Kitchen Science Experiments

Build a Hot Air Balloon

Hot air balloons are the most elegant way to fly - build one from normal kitchen materials.

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Freezing lemonade bottles

In this cool experiment you can freeze a bottle of lemonade in front of your eyes.

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Seeing the invisible

Carbon Dioxide is an invisible gas that amongst other things we breath out. In this experiment you can see it.

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Custard Fireballs

How the size of what is burning can affect how it burns. We compared burning logs, twigs, paper and custard powder.

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Strange Glows from Sugar

How to make strange unearthly glows by torturing sugar cubes...

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Why sodium street lights make things look orange

Many people are familiar with the phrase 'as sure as eggs is eggs', but can we be as sure that orange is orange? It turns out that the answer is no, and to reveal why, Anna and Dave go to Cottenham to carry out some Kitchen Science with enthusiastic helpers Luke and Alice.

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How a Smoke Detector Works

Most people think radiation is a bad thing, but if you take a look inside a humble smoke detector, you'll find that it's radiation that's keeping us alive. However, you should NOT attempt to open the radioactive compartment of a smoke detector as close-up exposure to the radiation could be dangerous.

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Why sausages split lengthways

Although it's freezing in England right now, on the other side of the world the sun is shining. So in honour of the sun-drenched Antipodes, Derek goes for a BBQ at the house of our very own Ozzie Hugh Hunt.

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The mysterious workings of the common dishwasher

If you've ever wondered why some plates dry quicker than others - this kitchen science is for you. This week Derek and Hugh Hunt are with Ali and Sandy, trying to investigate how we can purchase plates that speed up our washing cycle!

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The Science of Energy in the Gym

If you've ever wondered how much energy you are capable of putting using your own body and whether that's enough to power the appliances around you - this kitchen science is for you. This week Derek, Dave and Ali are in a gym trying to investigate how many houses Ali can power using her own and whether it would be worthwhile to hook the nations gyms up to the electricity grid. Imagine having to cycle to watch your TV!

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The Chemistry of Coppers

If you've ever wanted your money to have a little extra shine, you can give it a new lease on life using just ordinary stuff you can find in your kitchen! This week Dave is live in the studio, investigating what happens if you put your copper coins into various liquids. Unfortunately, you can't drink your cola afterwards!

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Lifting Ice Cubes

If you've ever wondered why we salt the roads in Winter time - this kitchen science is for you. This week Dave is live in the studio, trying to investigate what happens when you add some salt to an icecube!

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Can you beat the Breathalyzer

If you've ever wondered how a police issue breathalyser works - this kitchen science is for you. This week Derek, Mick McReedy the friendly policeman and Ali the Aussie backpacker visit Ely Firestation to investigate science of alcohol, drinking, and breathalysing. Find out if you can get around the test!

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Simulating Meteor Strikes

Using confectionary to simulate some of the most violent events in the solar system.

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The Aerodynamics of a Ping Pong Ball

If you've ever wanted to make a ping pong ball levitate in mid air - this kitchen science is for you. This week Derek and Hugh Hunt are with Nick and Christian from Norwich School trying to investigate how we can make something levitate without using dodgy magic tricks!

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