Becky Ditchfield. She was worried she'd get wet. The threat of moisture invading her hair style and outfit was…
How Do You Make a Square Bubble?
All you need to create the perfect bubble is a bowl of water, a little Dawn dish soap and a pipette. A little glycerin won't hurt either. Bubbles are always round, right? But how do you make that round bubble square? It's easier than you think.…
The Fear of Becoming Invisible – How Great Teachers Use Science Demos as Object Lessons
We salute and thank all of those great teachers out there who find engaging activities to get their students back in the seats and ready to learn for another school year. If you're a teacher, you know all too well the challenges we face keeping…
Ooey Gooey Science – Lisa Murphy's Color Mixing Madness with Shaving Cream
Who could turn down an opportunity to make a mess with shaving cream and learn about color mixing with the always fun Lisa Murphy? Not me! When I learned that Lisa and her husband, Tom, were planning a trip to Colorado, I asked if she would…
Television Secret #147 – Smart, Cute Kids Make Any Segment GREAT!
One of my favorite parts of hosting Science Mondays on KUSA-TV 9News is having guest helpers... and yesterday was no exception. I spent the afternoon with Sophie (6th grader) and Makayla (4th grader) as we experimented with different versions…
