Let's Get Creative with Science: Experiments for Kids Ages 11-15

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses potential science experiments suitable for a science club aimed at children aged 11-15. Participants suggest various experiments across topics such as sound, light, the solar system, forces, electric circuits, electromagnetism, and pressure, while also considering budget constraints and accessibility of materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for fun experiments and asks for suggestions related to specified topics.
  • Another suggests creating a speaker, which could relate to sound and electric circuits, and mentions a Peltier junction project as a resource.
  • Liquid nitrogen demonstrations are proposed as engaging, with one participant noting their affordability and versatility.
  • A suggestion is made to create a DC motor, incorporating elements of electromagnetism and magnetism, while expressing uncertainty about how to incorporate sound, light, or forces.
  • Superconductivity is mentioned as an interesting topic, with a kit available for purchase, alongside a homemade recipe that requires liquid nitrogen.
  • Budget constraints are highlighted by a participant from a British school, indicating that liquid nitrogen is not feasible unless it can be produced from fresh air.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share various ideas and suggestions, but there is no consensus on specific experiments or methods, particularly regarding the feasibility of using liquid nitrogen and budget limitations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing views on the accessibility of certain materials and the suitability of various topics for the age group. The discussion reflects a range of ideas without resolving the practical challenges posed by budget constraints.

colinr
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I have been roped into running a science club for kids age 11-15. I would like to do loads of fun experiments with them, but I'm having a mental block. If anyone knows of any demos that might interest this age group, please let know.

The topics are: Sound, Light, The Solar system, Forces, Electric circuits, Electromagnetism and Pressure.

Also if you know anything else that isn't these topics but is good science, I would really appreciate your help.

Thankyou
 
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colinr said:
I have been roped into running a science club for kids age 11-15. I would like to do loads of fun experiments with them, but I'm having a mental block. If anyone knows of any demos that might interest this age group, please let know.

The topics are: Sound, Light, The Solar system, Forces, Electric circuits, Electromagnetism and Pressure.

Also if you know anything else that isn't these topics but is good science, I would really appreciate your help.

Thankyou

You could make a speaker, that fits into all directly, except for light and the Solar system.

My well posted Peltier junction project.
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/auto/article/0,12543,683524,00.html

Liquid Nitrogen demos are loads of fun, lots of things you can do with those, and its cheaper than some think.

I've done hydrogen and oxygen production from water and a 2 9-volts in a parallel circuit. The class loved it.
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/science/article/0,12543,548213,00.html
 
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Make a DC motor? use apparatus which makes the coil rotate at a ghostly rate, so that it adds a little mystery to it. EM induction would be a cool topic as well. Introduce them to magnetism, I think kids would be fascinated by that, tell them that electricity and magnetism is basically the same thing, teach them the electrical method of magnetization? I'm not a big fan of Newtonian mechanics though. Can't think of ways where sound, light or forces is concerned.
 
Ooooh, superconductivity. You can buy a kit for under $40. I also found a recipe somewhere for one if you want to make it. Ceremic, requires liquid nitrogen
 
We're a British school, budget = 0 and liquid nitrogen is out of the question (unless anyone knows how I can make it out of fresh air)
 

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