Here are some experiments to get your children interested in learning physics. These experiments are easy but more importantly, they are fun!

Experiment 1

Potato Battery

You will need:

  • 2 big potatoes, fresh and washed thoroughly to remove all traces of dirt
  • 3 good quality copper wires – approx. 20 cm long
  • 2 galvanised nails (ordinary nails do not have the metal for this experiment)
  • 2 copper nails (or  you can use copper coins instead)
  • 6 alligator clips
  • 1 wall clock or LED clock that uses 1 button or pencil type battery

 

Steps:

  1. Attach one alligator clip to each end of the copper wire.
  2. Insert galvanized nail at one end of each potato 
  3. Then insert a copper nail to the opposite side of each potato (You will now have one of each type of nail in each potato- make sure that the nails do not touch each other inside or outside the potato)
  4. Attach one alligator clip to one galvanised potato and the copper nail on the other potato to start creating a circuit.
  5. Remove the battery of the clock. Make a note of the + and – poles of the battery.
  6. Connect terminals A and D with one wire.
  7. Connect terminal B to the + and C to the – poles of the battery 

 

Experiment 2

Changing Gummy Bears’ shape and size

You will need:

  • Gummy Bears
  • Water Bowl

Steps:

  1. Add water to the bowl
  2. Place the gummy bears in the water
  3. Leave for 2 days then take a look and see what has happened!

 

Skittles rainbow experiment (this is one of my favourites)

You will need:

  • Bag of skittles
  • Plate (experiment with different shapes)
  • Water

Steps:

  1. Arrange the skittles around the edge of the plate
  2. Gently pour water over all the skittle and watch it create a fabulous pattern of colours.

For all of the above experiments, try varying some of the ingredients. Instead of water try vinegar or a fizzy drink and instead of potatoes, try lemons.

Don’t forget to video and take photos of your experiments and tag us in them so we can see how you did! #redbridgetuition @redbridgetuition

 

If you enjoyed these physics experiments and then try these chemistry experiments or biology experiments at home.