Activity 1: Create optical illusions

With Halloween around the corner, it’s time to get spooky! And why not start with a craft and learn some cool science facts along the way.

Create your own thaumatrope. A thaumatrope is a classic optical illusion toy consisting of a card with two different pictures on each side; when spun rapidly the pictures appear to combine. 

Optical illusions can use color, light and patterns to create images that can be deceptive or misleading to our brains. The information gathered by the eye is processed by the brain, creating a perception that does not match the true image. Optical illusions trick our brains into seeing things which may or may not be real.

Supplies needed:  

· A piece of paper cut into a circle

· Colored pencils, crayons or markers

· A wooden stick

Instructions: 

Use your imagination to think of two images that, when combined, will make an interesting new image. Examples include: a spooky grave and a zombie hand emerging from the dirt, a full moon in a night sky and a flying bat, a spider web and a spider, and many more! 

On one side of the circle, draw a picture, and on the other side, draw a continuation of the picture. Color the images with pencils, crayons or markers. 

Glue the rod to one side of the circle and start twirling. 

Activity 2: Create “Boo” Bubbles* 

Take it up a notch and become a mad scientist with our “Boo” Bubbles DIY experiment.  

The science behind these fog-filled bubbles:

Sublimation occurs when a solid substance bypasses a liquid state and transforms directly into a gas state. This is a physical change caused by a change in temperature. Dry ice is carbon dioxide in its solid form. The freezing point of dry ice is –109 degrees Fahrenheit. When exposed to any temperature warmer than –109 degrees Fahrenheit, carbon dioxide goes through the process of sublimation and becomes a gas.

Supplies needed:

· Dry Ice**

· Empty 2-liter bottle

· Warm water

· Heavy duty gloves

· Funnel

· Utility blade

· Small Plastic Cup

· Larger Plastic Cup

· Towel

· Rubber tube

· Dish washing liquid

Video Instructions here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeUDny-5nPo

*This activity requires adult supervision

**You can find dry ice at your local grocery store.

 

 

 

Activity 3: Mystery Boxes

Looking for a fun activity that you can play with more than one person and won’t cost a penny? Mystery boxes are the perfect idea! Test your knowledge and see how well you can identify what’s in your mystery box.

Did you know the part of the brain that perceives touch also perceives pressure, pain and temperature? It is called the somatosensory cortex. It is located in the parietal lobe, and it enables us to process our surroundings. Using previous knowledge, we can touch an unknown object and give a hypothesis as to what it might be. 

Supplies needed:

You need a partner and a few things around your home to start.

· 1 box or container to place the items in

· A blindfold or something to cover your partner’s eyes

·  3-4 items to place in the box

Instructions:

Find a partner and an empty box. Next collect 3-4 random items from around your home and put them in the box. Blindfold your partner and see if they can identify what you put in the box. This is the perfect game for any Halloween or holiday party.

 

Science Kits in the Museum Store

For those looking for kits that come with all the supplies needed, don’t worry, these sets give you the same DIY vibe but come equipped with all supplies and can be found in Fernbank’s Museum Store.

 

Activity 4: DIY Lemon Clock

Create your very own clock that runs with no batteries. This experiment is a MUST try!

*Cost: $26

 

Activity 5: Create your own Water Garden

Bring peace and tranquility to any space with this water garden.

*Cost: $34.99

 

Activity 6: Grow Crystals

Experiment with nature and its beauty with this experiment. Grow your own real crystals!

*Cost: $15.99

 

If you're eager to step outside and break free from the four walls of your home, please explore some of our exhibits, giant screen films and upcoming events:

Upcoming and current special exhibits

Discovery days

After-hours events

Upcoming events

Films currently playing in the Giant Screen Theater

 

We would love to see if you try any of our DIY experiments. Post a picture of your experiment and tag us on social media @FernbankMuseum