Labs (Not the Furry Kind)

I always feel a smidge better as a teacher when I do experiments in science.

Some recent enjoyable labs have included:

Construction of a camera obscura. This device was used to prove the rectilinear propagation of light... er, to prove that light travels in a straight line. We made a crude model from a VetWrap box and semi-translucent paper. Lo and behold, the images of candle flame and flashlight beam were indeed flipped upside down.

Concoction of candy canes (and purple candies of spherical and various abstract shapes). This lab demonstrates the change in boiling point with increasing solute concentration (from 212 F to 270 F).

Try these experiments yourself (see associated links above)! They require no specialized equipment or materials.

If you're up for a cardiovascular study... buy a pack of chicken hearts at the store. They are usually in great shape for identifying semilunar valves, atrioventricular valves, aortas and more!

With a cream separator, investigate gear ratios, mechanical advantage, inertia, and centripetal force. Only, don't expect cream from homogenized milk. I tried... I didn't work.

Ah, then there's always the turkey neck spinal cord hunt. Meat bits scattered on table, chair and floor. Fun times!