These water "tricks" seem like magic, but they're really fun scientific experiments that illustrate the many properties of water. If a kid you know is having trouble getting into the groove of science or simply bored, these easy tricks might be a great way to kick start his or her interest in the subject.
After I showed my nephew this awesome project with milk and food coloring he was practically nagging me to show him more "magic tricks." That's when I busted out these awesome Coca-Cola tricks</a>; where would I be without the internet? (I'd be a way less cool aunt, that's for sure.)
My favorite trick (illustrated below) is the water balloon experiment. Hold any balloon over a candle and it will surely pop. But if you fill that very same balloon with water and hold it over a flame, the balloon will go unscathed. Furthermore, you can even use the balloon to quench the flame. So what's the science behind that?
Water can absorb heat enormously well. The water inside of the balloon absorbs the heat away from the rubber or latex of the balloon. The balloon remains intact when the heat is concentrated elsewhere. Amazing!
These seven simple learning activities only require a few household items, so just grab: water (obviously!), a plastic bottle, a glass bottle, screen, a rubber band, a candle, and a UV lamp if you happen to have one.
Even if you don't feel like acting these experiments out, they're still pretty spectacular to watch. If you're curious about how each of these crazy tricks works, make sure you watch the video at the end of the gallery!
1. Hold an empty glass in front of an image. See the arrows pointing left?
Fill the glass with water and see the image reverse. The arrows are pointing right!
2. Pour pepper into a bowl of water.
Add soap to your fingertip.
Dip your soapy finger into the bowl and see the pepper spread to the edges. The pepper never touches the finger!
Want to learn how to bend light? Click to the NEXT page!
3. Light a candle (with adult supervision!).
Hold a water balloon over the candle. It won't pop.
4. Poke a small hole into a plastic bottle and fill it with water.
Point a laser pen through the tiny hole and see the light bend.
Click to the NEXT page to see a super simple, homemade night light!
5. Grab a bottle of tonic water.
Turn off the lights and turn on your UV light, and voila! A homemade night light!
6. Place a small piece of screen over the lid of a glass bottle and secure it with a rubber band. Fill the bottle to the brim with water.
Cover the lid with your palm.
Slowly turn the bottle upside down, then carefully remove your hand.
Watch as no liquid leaves the bottle. You can even push toothpicks through the screen and not a single drop will come out. The toothpicks will float right to the top!
Have you ever seen water freeze right in front of your eyes? It's an amazing experience — click to the NEXT page to see a simple way to do this activity!
7. Freeze purified water in a plastic bottle to 32 degrees.
Hit the bottle against a hard surface.
Watch the water instantly freeze over.
Pour the ice cold water over ice.
Watch it turn into slush in the palm of your hand!
Watch the video below to see all of these tricks in action!
