Oakland Discovery Center

Gak, more commonly known as slime, is something almost everyone has made, but here are some instructions on how to make glow-in-the-dark gak.  At the end of this entry, explore some of the science behind gak and glow-in-the-dark toys. For this experiment, you will need:   white glue borax water spoons plastic containers for mixing Green phosphorescent  pigment (available for purchase at www.douglasandsturgess.com) Add 1/4 water and 1 tsp. of borax to one container. Add 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup white glue to a second container. Make sure that both mixtures are fully combined and dissolved. Add 1/2 tsp. green phosphorescent pigment to the glue and water mixture.  Stir well. Add the water and borax mixture to the white glue, pigment, and water mixture. Stir quickly to combine the two.  Strands should begin to form as the mixture thickens. Stop stirring once all the water is dissolved. The resulting mixt...

Perhaps you've seen hot air balloons for sale as science demonstrations/experiments that you fill up with hot air from a hair dryer and let float to the top of the room.  This product can be easily recreated on a smaller scale with tissue paper.  This project is a great way to demonstrate and learn about gases and density. You'll need: 5-6 sheets of tissue paper, a strip of paper, a glue stick, a marker, scissors, and  a hair dryer. The first step is to layer 5-6 sheets of tissue paper and fold them in half lengthwise. Use a marker to draw a half tear drop shape. Cut along the line and unfold the layers.  Each one will be a panel for the hot air balloon. Using a glue stick, or wet glue thinly applied with a paintbrush, glue one edge (marked in the picture above) and layer another panel on top. Pres down firmly to seal the edge. Once the glue has dried, unfold the two panels to inspect for any holes.  Make sure to seal...

A large, plastic syringe can be used to create pickles almost instantly. The syringe is used a create a difference in pressure that causes the pickling solution, vinegar, to quickly permeate the cucumber pieces.  For this quick experiment you'll need: a cucumber, a knife, a large plastic syringe, and flavored vinegar (apple cider and rice wine make tasty pickles). Chop a cucumber into small 1/2" pieces and place several inside the syringe tube. Insert the plunger and use it to draw up enough vinegar to fill the syringe 2/3 to 3/4 full.  Make sure to get out as much air as possible. Place your thumb very firmly over the syringe opening and use the other hand to forcefully depress the plunger. Keeping your thumb firmly sealed, withdraw the plunger and keep it extended for about one minute.  This may cause a small amount of discomfort to your thumb. Remove the plunger and empty out the contents of the syringe.  These cucumber piec...

Fusing plastics bags is a really easy and great way to make use of all those extra plastic grocery store bags lying around.  All you need is some parchment paper, a few plastic bags, scissors, a towel, and and iron.  The resulting product has a vinyl-like feel and is perfect for making wallets and even tote bags. The first step is to flatten out the plastic bag and cut off the bottom and the top handles. Place a large towel down on a flat surface.  An ironing board works as well, but this will give you a larger work space.  On top of the towel, place a large sheet of parchment paper.  Fold the flattened bag in quarters and place it on top of the parchment paper. Lay another sheet of parchment paper on top of the folded plastic bag.  With an iron set to medium or "rayon" setting, firmly and smoothly press down and iron over the plastic bag for about 15-20 seconds. Remove the iron, wait about 10 seconds for the plastic to cool,...

Creating vibrant, colorful flowers from plain white flowers is really easy to do and a fun way to study plant vascular systems.  Any white or lightly colored flower will work well, but carnations are particularly fitting due to their sturdy nature and petal structure. Freshest flowers will soak up dye the fastest. Materials needed: different colors of liquid food dye, white flowers, a sharp knife, and mason jars (cups work as well) Fill the jars or cups with lukewarm water. Add several drops of food dye to each jar.  The more food dye added, the more colorful the flowers will be. Stir the dye into the water. Cut the flower stems at an angle.  Shorter stems will cause the flowers to soak up dye more quickly.  Cutting the flower stems under water can prevent air bubbles from getting trapped in the stem's vascular system; these air bubbles can prevent the dye from being soaked up to the petals. Set the flowers in the jars o...