National Science Day: Celebrating Curiosity and Exploration

Apeejay School, Pitampura celebrated National Science Day with great joy and fervour. The enthusiastic students from across different classes engaged in a variety of science experiments. To clear the concepts for class 7 students, the senior students of class 11 showcased various experiments on light reflection and refraction. 

Something similar was also done by class 9 students, who conducted many interesting experiments on surface tension, inertia, air pressure and diffusion familiarising class 5 students with these concepts. The entire school compound reverberated with a scientific spirit as students discovered the joy of science and curiosity. 

Celebrating scientific achievements 

Such is the joy of the big day, which is observed annually on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. It is a day to celebrate scientific achievements, promote scientific temper, and encourage a spirit of inquiry among people of all ages, especially the youth. One of the best ways to foster curiosity and appreciation for science is through hands-on experimentation.

So on this occasion, let’s look at five simple and pocket-friendly science experiments that young students can easily do at home:

Homemade Lava Lamp 

Materials needed: A clear plastic bottle, water, vegetable oil, food colouring, effervescent tablets.

Instructions: Fill the bottle with water until it’s one-quarter full. Add vegetable oil until the bottle is almost full. Add a few drops of food coloring. Break an effervescent tablet into small pieces and drop them into the bottle. Watch as colorful bubbles form and move up and down, creating a mesmerising effect reminiscent of a lava lamp. This experiment demonstrates the principles of density and chemical reactions.

Rainbow in a Glass

Materials needed: A clear glass, water, a flashlight or sunlight, a piece of white paper.

Instructions: Fill the glass with water. Hold the glass over a piece of white paper and shine the flashlight through the water at an angle. Observe as a beautiful rainbow is projected onto the paper. This phenomenon occurs due to the refraction and dispersion of light as it passes through the water. It’s a simple yet captivating way to explore the science of light and colour.

Balloon Rocket

Materials needed: A balloon, a long piece of string or yarn, a straw, tape.

Instructions: Thread the string through the straw and tie the ends to two stationary objects, such as chair backs or doorknobs. Inflate the balloon and pinch the end to prevent air from escaping. Tape the balloon to the straw. Let go of the balloon and watch as it zooms along the string like a rocket. This experiment demonstrates Newton’s third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Dancing Raisins

Materials needed: A clear glass or jar, clear carbonated beverage (like soda or seltzer water), raisins.

Instructions: Fill the glass with the carbonated beverage. Drop a few raisins into the glass and observe as they sink to the bottom. After a few moments, the raisins will begin to “dance” as they move up and down in the liquid. This phenomenon occurs because carbon dioxide bubbles attach to the rough surface of the raisins, causing them to rise to the surface. When the bubbles pop, the raisins sink back down. It’s a fun way to explore the science of buoyancy and gas solubility.

Egg in a Bottle

Materials needed: A hard-boiled egg, a glass bottle with a narrow neck, a piece of paper, matches or a lighter.

Instructions: Peel the hard-boiled egg and set it aside. Place the piece of paper over the mouth of the bottle. Hold the bottle upside down and light the paper on fire. Quickly place the egg on top of the bottle. As the fire consumes the oxygen inside the bottle, a vacuum is created, pulling the egg inside. This experiment demonstrates the principles of air pressure and combustion.

National Science Day is an opportunity to ignite a passion for science and exploration in young minds. These pocket-friendly experiments are not only fun and engaging but also educational, allowing students to learn about scientific concepts through hands-on experience. So gather your materials, unleash your curiosity, and embark on a journey of discovery this National Science Day!