AboutRalph Salier-Hellendag Expertise Science Fair Judge for many years and experience with robotics, biology, chemistry, industrial processes, metalurgy and metal forming.
Experience Science Fair Judge for many years and have helped several students get to state level competition. Most recently 2 of my students received state level awards and one went on to the nationals in Washington DC.
Education/Credentials BA Archaeology - Anthropology
MA Business Anthropology
Question I am in grade 8 and have a science project assignment that has to do with mechanics and I have no idea what to do. It also has to be a cheap, simple and easy to make project.
Thanks!!!!
Answer Hi Dania,
You can combine magnetics (Physics) and mechanics. You can make a rheological solution using liquid dish soap and iron fillings or steel wool. With steel wool you will need to carefully shread the clean soap free type into small bits. Mix either the steel wool bits or iron fillings into the liquid dish soap so that it is a suspension. (using a clear color free dish soap works the best.
A rheological solution is a liquid with a magnetic material suspended in it. It can be used to activate different kinds of optical switches. When a magnet is applied to the outside of the clear container all of the magnetic particles move towards the magnet and allows the light to shine thru the now clear liquid. This works particularly well with optical switches since you can use the magnet to Turn on and off the photo switch.
