Naked Scientists Kitchen Science Experiments

Make a Rubber Fridge - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 04 May 2008 18:00:00 +0100

In this extremely simple experiment, you can discover a surprising property of a rubber band, and why rubber is so stretchy.

Crystals on a piece of wool - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:00:00 +0100

Make some strange crystals on a piece of string with things you would find at home.

How you could drink your own urine safely? - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:00:00 +0100

If you were trapped on a desert island with nothing to drink what would you do? We show you how to purify various unappetising liquids...

Lighting bulbs without wires - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:00:00 +0100

Find out how to light a light bulb with no wire in sight using just a balloon and a little hair.

Sucking an egg into a bottle - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:00:00 +0100

With the power of air pressure, force an egg into a bottle, and then try to work out how to get it out again.

Fizzy Yeast - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:00:00 +0100

Find out what makes bread rise and champagne fizzy in this simple kitchen science.

Vacuum Powered Bazooka - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Build a vacuum cleaner powered bazooka and launch projectiles across your garden.

Balloons on a Tube - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Find out why it is so hard to start blowing up a balloon and what it has to do with bubble bath.

Harmonic Knives - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Make more sounds out of a humble kitchen knife than you thought possible, by the power of harmonics.

Blowing on bottles - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Discover the musical properties of a few old bottles...

Squashing Bottles - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:00:00 +0000

What happens to the note a bottle makes when you squash it? What would happen if you then put it underwater? Find out in this kitchen science.

Lemon-Powered iPod - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:00:00 +0000

There have been various spoof films showing how to charge your ipod using fruit and vegetables. But is it actually possible? Find this out along with how a battery works.

Blood Circulation - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Do one of the experiments that helped convince doctors that blood actually circulates around your body.

Which is Diet? - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:00:00 +0000

If you are ever in a foreign country and don't know which can of drink is the sugary one, here is a way to find out.

Remote Interference - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 18:00:00 +0000

You know you can use your remote control to save you the immense effort of getting out of your chair, but did you know you could make strange noises from it and a radio?

Inverted Bucket - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Have a bucket full of water upside down over your head, and stay dry!

Seeing Remotes - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

If you have ever wondered how a remote control communicates with a TV? Well here is your chance to see them chatting away!

Make an Infra Red Camera - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

See the world from a completely different point of view using an old webcam and some exposed film.

Straw Oboe - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Can a drinking straw be a musical instrument? Here is how to make a very simple if annoying oboe.

Levitating plastic bags - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Amaze your friends by making a piece of plastic levitate using nothing more sophisticated than a party balloon.

Butter Side Down - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Are you the sort of person who finds that whenever you knock some toast off the table it ends up butter side down. Find out if the toast gods are unhappy with you, or if there is something more scientific going on.

Flying Tubes - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Make an old kitchen,or toilet, roll tube fly and find out what it has to do with David Beckham's free kicks.

Stopping fogging - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:00:00 +0000

We show you how to stop your mirrors, glasses windows etc. from fogging up in one easy step.

Strange Textures - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Confuse your sense of touch with this very easy experiment

When to add the milk - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:00:00 +0000

We were asked whether if you are going to leave your tea for a while should you add the milk at the start or end of your wait? Which way gives the hottest tea?

Jumping Flames - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Make a flame jump several centimetres using just a humble candle.

Magnets and TVs - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 18:00:00 +0100

In a 'only do at home if you don't like your TV' experiment find out what a TV has in common with a particle physics experiment.

Build your own Compass - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Build your own navigational aid from stuff you could find in your kitchen.

Waterproof Hanky - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 18:00:00 +0100

A handkerchief is not something you think of as very waterproof. Find out how waterproof a hanky can be and how this helps make coats waterproof yet breathable.

Make your own Electromagnet - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Make yourself an electromagnet powered by a small battery and find out some of the mysteries of magnetism.

Separating Books - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Using nothing but a tiny bit of friction stick two books together so you can't pull them apart.

Warping Wineglasses - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Amaze your friends at a party by making some really strange sounds from a wineglass.

Why Does Bubble Bath Change Colour - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:00:00 +0100

We were asked why it is that Mr Matey bubble bath changes colour when you mix it with water. We did an experiment to find out, and you could find out too!

Make a camera from a lemonade bottle - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Build a camera or if you prefer a magnifying glass, out of some old rubbish and a little water

Floating a Needle - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Float steel on water with nothing more sophisticated than a piece of toilet paper.

Raising Raisins - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Why do raisins always rise to the top of a box of muesli?

Cup Fountain - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Make a fountain, and some fascinating patterns with a polystyrene cup and a piece of carpet.

Coke Can Eruption - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Does tapping the top of a can keep you safe from a fizz eruption?

How fat would you have to be to stop a bullet? - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Have you ever wondered how fat you would have to be to stop a bullet with your belly? We went to the Cavendish Laboratory to find out...

Magnetic Cereal - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 10 Jun 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Find out about one of the things that make up your breakfast cereal using a magnet.

Jamming Rice - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Find out how to pick up a jar of rice without touching the jar, and what it has to do with holes in the road.

Red Cabbage Litmus - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:38:00 +0100

Make some cabbage juice and find out it's unexpectedly colourful properties.

Measuring the Speed of Light - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 27 May 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Measure the highest speed possible in this universe, just using objects you could find in your kitchen.

Crisp Packet Fireworks - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Mon, 21 May 2007 17:59:37 +0100

Produce fireworks in your kitchen, using nothing more than a crisp packet and a humble microwave.

Cloud in a bottle - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 20 May 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Build your very own weather system in a bottle, and find out how the same principle can make it rain.

How to tell if your egg is raw - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 20 May 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Find out whether your egg is raw or not without having to break it open.

Make an Egg Stand on End. - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 20 May 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Could you make an egg lift up on it's end and stay there? Find out how in this experiment.

Making a Mess with Milk - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Thu, 10 May 2007 15:41:34 +0100

Make something really quite unpleasant out of milk and find out what it has to do with cheese.

Pinhole camera - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 06 May 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Make a moving image of what is going on outside using just a cardboard box and the power of a hole.

Images from a Magnifying Glass - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 06 May 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Make ghostly images on a wall, just using a magnifying glass, and find out what this has to do with a camera.

Water Fibre Optics - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Fri, 04 May 2007 23:34:53 +0100

Use a bottle of water and a torch to bend light around corners, and find out what this has to do with the internet.

Racing Jam Jars - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Race Jam Jars down a slope and find out that all things don't allways fall at the same speed.

Lemonade Volcano - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

You may have heard about the Mentos and Coke experiment, find out how to make an erruption with a drinks bottle, and what it has to do with volcanoes.

Fire Piston - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

You may have noticed that if you pump up a bicycle tyre your pump gets hot, we find out why, and do a slightly more extreme version

Electric Slime - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Make some seemingly normal slime that behaves very strangely with electricity

Stimulating Arteries - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Ben visited Dr Brian Callingham to find out what an artery can do with the appropriate stimulation.

Build a Hot Air Balloon - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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

Freezing lemonade bottles - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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

Seeing the invisible - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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

Custard Fireballs - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 18:00:00 +0000

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

Strange Glows from Sugar - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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

Why sodium street lights make things look orange - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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.

How a Smoke Detector Works - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Why sausages split lengthways - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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.

The mysterious workings of the common dishwasher - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 28 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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!

The Science of Energy in the Gym - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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!

The Chemistry of Coppers - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 14 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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!

Lifting Ice Cubes - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

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!

Can you beat the Breathalyzer - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0000

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!

Simulating Meteor Strikes - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0000

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

The Aerodynamics of a Ping Pong Ball - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0000

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!

Frying pans and Levitation - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 01:00:00 +0100

This week Derek Thorne is with Professor Ted Forgan from Birmingham University and student helpers Cathy and Dan from Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge. They're going to be using a frying pan and some liquid nitrogen to demonstrate the science of superconductivity.

Dizziness and Office Chairs - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 22 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Investigate what is happening when you get dizzy in some perculiar directions, with nothing but an office chair, and some soft grass.

Science of spin and bouncy balls - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Investigate some very strange bounces with a bouncy ball and a little grease

Experimenting with gases and liquid nitrogen - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 08 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

This week Derek is with Dr Chris Muirhead from Birmingham University and student volunteer Mary from Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge. They'll be using liquid nitrogen, which is very cold and can be very dangerous. Chris has special liquid nitrogen safety training, and you should NOT do this experiment at home.

What happens when you hurl your homework in the air? - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

This week Derek is with Professor Hugh Hunt from the University of Cambridge and three student volunteers from the Norwich School. They're going to be throwing books into the air and learning about the science of spin.

White bread and the wonder of enzymes - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 24 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Use enzymes in your mouth to break down bread in front of your very taste buds.

How to make a forcefield - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 17 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

This week Derek and Dave are venturing bravely into the future to make their very own forcefield. Providing the man power to do it are Matthew and Robbie from Campers Playscheme, which is held at Hunsbury Park Primary School.

Strange Temperatures - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 10 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Here is a way to entirely fool your senses using only three bowls of water. Have a go if you dare.

Build a Lava lamp - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 03 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Build a cool lava lamp using just materials from yor kitchen and find out how a real one works.

What the England football team cost a nation - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 06 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

How much are all those england flags costing the nation? We find out with a car, a force meter and a stick.

The Secret Sounds of the Oven Shelf - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 30 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The kitchen has always seemed an unlikely place to find a musical instrument - until now. This week Derek and Dave are with Matt and Nick at Hinchingbrooke School in search of the hidden harmonies of the oven shelf. Prepare to be amazed!

How does sun cream work? - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 16 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

With the summer holidays approaching, Derek and Dave head off to Hinchingbrooke School to find out why wearing the white stuff is the cool thing to do.

How to make Ugali - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

This week Kitchen Science travels all the way to Tanzania to find out how to make ugali, the staple food of Tanzania and other parts of East Africa.

How to extract DNA from a kiwi fruit - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 02 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

You've heard about DNA, but have you ever seen any? This week Derek and Lucy extract DNA from Kiwi fruit using just simple kitchen items.

Catching Insects with Pitfall Traps - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Set a pitfall trap for some of the wild animals in your garden, using just an old plastic cup, and investigate the fascinating world of bugs.

Freezing Objects in Liquid Nitrogen - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 04 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Derek and Chris cool down various objects down to about -196C and discover their properties have radically changed.

Matchstick Boats and Surface Tension - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 28 May 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Build matchstick boats that will zip across a water surface, just powered by soap.

Making Music with Harmonics - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 21 May 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Wendy has a look at what happens when you spin a pink tube around your head.

Sounds from a Mug - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 21 May 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Make some quite perplexing sounds with a common coffee mug, and a pen.

Brownian motion in hot and cold water - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 14 May 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Derek and Sheena visit Downham market high school to find out what effect molecular vibrations have on ink and water.

Making music with wine glasses - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Make some interesting and eerie music with wineglasses.

How does a submarine work? - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 23 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Using just a penlid, some plasticine and a lemonade bottle, to find out what principle submarines work on.

Why is the sky blue? - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Build a model atmosphere in your kitchen and use it to find out why the sky is blue.

Mixing two fluids of different densities - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 02 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Make some pretty patterns by mixing different fluids.

Decoding a computer generated voice - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 26 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Listen to strangely distorted voices and see if you can understand them.

Hurricanes in a Lemonade Bottle - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Build a minature hurricane in a lemonade bottle and find out why it happens.

Cornflour and Gravy - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 26 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Thickening liquids using the power of cornflour

Strange Cornflour Slime - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Is it a solid or is it a liquid? Make a really strange mixture and find out how it behaves.

Cooling Glow Sticks - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 05 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0000

See what happens to a glow stick when you cool it down, and find out why this is important to snakes.

Butter from cream - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:00:00 +0000

FInd out what happens to cream if you whip it, and the consequences of whipping it slightly too much.

An Invisible Fire Extinguisher - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Put out fires without using water, using an invisible fire extinguisher which won't stain the carpet.

Boiling Yoghurt Pots - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 23 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Discover the strange things that happen to a yoghurt pot if you heat it up, and find out what is going on.

Making Pyrex Invisible - Kitchen Science from The Naked Scientists

Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Make a glass bowl dissappear, using the power of vegetable oil.