Advanced Search
Search Results
37 total results found
MSU Science Theatre
Demos
A list of all demos and instructions for how to run them for MSU Science Theatre.
Solar System Model
This is a partially to scale model of the solar system to demonstrate the relative sizes of the planets. (The distances cannot be proportional to the sizes of the planets because they are too far apart)
DNA from Strawberries
This is the classic DNA extraction experiment that uses some chemicals to extract a visible amount of DNA from strawberries. Currently there is no documentation for this demo.
Keep Your Balance (aka Magic Spoon)
Magic Spoon (Keep Your Balance) is a simple physics demonstration of torque and lever arms. Have one person stand on one leg with there arms out. Another person will then try to push gently with a spoon (or just their hand). Pushing close to there shoulder is...
Predator and Prey
This demonstration works well as a introductory lesson on evolutionary adaptation. There are several ways to adapt this demonstration, so feel free to experiment with different kinds of environments! Materials Poster Board (White) Optional: Green Tableclo...
Acetone and Styrofoam
Acetone and Styrofoam is demonstration of a simple chemical reaction that is very portable and effective for stage shows like on the UP trip. Materials Two large opaque containers (must be made of HDPE to avoid a reaction) Acetone Many large pieces of S...
Candy Conflagration
This demonstration is an exciting way to show the parts needed for a combustion reaction. There is a lot of possible information to include in this demonstration, making it versatile in the age ranges it can be used with. Materials Test tubes Ring stand...
Elephant Toothpaste
A classic chemical reaction that is easy and great for all ages. Materials 30% Hydrogen Peroxide Potassium Iodide (KI) Solution 500mL Graduated Cylinder or Erlenmeyer Flask Soap Food Dye 50mL Centrifuge Tube Large Clear Bin Safety Precaution...
Liquid Nitrogen
The Liquid Nitrogen demonstration is one of our most popular demonstrations to be requested. This demonstration requires a lot of practice before being performed, and volunteers must first go through the proper Cryogen Safety training before they are allowed...
Non Burning Money
As with all fire demonstrations, keep a fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution. This demonstration is a favorite among both presenters and students, and is often requested and performed at all grade levels. Materials Nonburning Solution Ethanol or...
Polymer Milk Jug
This demon involved slightly melting the side of a milk jug with a blow torch and then blowing air into it for form a bubble. It can be used to explain what polymers are and some of their properties.
Skittle Chromatography
Chromatography is a common chemistry method that can be used to analyze the properties of a solution. The dyes used in skittles can work as a simple hands on chromatography demo.
Whoosh Bottle
A fiery demo about chemistry and pressure. In the whoosh bottle demo you add 15ml to a large water container and then spin the bottle around to spread the methanol around the inside of the bottle. Once the liquid is evenly spread, the gas will evaporate and fi...
Seismometer
This a new demo that is still under development. It involves a raspberry shake hooked up to a computer with the rsudp software installed. The demo involves explaining what a seismometer is and what it is used for and then asking the audience to stomp their fee...
Shaker Table
This geology demo highlights the importance of foundation for earthquake resistance, by letting kids create small towers on a movable platform and then simulating an earthquake by shaking the table.
Bed of Nails
Materials Two blast shields Bed and blanket of nails Wooden foot and back supports Wood leg coverings (x2) Thick gloves for sleeper (x2) Goggles for the sleeper Sweatshirt for the sleeper Sledgehammer Metal cinder block holders (x2) Plastic tar...
Bernoulli's Principle
This is one of our most commonly performed demonstrations. It is easy to perform, easy to understand, and the topic matter is easily adjusted for all grades and age levels. Materials Shop Vacuum/Blower with Hose Ribbon Wand Beach Ball Round-bottom Pla...
Crush the Can
Materials An empty aluminum can a small aquarium filled with water heat resistant gloves propane torch a ring to hold the can small blast shield Safety Precautions Refer to the Demonstration Safety page. Science Theatre demonstrators must ke...
Faraday Cage
This is a modification of the Tesla coil demo that adds a Faraday cage for a person to sit in.
Favorite Dixie Cup
This pressure demo using many dixie cups to support the weight of a whole person or audience member. Place 100 dixie cups on a wooden board, then place another board on top and stand on that board. Your weight will be spread across all the cups.
Flame Tube
This demo features our six foot Reuben's Tube, and is a very impressive demonstration on sound waves. this demonstration is a popular request, and is easily adapted to present to a variety of audiences. Materials Flame Tube with hose Propane tank Spe...