Electricity

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under 1 minute

This Bulb Glows With No Wires?!

How is this light bulb glowing with no wires or plug? 💡 Museum Educator Jeannine demonstrates the magic of a Tesla coil—an invention from 1891 that uses wireless power to light a bulb through the air!
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time
under 1 minute

How Lightning Becomes Music with Tesla Coils

How can lightning make music? Educator Lauren from the Museum of Science, Boston, breaks it down using two giant Tesla coils—machines that create sparks like lightning.
Live Presentation
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Lightning!

Explore lightning and storm safety as the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator hurls indoor bolts.
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time
Under 1 minute

Electrifying Experiments: Science of Static!

How does a Van de Graaff generator make your hair stand on end? Museum Educator Locke explains how there are positive and negative electric charges in everything.
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time
Under 1 minute

Power a Light Bulb with Mud! DIY Science Battery

How do you make a battery out of dirt? In this video, Alex Dainis explains that a small container of dirt, a penny, a nail, and an alligator wire can be combined to make a rudimentary battery.
Live Presentation
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Tesla Coils!

Explore electrical energy using the Museum’s collection of Tesla coils! Enjoy the sights and sounds as sparks arc and dance through the air.
Kahoot
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time
20 minutes

History of Light & Electricity

Explore a brief history of humanity's relationship to light, electricity, and the spirit of invention. From fire to modern day light bulbs, how we light our world has come a long way in just a few hundred years.
Kahoot
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time
20 minutes

All About Patents

What is a patent? Discover how inventors share their creations and are recognized for making something new. Learn the rules you need to follow to get a patent and dream up your own new invention.
Kahoot
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time
20 minutes

Lewis Latimer's Tools for Inventing

Lewis Latimer was an inventor in the 1800s but he didn't create his inventions out of thin air. He used tools to assist him! Discover what tools are needed to be a draftsman and see what we still use today!
Kahoot
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time
20 minutes

Latimer's Story: From Chelsea to Flushing

Meet Lewis Latimer and discover his history as a Black inventor in 1800s America. From growing up in Chelsea, Massachusetts to his home in Flushing, New York, Latimer has an engaging story and history.
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time
8 minutes

Why Is Our Lightning Purple?

The indoor sparks we create in our Theater of Electricity are purple, and visitors often ask what causes the color. We explore the reasons behind different shades of lightning, including atmospheric composition, humidity, and temperature.
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time
12 minutes

Can We Restore Mobility to Spinal Injury Patients?

Biomedical Engineer Dr. Parag Gad tells us about a noninvasive technique that can help paralyzed patients regain the use of their extremities as well as other systems of the body.