The Pepper Magnet.

Hypothesis: I think that by rubbing a plastic spoon on a wool sweater to charge the spoon with static electricity, it will attract pepper away from salt.

DIE-rections: You'll need a saucer, a wool sweater, salt and pepper, and a plastic spoon.

First pour the salt and pepper on to the saucer. (It doesn't matter how much you pour on.) Then charge the spoon with static electricity by rubbing it really fast against the wool sweater. Then wave the spoon close to the saucer, letting it hover over the salt and pepper mixture. It should attract the pepper.

Conclusion: The spoon attracted the pepper, but no salt. It was a success! I encourage you to use this when separating salt and pepper.

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.