Do It Yourself: Materials

This is a more descriptive and complete listing of the materials used by MOSH educators and Rufus Payne Teachers to bring Energy in Motion to their students. We apologize for the size of this page (the largest in the site) but thought the graphics were worth it!

Anenometer: a tool which measures wind speed or energy produced by wind. High grade anemometers can be found in science supply catalogs but simple ones can be created from goods available in craft stores.

Energy Dominoes: mismatching terms and definitions which can be connected by their "matching" counterparts on other blocks. Used to get the students thinking about some different kinds of energy. We made ours ourselves but you could find the materials at any craft store.

Tesla Coil: broadcasts a wavelength of AC electricity. You will only find tesla coils in science supply catalogs (unless you're lucky enough to have a science supply store in your town)

Incandescent bulb: the kind people use in homes and offices around the world (and they get hot, really hot). They can be purchased at any place where there are people nearby (like convenience stores, grocery stores, and hardware stores).

Fluorescent bulb: found in the ceilings of offices and large complexes (they make lots of light but minimal heat). You can purchase them at most "big" general supply stores (like K-Mart or Target).

Radiometer: a device used to measure the intensity of light energy. Our radiometer is a very basic one which uses a moving array of colored panels as an indicator of light strength. Small radiometers can be found at magic shops and science supply stores.

Thermometer: used to measure the temperature of things. They come in many shapes and sizes and also in different measurements (like Fahrenheit and Celsius). Thermometers can be purchased just about anywhere.

Lemon: oblong citrus fruit known for its bright yellow color and sour taste. Especially tasty when squeezed into sweet tea. You can find them in the produce aisle of your local grocery store.

Copper wire: found in hardware and home supply stores, the 8 gage copper wire we used is the same that is often used in wiring projects that require more than an extension cord.

Steel paper clip: more entertaining than the plastic version (which do not work in our projects), steel paper clips are easily found at office supply stores.

Plasma ball: our plasma ball (may it rest in peace - bad luck struck it shortly after the close of the third outreach) came from a Halloween costume shop. They are considered novelty items but are actually a great way to illustrate obscure energy concepts. You can probably find one at your local Glow! store or some science catalogs.

Thionen solution: a mixture of thionen and other chemicals (Email me for the complete list and creation instructions). Light causes the solution to go from a deep purple to totally clear (depending on the mixture and the strength of the light). You will need a chemical catalog and a list to make it for yourself.

Stirling Engine: invented by Rev. Stirling, the Stirling engine represents a single piston external combustion engine operating entirely on heated air and its displacement. We ordered ours from a science supply catalog.

Hero Engine: A steam-powered turbine in its simplest form. The Hero engine is essentially a reservoir of water which is heated to produce steam. Two outlets for the steam (angled to turn it in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions) produce thrust to power the engine's movement. This was ordered from a science supply catalog.

Batteries: We used AAA, AA, C, and D size batteries in our experiments with circuits. These sizes can be found at any hardware or convenience store.

Mini-light sockets & bulbs: The small light bulb sockets we used for circuit experiments were found at our local Radio Shack (any electronics store should do fine). They came with wires attached and fit small (flashlight-size) lightbulbs (available at the same electronics stores). These smaller ones were chosen so the batteries listed above would be able to produce highly visible results.

Photon Solar Racer: A solar cell-powered car, assembled by some lucky students but ordered from a science catalog, was used to demonstrate that light could be used to power a real-world engine. It's also fun to play with.

Posters of forms of Transportation: made of high-quality showboard with a glossy finish, we had these visual aids to help explain how some forms of transit were more efficient than others in specific situations. We made ours ourselves and it would be a fun activity for your students to make them too.

Poker Chips: plastic poker chips represented "energy tokens" for the students to use. The various colors represent renewable and nonrenewable sources (or any other factors you would like to use). They are easy to find at any general goods stores.

Van de Graff: a very useful tool in exploring (static) electricity with the students, these handy devices generate static electricity. Only science catalogs would have them.

Leyden Jar: a simple capacitor similar to ones used as far back as 1745. They are easy to make yourself but the best ones are made by the experts at most science supply companies.

Balloons: no demonstration of science is complete without balloons. Especially high quality balloons can be found at party supply stores but regular ones can be found just about anywhere.

Bowling Ball: the common bowling ball is used by indoor sport enthusiasts throughout the country. The bowling ball we use has not been drilled so it needs a harness when we explain potential and kinetic energy. There are many places to purchase them but, chances are, you know someone you can borrow one from.

If there are any further questions about the materials listed here (or any questions at all) just contact the Webmaster at your earliest convenience.