CoolStuff Blog

The Importance of the Best Fit Line
The Best Fit Line Ruler takes the guesswork out of determining the line that captures the most central points on a scatter graph. Here are some tips for graphing scientific data and some activity ideas.
The Importance of the Best Fit Line
The Best Fit Line Ruler takes the guesswork out of determining the line that captures the most central points on a scatter graph. Here are some tips for graphing scientific data and some activity ideas.

Behind the Scenes with Light and Color: 10 Great Demos
The RSpec Explorer is an innovative and versatile teaching tool for analyzing light, spectrum, and color. Here are 10 amazing experiments using the RSpec Explorer.
Behind the Scenes with Light and Color: 10 Great Demos
The RSpec Explorer is an innovative and versatile teaching tool for analyzing light, spectrum, and color. Here are 10 amazing experiments using the RSpec Explorer.

Measuring "g" with the g Ball
This CoolStuff post uses the G-Ball to investigate the validity of Galileo's claim that all objects fall toward Earth with the same acceleration.
Measuring "g" with the g Ball
This CoolStuff post uses the G-Ball to investigate the validity of Galileo's claim that all objects fall toward Earth with the same acceleration.

Turn Your Mobile Phone into a Mobile Microscope
Can the Cell Phone Magnifier unlock why Mint Mentos are better than Fruit Mentos for making soda explode? Check out this inexpensive option for times when high-powered microscopes aren't necessary.
Turn Your Mobile Phone into a Mobile Microscope
Can the Cell Phone Magnifier unlock why Mint Mentos are better than Fruit Mentos for making soda explode? Check out this inexpensive option for times when high-powered microscopes aren't necessary.

Kinetic Energy Into Thermal Energy
Use these three demonstrations to drive home the principle of energy conservation, especially the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy.
Kinetic Energy Into Thermal Energy
Use these three demonstrations to drive home the principle of energy conservation, especially the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy.

A Visit to Isaac Newton's Home
Tour Sir Isaac Newton's home with James Lincoln, who visited Woolsthorpe Manor. The English countryside with its green rolling hills, provides an ideal setting for deep, contemplative thinking.
A Visit to Isaac Newton's Home
Tour Sir Isaac Newton's home with James Lincoln, who visited Woolsthorpe Manor. The English countryside with its green rolling hills, provides an ideal setting for deep, contemplative thinking.

Top 10 Demonstrations with Tuning Forks
Tuning forks are wonderful tools for teaching physics. Here are 10 enriching demonstrations to use in your classroom with tuning forks and everyday lab items.
Top 10 Demonstrations with Tuning Forks
Tuning forks are wonderful tools for teaching physics. Here are 10 enriching demonstrations to use in your classroom with tuning forks and everyday lab items.

Color Me Excited: Seeing Spectra in a Whole New Light
This CoolStuff post bids you to move away from passive spectra demonstrations and allow the whole class to observe light together with the RSpec-Explorer.
Color Me Excited: Seeing Spectra in a Whole New Light
This CoolStuff post bids you to move away from passive spectra demonstrations and allow the whole class to observe light together with the RSpec-Explorer.

SpillNot: The Physics Behind the Slosh
The SpillNot is a cool tool for getting your students interested in the everyday physics behind why drinks spill while we're carrying them and what has to happen to prevent spillage.
SpillNot: The Physics Behind the Slosh
The SpillNot is a cool tool for getting your students interested in the everyday physics behind why drinks spill while we're carrying them and what has to happen to prevent spillage.

Top 10 Demonstrations with the Plasma Globe
The Plasma Globe is an engaging and safe tool for studying high voltages and the electric field. Here are our top 10 demonstrations to perform with the Plasma Globe.
Top 10 Demonstrations with the Plasma Globe
The Plasma Globe is an engaging and safe tool for studying high voltages and the electric field. Here are our top 10 demonstrations to perform with the Plasma Globe.

Standing Waves Like You've Never Seen Them Before
In this CoolStuff post, explore how springs can visually demonstrate standing waves by manipulating the frequency.
Standing Waves Like You've Never Seen Them Before
In this CoolStuff post, explore how springs can visually demonstrate standing waves by manipulating the frequency.

Playing in Galileo's Lab
Ever been to the Museo Galileo or the Galileo Museum? If not, then we've got you covered. See Galileo's Museum through Physics Teacher Buzz Putnam's eyes as he shares his experience.
Playing in Galileo's Lab
Ever been to the Museo Galileo or the Galileo Museum? If not, then we've got you covered. See Galileo's Museum through Physics Teacher Buzz Putnam's eyes as he shares his experience.

Recreate Physics History: Build a Voltaic Pile
Dive into the history of the voltaic pile, and let us show you how you can make one yourself out of simple and inexpensive materials in this post.
Recreate Physics History: Build a Voltaic Pile
Dive into the history of the voltaic pile, and let us show you how you can make one yourself out of simple and inexpensive materials in this post.

The Electricity & Magnetism Light Bulb Demo Will Light Up Minds
Watch the intriguing interaction unfold between a neodymium magnet and a Victorian light bulb in this CoolStuff post.
The Electricity & Magnetism Light Bulb Demo Will Light Up Minds
Watch the intriguing interaction unfold between a neodymium magnet and a Victorian light bulb in this CoolStuff post.

Big Standing Wave - Small Effort!
This CoolStuff post utilizes the Super Springy to conceptualize the relation between the time, frequency, and length of a wave.
Big Standing Wave - Small Effort!
This CoolStuff post utilizes the Super Springy to conceptualize the relation between the time, frequency, and length of a wave.

Energy is Energy is Energy!
Watch in this video as the Honda Corporation uses the idea of energy transfer and conversion to set-up the actual parts of their vehicle in a series of Rube Goldberg-like energy processes.
Energy is Energy is Energy!
Watch in this video as the Honda Corporation uses the idea of energy transfer and conversion to set-up the actual parts of their vehicle in a series of Rube Goldberg-like energy processes.