Science Smarts: Magic science… or is it?

By PATTY ROOKS on June 10, 2022.

Well, I need to be honest with all of my loyal readers this week…. I am a little bit stressed, BUT also REALLY excited!

In case you have not heard, our 30th anniversary celebration is fast approaching. On June 18, we will be at the Stampede Grounds, Carriage House showcasing many of our exciting experiments (for you to participate in) as well some local scientists performing some “explosive” science…I cannot wait. Here is a sneak peak at one of the activities we may have on hand.

Let’s get started!

Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

• Large popsicle sticks (similar to the kind you would find in a doctors office)

• Flat table or large clear area on the floor

Procedure

• Start with two popsicle sticks. Place them in a “X” shape on the floor.

• Take a third popsicle stick and “weave” the end underneath the second stick at the BOTTOM of the X. You will see how the rest of this third stick goes over the top of the X.

• Repeat Step 2 with a fourth popsicle stick. This time, start underneath the SECOND popsicle stick and weave it over the third popsicle stick.

• Continue this pattern until you have a chain as long as you desire or you run out of popsicle sticks.

• Now it is time for the “magic”. Release your popsicle stick and watch what happens!

What is going on?

In this experiment you create a CHAIN REACTION that involves both potential and kinetic energy. As you wave the sticks together, you are building potential energy. If you observe closely, you will see how you are creating tension in the wood of the stick. As you bend each stick and weave it in, it is creating this tension. Then the magic happens… as you release the last stick, all of that tension and potential energy is released (quickly I might add) in a chain of kinetic energy!

Keep an eye on our social media as we have officially kicked off our 30th anniversary celebrations. June will be a busy month and we hope you will join us for this FREE community event on June 18 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for our official celebration at the Carriage House.

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact with Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403.527.5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.