Fun Science Experiments
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In one, we’ll heat up a piece of iron wire and cool it down to see what happens to it, and in the other we’ll try to set some steel wool on fire.
Both experiments require a parent’s supervision. Do not attempt on your own!
Fun Science Experiments #1:
Tempering a Paper Clip
This fun science experiment displays a simple process known to every blacksmith throughout history. The process is called “tempering.” This is the technique of heating up iron until it is glowing hot, then cooling it down so as to make it either more or less flexible, depending on the blacksmith’s needs. Use caution when working around open flames and heat metals. This experiment is not very dangerous, but you can still get burned.
MATERIALS:
- Candle
- 3 paperclips
- large glass of water
- ceramic or Pyrex dish
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Come up with your hypothesis – what will happen to the paperclips after they have been heated and allowed to cool slowly, heated and cooled quickly, and left alone? Which ones will be the hardest? Which ones the most flexible?
2. Unbend all three paperclips and straighten them out
3. Carefully hold one of the paperclips in the flame until part of it is glowing orange. Then leave it on the dish for a while.
4. Hold the second paperclip in the flame until part of it is glowing orange, then immediately drop it into the water.
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6. After a few minutes have passed, test the properties of each of the three paperclips at the spot that was heated. Begin by observing: does it look any different? Then try bending the paperclips.
7. What were the results? Did they confirm your hypothesis?
*Further Reading: This fun science experiment tells you something about blacksmithing, one of the oldest human industries. After you complete the experiment, do some research on the process of tempering. What did ancient and medieval blacksmiths use tempering for? How did they accomplish it?
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Fun Science Project #2:
Setting Iron on Fire
In our last experiment, we heated iron by holding it in a fire. This time, we’re going to actually set the iron itself on fire. This is a fun science experiment, but it can also be dangerous. DO NOT attempt this experiment without adult supervision!MATERIALS:
- Steel wool
- 9 volt battery
- a fireproof surface, such as a pyrex dish
- chopstick or similar wooden object
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Start with a safety check: make sure your hands are clean and dry, and that there is absolutely nothing flammable near where you are doing the experiment. Make sure you know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher.
2. Put the steel wool on your fireproof surface. Quickly touch the battery to it, then remove the battery. If the battery becomes welded to the steel wool, quickly use the chopstick to pry it free.
3. Put the battery down and watch the steel wool. What happens to it?
4. Safely dispose of the battery
Fun science experiments don’t have to be hard to be fun!
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