Cool Science Projects for Boys

Ballon Hovercraft

• Vehicles are always a favorite of young boys. Hovercrafts are especially intriguing, and with a few, easy-to-find items, kids can build their own scaled-down versions. You just need a balloon, a plastic plate, some putty, a film canister and a ballpoint pen. Simply poke a hole in the center of the plate with the pen and place the canister over the hole, securing it with the putty. Then blow up the balloon and wrap the opening around the top of the canister. The air, forcing its way out of the balloon, will shoot through the canister and out the bottom the plate, creating a cushion of air underneath. With a gentle nudge, the balloon hovercraft will glide across a table.

Rube Goldberg Machine

• A Rube Goldberg machine is a device named after the cartoonist, Rube Goldberg, who used to design them. These are deliberately over-complicated contraptions that are usually based on a series of chain reactions. There is no single Rube Goldberg machine to design; it is often up to the creator. These machines usually make use of common items, such as a row of dominoes, which will topple when tapped, and pin-balls, which can be sent down slides and across tables. Gravity, with the use of weights and scales, is another important aspect of Rube Goldberg machines. All in all, this is a great way for boys to learn about the delicacy of physics.

Phenakistoscope

• Building their own phenakistoscope is a great optical illusion project for young boys. This device was one of the first ways in which animation was created. The only items necessary to create a simple phenakistoscope are a pencil, a white paper plate and a ruler. First take the ruler and pencil and draw, from the outer edge of the plate toward the center, 13 lines, evenly spaced. Each line should be about 2 inches long. Between each line, choose a design to animate. It can be as simple as a blinking eye. Starting from the top and going clockwise, draw each frame with a new step in the motion of the animation. Once this is completed, simple poke the pencil into the center and give the plate a spin. By focusing only at the top of the place, the viewer will see the animation come to life.

Lava

• Boys love gooey substances, so the idea of creating their own cup of oozing lava should certainly be exciting for them. You just need a clear glass, one-fourth a cup of vegetable oil, a teaspoon of salt, red food coloring and water. Fill the glass most of the way to the top with water and add a few drops of the food coloring. Next, add the vegetable oil, which will form a clear layer at the top. Finally, gently sprinkle the salt into the cup and watch the chemical reaction take place. The bits of salt will create bubbles that float up and down the cup, quite similar to a lava lamp. The larger the glass, the more bubbles.

Exploding Plastic Bag

• It would be hard to find a boy who isn't interested in a science project that involves explosions. Luckily, there are a few that are safe for boys over 8 -years-old, such as the exploding plastic bag. This experiment should be done outside, because it will leave bit of a mess. The ingredients needed are a quarter cup of warm water, half a cup of vinegar, three teaspoons of baking soda, a tissue and, of course, a small plastic bag. Simply add the water, vinegar and baking soda to the bag, quickly seal it and wrap it in tissue. The explosion is harmless, but it is best to stand back at least 5 feet, just to be safe. The bag will begin to expand until it pops, sending liquid and bits of tissue into the air.