Science at Home Experiments

Why does it only rain sometimes, and not whenever there are clouds in the sky? This experiment will model what is happening when clouds finally start to rain.

In this experiment, you will explore light refractions in water and the way light is made up of various colors using a jar or glass, water and a light source.

In this experiment, you will build a paper rocket that can be propelled with air. You’ll explore using air as a form of thrust, while changing variables along the way to make your rocket fly farther or straighter.

The reaction between baking soda and acid has been known for a long time. Its most common use is in baking, where the carbon dioxide gas that is produced makes things puff and rise. But how could you use this same chemical reaction to blow up a balloon?

Have you ever wondered how skyscrapers can be so tall? Or how people build bridges to span long distances? Explore engineering techniques to build sturdy structures using only marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti.

Which is stronger, paper or aluminum foil? Make a bridge at home with Angela and Tina Kalopisis and learn about the properties of different materials.

You don’t need a science lab to test pH levels! Join 3M Senior Research Specialist Dr. Kris Thunhorst as she uses a cabbage to test the pH levels of things found around her kitchen.

Join 3M Researcher Vasav Shani as he introduces you to the science of surface tension. Not only is it only important  for many engineering and earth science processes, it also makes blowing bubbles possible.

Did you know your red marker has more than just red ink inside of it? 3M’s SVP for Research & Development and Chief Technology Officer, John Banovetz shows a simple way to separate the materials in your marker using capillary action.

Believe it or not, you can feel sound! Join Gitanjali Rao, former Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge winner, as she teaches about the frequency of sound and how we perceive pitch.

A jetliner can weigh over 300 tons, so why doesn’t it just drop out of the air? 3M’s SVP of Corporate Affairs, Denise Rutherford explains the Bernoulli principle and how without it, planes (and birds) couldn’t fly.

Ever wonder why things mix (or don’t mix) differently in different temperatures of water? Join Camille Schrier, a scientist who was crowned Miss America 2020, as she explains diffusion and how substances move though water.

Follow along with 3M’s Sam Reiss, as he shows you that magnetism is more than just a simple push and pull – it’s an example of the power of the earth itself.

Join 3M scientist Jeff Payne as he uses nothing more than milk, dish soap, and a few other kitchen supplies to get the amazing effects of fireworks without using any fire at all.

How many water droplets do you think you can fit on a penny? Hint: it is more than you might think! Join 3M scientist Audrey Sherman to find out.

Your teacher might not love when you have one in class, but the physics behind fidget spinners are truly head-spinning! Join 3M scientist Tesha R.-Alston Dampier as she shows you how a spinning motion changes the way things move.

Follow along with 3M’s Chief Science Advocate, Jayshree Seth, as she teaches students how chemistry can help put some air where it’s most needed!