Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab - Educational Science Experiments for Children of all ages (Free science, astronomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science experiments for adults, kids, children, science fair, and K-12 school labs)

Welcome! Welcome to Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab! Your source of science and chemistry projects and experiments for parents, teachers, kids, and children of all ages. As you'll soon find out - nothing is ordinary around here. Be curious, explore (place your cursor over objects and click everywhere), and above all - HAVE FUN! In the Lab IN THE LAB HOME... About Reeko FAQ Safety Policy Site Awards Resources RESOURCES HOME... Book Reviews Science Links Lab News Crazy Q&A Glossary Talk Back TALK BACK HOME... Feedback Web Site Survey Mad Scientist Comments Fun Stuff FUN&GAMES HOME... Pot of Gold Contest Mystery Puzzle Riddle of the Month Secret Lab Notes Pop Quiz Experiments EXPERIMENTS... Floatation Hover Craft Capillary Action Air Pressure Making Gas Chemical Reaction Light Refraction Light Spectrum Gravity Inertia/Momentum More Experiments... Site Tips Site is optimized for Microsoft's Internet Explorer 4.0 and later and contains extensive use of Dynamic HTML (Netscape optimization under development) Hold your cursor over the images for little tidbits on Reeko Look for hidden science tips throughout the site (try clicking on the images) IE 4.0 and above users - Click on the red text- they're science definitions! Keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times Got a question or comment about one of the experiments? Have you found a really cool experiment that you'd like to share with the rest of the world? Or, do you just want to yak? Drop us a line! reeko@spartechsoftware.com More Info Looking for more experiments? Check your local library (in the kid's or science sections) for great science books. Need some suggestions? Try these. The Kid's Science Book (Robert Hirschfeld & Nancy White) My First Science Book (Angela Wilkes) The Science Book (Sara Stein) Science for Every Kid (Janice VanCleave) What? There's not a library next door and don't feel like walking 10 miles through the sleet and snow (barefoot of course). Check out Reeko's Book Reviews and order online directly from Amazon. And don't forget to tell them that Reeko sent ya'. Try some of these other really cool science sites and don't forget to tell them that Reeko sent ya'! (note: to avoid being turned away, you may not want to mention Reeko's name until you're finished exploring these sites). Franklin Institute Science Museum The Mineral Gallery WorldTime Interactive Atlas Space Shuttle And if these still don't quench that insatiable curiosity then check out Reeko's Extensive Science Link List. Hey Reeko! I tried the experiment and it didn't work! Now what am I supposed to do ?!?!? Follow these Five tried-and-true rules for guaranteeing a experiment will produce the results you are looking for. Science and school aren't my cup of tea Reeko. I don't mind working behind the counter of McDonalds until I'm 85 years old. Can you help me? Here are Twelve ways to get kicked out of the science lab. Don't forget to Email Reeko with your questions, comments, and/or suggestions. And check out what others have said about us (edited of course).		Principles of Floatation (easy) Ever wonder why a really heavy boat floats while a small rock sinks like a... uhhh, rock? Have you noticed that while in the pool, if you stretch out flat you will float but if you curl up in a ball you will sink? Grab your lab coats and head for the kitchen sink - our first science experiment demonstrates those puzzling floatation principles. Slip sliding away... (advanced) How would you like to have your very own hovercraft. You know - the futuristic vehicle that travels on air hovering inches above the ground. We'll grab your coats and head for the door. In this lab exercise we're fixing to create a real, working hovercraft ... OK, so it's only big enough for a mouse but then again, you don't have a driver's license so what'd you expect? Capillary Action in Action (intermediate) What if I were to tell you that I could make water flow uphill? Now wait, don't leave yet - this is serious. This lab experiment will show you that what goes up doesn't always have to come back down. Chemical reaction in action (easy) A chemical reaction is a process where one type of substance is chemically converted to another substance. That fizzling toilet bowl cleaner is a chemical reaction. The fire in your fireplace is another type of chemical reaction. The smoke that comes out of Dad's ears when you break one of his favorite golf clubs is a result of a chemical reaction. OK, so maybe Reeko's stretching it a little with that explanation. This experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction that's fairly common all around us (and we don't have to go anywhere near Dad's golf clubs). Look Ma' - no hands (intermediate) Remember the old soda-in-the-straw trick. You know, the one where you put a straw into a glass of soda and then cover the end of the straw with your finger. When you remove the straw from the glass the water stays inside until you remove your finger. In this little scientist experiment we apply this same principal to learn about something called pressure. Look out! It's gonna blow! (advanced) Here's a popular experiment that's been around for years and has left many kitchens in ruin (just kidding of course). In the volcano experiment we build a real working volcano that actually mimics the properties of the real thing. Things aren't always as they appear (easy) Dazzle your friends. Impress your buddies. Confuse your Dad. Here we create an optical illusion with a very basic scientific explanation. Look out below! (intermediate) Let's say I'm standing on top of a tall building hanging over the edge carefully balancing a bowling ball in one hand and a tennis ball in the other. You're on the ground under me looking up (and probably covering your head). Hmmm, something is not quite right here and some scientific experimentation is definitely called for... Now that you're good and warmed up with plenty of momentum... (advanced) Now we get to learn about a little principle called momentum . Sometimes interesting things happen when a totally motionless object gets in the way of a moving one. To demonstrate - the next time dad finds out you've been in his toolbox again and he's coming at you with that crazed look on his face. Rather than running, flinching, or ducking in terror try freezing like a statue and see how it freaks him out. Or better yet, try this experiment and see for yourself. Pop Quiz !!! Did you work your way through all of the experiments? Did you find all of the hidden tips and science facts? Take our Pop Quiz and find out how 'science savvy' you are. And we promise, no matter how you score - we won't send Mom or Dad a report card. What? You're still here? That wasn't enough cranial stimulation for one session? You need more experiments?!?! OK... You asked for it - through this door you can enter the top secret, select little scientists only section of Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab (Section F). Do Cats have belly buttons? What is quicksand anyway? How come I can see through glass? Do LifeSavers really spark when you chew them? Chimp, the lab monkey, is back and available to answer all those weird science questions that have been driving us crazy... Woo Hoo - Back to School! Now come on kids, no whining or making faces at the teacher while she's not looking (although it's a well-known fact that the teacher makes faces at you when you're not looking). Reeko would like to wish all the kids the best of luck this year. Study hard and be sure and let Reeko know if there's anything he can do to help. Did you find a hidden Pot of Gold? Reeko has been receiving rave reviews on the new Pot of Gold contest so he tore himself away from his latest genetic experimentation and sprinkled more pots of gold around the lab! Join us on our search for the hidden Pots of Gold and get your name added to the Pot of Gold Hall of Fame page! Mystery Puzzle of the Month! The results of Reeko's latest science escapades left him with a little free time on his hands. So while the government radiation teams worked on the lab cleanup, Reeko settled down to work on his newest online game for the kids. The result - the Mystery Puzzle of the Month game. Get ready to roam this site gathering the clues needed to solve this month's puzzle...

Welcome!

Welcome to Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab! Your source of science and chemistry projects and experiments for parents, teachers, kids, and children of all ages.

As you'll soon find out - nothing is ordinary around here. Be curious, explore (place your cursor over objects and click everywhere), and above all - HAVE FUN!

In the Lab

IN THE LAB HOME...
About Reeko
FAQ
Safety Policy
Site Awards

Resources

RESOURCES HOME...
Book Reviews
Science Links
Lab News
Crazy Q&A
Glossary

Talk Back

TALK BACK HOME...
Feedback
Web Site Survey
Mad Scientist Comments

Fun Stuff

FUN&GAMES HOME...
Pot of Gold Contest
Mystery Puzzle
Riddle of the Month
Secret Lab Notes
Pop Quiz

Experiments

EXPERIMENTS...
Floatation
Hover Craft
Capillary Action
Air Pressure
Making Gas
Chemical Reaction
Light Refraction
Light Spectrum
Gravity
Inertia/Momentum

More Experiments...

Site Tips

Site is optimized for Microsoft's Internet Explorer 4.0 and later and contains extensive use of Dynamic HTML (Netscape optimization under development)
Hold your cursor over the images for little tidbits on Reeko
Look for hidden science tips throughout the site (try clicking on the images)
IE 4.0 and above users - Click on the red text- they're science definitions!
Keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times

Got a question or comment about one of the experiments? Have you found a really cool experiment that you'd like to share with the rest of the world? Or, do you just want to yak? Drop us a line!
reeko@spartechsoftware.com

The rock Reeko uses to keep birds out of his garden

More Info

Looking for more experiments? Check your local library (in the kid's or science sections) for great science books. Need some suggestions? Try these.

The Kid's Science Book (Robert Hirschfeld & Nancy White)
My First Science Book (Angela Wilkes)
The Science Book (Sara Stein)
Science for Every Kid (Janice VanCleave)

What? There's not a library next door and don't feel like walking 10 miles through the sleet and snow (barefoot of course). Check out Reeko's Book Reviews and order online directly from Amazon.

And don't forget to tell them that Reeko sent ya'.

Try some of these other really cool science sites and don't forget to tell them that Reeko sent ya'! (note: to avoid being turned away, you may not want to mention Reeko's name until you're finished exploring these sites).

Franklin Institute Science Museum
The Mineral Gallery
WorldTime Interactive Atlas
Space Shuttle

And if these still don't quench that insatiable curiosity then check out Reeko's Extensive Science Link List.

Hey Reeko! I tried the experiment and it didn't work! Now what am I supposed to do ?!?!? Follow these Five tried-and-true rules for guaranteeing a experiment will produce the results you are looking for.

Science and school aren't my cup of tea Reeko. I don't mind working behind the counter of McDonalds until I'm 85 years old. Can you help me? Here are Twelve ways to get kicked out of the science lab.

Don't forget to Email Reeko with your questions, comments, and/or suggestions. And check out what others have said about us (edited of course).

Principles of Floatation (easy)
Ever wonder why a really heavy boat floats while a small rock sinks like a... uhhh, rock? Have you noticed that while in the pool, if you stretch out flat you will float but if you curl up in a ball you will sink? Grab your lab coats and head for the kitchen sink - our first science experiment demonstrates those puzzling floatation principles.

Slip sliding away... (advanced)
How would you like to have your very own hovercraft. You know - the futuristic vehicle that travels on air hovering inches above the ground. We'll grab your coats and head for the door. In this lab exercise we're fixing to create a real, working hovercraft ... OK, so it's only big enough for a mouse but then again, you don't have a driver's license so what'd you expect?

Capillary Action in Action (intermediate)
What if I were to tell you that I could make water flow uphill? Now wait, don't leave yet - this is serious. This lab experiment will show you that what goes up doesn't always have to come back down.

Chemical reaction in action (easy)
A chemical reaction is a process where one type of substance is chemically converted to another substance. That fizzling toilet bowl cleaner is a chemical reaction. The fire in your fireplace is another type of chemical reaction. The smoke that comes out of Dad's ears when you break one of his favorite golf clubs is a result of a chemical reaction. OK, so maybe Reeko's stretching it a little with that explanation. This experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction that's fairly common all around us (and we don't have to go anywhere near Dad's golf clubs).

Look Ma' - no hands (intermediate)
Remember the old soda-in-the-straw trick. You know, the one where you put a straw into a glass of soda and then cover the end of the straw with your finger. When you remove the straw from the glass the water stays inside until you remove your finger. In this little scientist experiment we apply this same principal to learn about something called pressure.

Look out! It's gonna blow! (advanced)
Here's a popular experiment that's been around for years and has left many kitchens in ruin (just kidding of course). In the volcano experiment we build a real working volcano that actually mimics the properties of the real thing.

Things aren't always as they appear (easy)
Dazzle your friends. Impress your buddies. Confuse your Dad. Here we create an optical illusion with a very basic scientific explanation.

Look out below! (intermediate)
Let's say I'm standing on top of a tall building hanging over the edge carefully balancing a bowling ball in one hand and a tennis ball in the other. You're on the ground under me looking up (and probably covering your head). Hmmm, something is not quite right here and some scientific experimentation is definitely called for...

Now that you're good and warmed up with plenty of momentum... (advanced)
Now we get to learn about a little principle called momentum . Sometimes interesting things happen when a totally motionless object gets in the way of a moving one. To demonstrate - the next time dad finds out you've been in his toolbox again and he's coming at you with that crazed look on his face. Rather than running, flinching, or ducking in terror try freezing like a statue and see how it freaks him out. Or better yet, try this experiment and see for yourself.

Pop Quiz !!!
Did you work your way through all of the experiments? Did you find all of the hidden tips and science facts? Take our Pop Quiz and find out how 'science savvy' you are. And we promise, no matter how you score - we won't send Mom or Dad a report card.

What? You're still here?
That wasn't enough cranial stimulation for one session? You need more experiments?!?! OK... You asked for it - through this door you can enter the top secret, select little scientists only section of Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab (Section F).

Yeah, I know. It looks like a pizza but take a closer look, real close...

Do Cats have belly buttons?
What is quicksand anyway? How come I can see through glass? Do LifeSavers really spark when you chew them? Chimp, the lab monkey, is back and available to answer all those weird science questions that have been driving us crazy...

Woo Hoo - Back to School!
Now come on kids, no whining or making faces at the teacher while she's not looking (although it's a well-known fact that the teacher makes faces at you when you're not looking). Reeko would like to wish all the kids the best of luck this year. Study hard and be sure and let Reeko know if there's anything he can do to help.

Did you find a hidden Pot of Gold?
Reeko has been receiving rave reviews on the new Pot of Gold contest so he tore himself away from his latest genetic experimentation and sprinkled more pots of gold around the lab! Join us on our search for the hidden Pots of Gold and get your name added to the Pot of Gold Hall of Fame page!

Mystery Puzzle of the Month!
The results of Reeko's latest science escapades left him with a little free time on his hands. So while the government radiation teams worked on the lab cleanup, Reeko settled down to work on his newest online game for the kids. The result - the Mystery Puzzle of the Month game. Get ready to roam this site gathering the clues needed to solve this month's puzzle...