Summary
Highlights
Learn how to thread a skewer through a balloon without it popping. The trick involves finding the thicker, less-stressed parts of the balloon (top and bottom) and lubricating the skewer with washing-up liquid to help it slide through and seal the holes.
Discover how to insert multiple sewing needles into a balloon without it bursting by first applying a strip of tape to the balloon's surface. The tape reinforces the balloon, preventing it from popping when a needle is pushed through.
Explore liquid density by layering water, food coloring, syrup, and oil in a glass. The liquids separate into distinct layers based on their densities, with the densest (syrup) at the bottom and the least dense (oil) at the top. Different objects are then dropped in to show how they float or sink based on their density relative to each liquid layer.
Construct a Cartesian diver using a pipette and a metal nut. When placed in a water-filled bottle and the bottle is squeezed, the diver sinks due to increased pressure compressing air inside, making it denser. Releasing the pressure allows the air to expand, and the diver floats back up. Variations using a drinking straw and plasticine are also shown.
Witness the dramatic effect of gallium metal on an aluminum can. Liquid gallium, applied to the abraded surface of the can, reacts with the aluminum, causing it to weaken and crumble, demonstrating a powerful chemical interaction.
Build a candle seesaw by preparing a candle with an exposed wick at both ends and balancing it on a needle between two glasses. As the candle burns, wax drips, causing it to seesaw. A more elaborate version using birthday candles, straws, and plasticine is also demonstrated, illustrating how burning and dripping wax continuously alters the balance and motion.