- Find out how the speed a meteor is going determines the size of a crater on the moon.moon image by Augenblicke from Fotolia.com
Learning about the mysteries of science is not only educational but fun--it helps you look at the world differently. Everyday items we take for granted were "discovered" by scientists, such as the clock or battery. Most of us do not even consider how these ordinary items work or the process of invention. Using basic, easy-to-obtain materials and keeping a journal of your observations, you can create your own scientific "discoveries." - To understand how the earliest clocks worked, simply think of how a yo-yo unwinds. You will need a piece of strong thread or cord, a heavy button or washer, an empty spool of thread and a pencil or smooth stick; the stick should fit firmly, but not be too tight or too loose. Tie one end of the cord to the washer or the heavy button; tie the other end around the spool and wind the cord. Place the pencil through the spool and turn the spool so the weight (washer or button) is hanging down. Hold onto the pencil and observe what happens.
Wind up the string with the weight hanging down but this time tap the cord on the spool with your finger. Your finger acts as a breaking system causing the weight to fall in a slow, steady rhythm.
Early clocks worked similarly, using a device called an escapement. The escapement ensured the weight fell slowly and steadily, preventing the drum (spool) from rotating too quickly. - Find out how the speed and distance of meteors determines the size and distance of moon craters. This is a messy project, so prepare it outside and wear old clothes; place old newspapers under the pan for easy clean up.
Pour one cup of flour, baking soda or sand into a small shallow container. Level the flour over the entire pan to represent the moon's surface. Take your meteor (a small ball, large marble or lump of clay) and drop it from a height of 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) onto the moon surface. Determine the size of the crater by measuring from the edge of one rim to the other. Record in your journal the distance the meteor fell and the diameter of the crater; draw a picture labeling both measurements.
Flatten the moon surface and drop your meteor at twice the original distance. Record your results. Repeat your experiment several times, gradually increasing the height of each drop. And remember to flatten your moon surface before each drop.
Conclude from your journal observations the difference between a greater distance impact and a closer distance impact. - You can make a small battery with loose change. "Wet cell" batteries use a conductor, such as vinegar (acid) soaked absorbent paper, placed between two different metals creating a chemical reaction that converts electrons into electrical energy.
Pour vinegar into a small bowl and soak 19 one-inch by one-inch (2.5 by 2.5 cm) strips of paper towel in the solution. Stack 10 copper coins and 10 other metal coins (anything but copper), alternating copper and other metals, placing between each coin one of the vinegar-soaked strips. Moisten one finger on each hand and hold the coins between those fingers. You will experience a small electric shock.
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