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What is a Whelmer?
Everyone likes to watch a fireworks show. That large bang and colorful flash of light certainly can capture our attention. A cluster of exploding sky rockets can be exciting, if not overwhelming. Scientists find similar excitement in learning new concepts and techniques—their curiosity can be captured by a new scientific experience.
These activities are designed to capture your curiosity and engage you in the scientific thinking process; while having fun! They are based on classic scientific discoveries; some dating back over 200 years. Scientists have used these activities to engage audiences around the world. They might not overwhelm you, but we predict you just might be whelmed!
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Balloon Electroscope
An electroscope is a device that indicates the presence of static charges. You can use balloons to make an electroscope and witness the effect of static charges before your very eyes! |
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Charged Fingers: Do You Have the Magic Touch?
Watch as your finger mysteriously moves a pencil without touching it! |
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Disappearing Glass
Glass objects seem to disappear when placed in cooking oil. |
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Gelatin Optic Fibers
Strips of gelatin dessert and a laser pointer demonstrate total internal reflection. |
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Pie-Pan Accelerometer
A metal pie pan demonstrates the acceleration of gravity. |
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Salt Engineering
Salt crystals demonstrate how forces can be directed in mechanical systems. |
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Sandwich-Bag Dart Board
Sharp pencils and water-filled sandwich bags demonstrate the nature of certain polymers. |
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Triboluminescence
Detectable flashes of light are released as wintergreen-flavored candies are crushed in darkness. |
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Two-Stage Balloon Rocket
Build a multistage rocket from two balloons! |
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Water Jug Race
First one to empty the jug wins! And it's not as easy as it sounds... |
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