As a child, my favourite item from a science kit was a glass pyramid. Shine light through one side and see a beautiful rainbow on the other. Just like me, there were many kids whose interest in science fueled their passion to learn and grow. Where my interest stopped with a science kit, others grew to become astronauts, physicists and scientists. To commemorate all the women who struggled to enter this field, February 11 is celebrated as the ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’. These women made it possible for little girls today to dream big and challenge the stereotype about the types of careers women can pursue.
Do you wish to explore the wonders of science and try simple science experiments at home? Here are 3 simple experiments to try and get started on your STEM journey.
MERRIN ABRAHAM
Merrin completed her Integrated MA in English Studies from IIT Madras. She is a storyteller, bibliomaniac and a lover of indie music who had a passion for the English language that she dedicated her childhood to reading Victorian literature. Besides drinking bitter coffee and analysing Asian media, she is trying to find a horror story worthy of the genre.
1. Make a Snow Globe at Home
Have you ever wanted a snow globe filled with tiny people, an igloo, and lots of sparkling snow? Well, you can actually make it yourself with an empty jar, water, glycerin, glitter and some decorations.
Instructions:
- Glue the toys or other decorations to the inside of the lid, making sure the lid can still fit on the jar.
- Fill the jar halfway with glycerin and fill the rest with water leaving some space at the top to add the glitter. Stir to mix.
- Add a small amount of glitter. Stir with a spoon to test the ‘snow’ effect.
- Fill the jar up the rest of the way so that there is no space for any air, until the water is just above the top of the jar.
- Gently put the lid on and screw it securely to the jar.
- Wipe any water off the jar, and put some hot glue or tape around the lid. Enjoy your snow globe!
2. Water Fireworks
What is a safe way to enjoy fireworks without stepping outside your home? You can recreate a blend of beautiful colours inside a glass.
Instructions:
- Fill the one glass almost to the top with room-temperature water.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of oil into the second glass.
- Add 2 drops of food coloring to the glass with the oil.
- Stir the oil into the food coloring using a fork. Stop once you break the food coloring into smaller drops.
- Pour the oil and coloring mixture into the tall glass.
- The food coloring will slowly sink in the water, with each droplet expanding outwards as it falls. Looks like fireworks!
3. Dyed Flowers
Instructions:
- Fill each cup with water halfway.
- Add 3 drops of food coloring into each cup. Add a different color to each cup.
- Carefully cut the end of each of the flower’s stems.
- Place each stem in a different colored water cup.
- Wait one hour and observe your flowers’ petals.
If you would like to sit down and read about passionate women who persevered against all odds to strive for their dreams and passions, here are 3 books to get you started.
Lady Doctors: The Untold Stories of India’s First Women in Medicine
by Kavitha Rao
There was a time when women had to fight against their family, caste and society, just to study medicine since they were deemed unfit because of their gender. 6 women from the 1860s to the 1930s rose above these tribulations to dedicate their life to learning and working in medicine – Anandibai Joshi, Rukhmabai Raut, Kadambini Ganguly, Haimabati Sen, Muthulakshmi Reddy and Mary Poonen Lukose. These forgotten women stand on equal ground with Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant and Rani Laxmibai. It is a book that details their perseverance, honesty and struggle under an oppressive system.
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
by Rachel Ignotofsky
Read about 50 inspiring women in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from ancient times to the present day in this book. These women’s lives and journeys pave the way for the next generation of astronauts, doctors, engineers, mathematicians and more! Filled with illustrations, art, infographics and an illustrated scientific glossary, this book caters to both children and adults.
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science
by Joyce Sidman
Insects and bugs are things many people avoid. But Maria wanted to study and observe them. One of the first naturalists to observe live insects directly, Maria Sibylla Merian was also one of the first to document the metamorphosis of the butterfly. This illustrated biography gives you a glimpse into the world of insects as seen and studied by the first female entomologist. She bravely flouted convention to pursue her passion for insects.
