Finding Magnetic North

Hypothesis: I think that I will be able to determine where magnetic north is by making a simple water compass.

DIE-rections(just cuz it sounds dangerous): First you'll need a shallow pan or pie dish, a saucer smaller than the pie dish, sticky tape, a magnet and 2 cups of water.

Put the water in the pie dish, then tape the magnet in the center of the saucer. Place the saucer in the pie dish so that it's floating on the water. Be sure that the saucer is centered. If it touches the pan, then gently nudge the saucer back to the center of the pan. Watch what happens!

Conclusion: I watched the saucer turn in the water until it stopped and pointed in one direction without moving again. By putting the dish in the water, it was able to turn freely to magnetic north. This experiment was a success! I was able to find magnetic north on my own, which is a good thing, because my mom is horrible at direction!

Magnetic North is that way!

My dog, Vivi looking for magnetic north.

I don't think she found it.

Baking Soda Explosion!

Today's experiment: BAKING SODA EXPLOSION!!!!!
Hypothesis: I think that if you combine vinegar and baking soda in a plastic (zip type) bag, sealing the bag, it will EXPLODE!!

Directions: You will need about a 1/4 cup of baking soda and a 1/2 cup of vinegar as well as a small zip type bag.

You might also want to employ a helper. I used my sister, but I didn't have to pay her because my mom said she has to help me. =) hee hee

Have your helper hold the bag (just in case something explodes early, that way only your helper will smell like vinegar for a week, and you can still go out in pubic...) while you pour the baking soda in first and then quickly add the vinegar. Make sure to close the bag AS SOON AS the ingredients are combined. Then SHAKE IT!

Conclusion: The bag didn't explode but it started expanding as soon as it was sealed. It got tighter when I shook it, and I really thought it would explode. After a little while, without any explosive action, I decided to help the process along by throwing the bag down from my deck to the ground. It still didn't explode, but it sprang a leak.