ACS: The Secret Science of Stuff - The Secret Science of Pencils & Erasers
What does the number on the pencil mean?
The pencil “lead” is actually a mixture of graphite and clay. More clay in the mixture makes the lead harder. A harder lead has a higher number. Pencils are numbered from 1-3 but most people use a number 2. Harder lead makes a lighter mark and softer lead makes a darker mark.
How long does a pencil last?
It’s been estimated that the average pencil has enough graphite to write about 45,000 words!
What if you made a mistake before they invented erasers?
Before using rubber for erasing, people used to use bread!
Guided instructions, lesson plans, classroom activities, video demonstrations, and activity books.
Why is gum chewy? What helps make the bubbles in bubble gum? Chew on the answers in Gum!
What’s the fizz in soda, and why does it shoot out of cans? Look for the answers in Soda Pop!
How can a candle wick burn for so long? Where does all the candle wax go? See the light in Flames!
What are braces made of? What do braces and satellites have in common? Get your answers straight in Braces!
What makes ice cream so smooth? Did you know it takes more than a freezer to make ice cream cold?
How strong can glue be? What’s tape made from? Find the answers to these sticky questions and many more!
What’s inside a popcorn kernel? What makes popcorn pop?
What makes a rubber ball bounce? Why is rubber good for sneakers and bike tires? The motion’s in the molecules!
What is a bubble made of? What makes the colors on a bubble? How big can a bubble get? Learn about bubbles – no troubles!
How do taste buds work? How do we smell stuff? Do smell and taste work together? Learn how molecules, nerves, and brain power help us smell and taste!
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Resource k12
What does the number on the pencil mean?
The pencil “lead” is actually a mixture of graphite and clay. More clay in the mixture makes the lead harder. A harder lead has a higher number. Pencils are numbered from 1-3 but most people use a number 2. Harder lead makes a lighter mark and softer lead makes a darker mark.
How long does a pencil last?
It’s been estimated that the average pencil has enough graphite to write about 45,000 words!
What if you made a mistake before they invented erasers?
Before using rubber for erasing, people used to use bread!
Guided instructions, lesson plans, classroom activities, video demonstrations, and activity books.
Why is gum chewy? What helps make the bubbles in bubble gum? Chew on the answers in Gum!
What’s the fizz in soda, and why does it shoot out of cans? Look for the answers in Soda Pop!
How can a candle wick burn for so long? Where does all the candle wax go? See the light in Flames!
What are braces made of? What do braces and satellites have in common? Get your answers straight in Braces!
What makes ice cream so smooth? Did you know it takes more than a freezer to make ice cream cold?
How strong can glue be? What’s tape made from? Find the answers to these sticky questions and many more!
What’s inside a popcorn kernel? What makes popcorn pop?
What makes a rubber ball bounce? Why is rubber good for sneakers and bike tires? The motion’s in the molecules!
What is a bubble made of? What makes the colors on a bubble? How big can a bubble get? Learn about bubbles – no troubles!
How do taste buds work? How do we smell stuff? Do smell and taste work together? Learn how molecules, nerves, and brain power help us smell and taste!
What are you looking for?
Organization
Website URL
Type of Resource
PDF File
