Scientific Magic Tricks kids can do virtually!

Doug Scheer, Scheer Genius Assembly Shows, Virtual assembly show, science assembly shows, virtual science shows

Side-by-Side science is our most popular assembly show for virtual presentations.

Students love science. Some experiments look like magic but the secrets are not guarded at all. In science, the explanations are shared freely. And that’s what makes science so appealing to elementary kids. In our virtual assembly show, Side-By-Side science, we’ve pulled together a series of amazing science experiments that kids can do from home while remote learning. With just a few simple items, each experiment teaches basic principles of chemistry, air pressure, typology, physics and more. 

Because the materials are easily found in most homes, getting set for this virtual science assembly show is easy. Below is an example of the some of the materials that are needed for kids to follow along with the show. 

Side-By-Side Science: Materials list for virtual science show

If some of these items are not readily available then please do not go out and make any purchases. As long as the students have the materials needed for 4-5 of the experiments, they can just watch the ones they are not able to participate in. (For example, many homes likely don’t have a ping-pong ball or the nail polish remover, and that’s ok. That experiment is just as much fun to just watch as it is to perform.) Once the students see what can be done with these simple items, they’ll remember them for a later time when they do have the materials.

Doug Scheer, Scheer Genius Assembly Shows, Virtual assembly show, science assembly shows, virtual science shows

Materials needed for all students, Grades K-8th 

  • Inexpensive safety glasses (must have)
    • For our purposes these can be simple sunglasses or just eye glasses. While these are not the same as safety googles, they will provide protection from a bursting balloon or an unlikely straight on splash of the vinegar should an accident occur.
  • Physics Experiment
    • One quarter
    • 1 plastic coated playing card
    • Empty water bottle (just personal drinking size 12-16oz)
  • Mathematical Experiments
    • One piece of string or rope about 3 feet long (can also be a ribbon but must be able to lay flat)
  • Chemistry Experiment
    • Two balloons, blowup and knotted (parents will need to help students do this)
    • Scotch tape
    • Safety pin
  • Air Pressure
    • 1 Ping Pong Ball
    • 1 Plastic bendy drinking straw

Additional materials for Side-By-Side virtual assembly: Lower Elementary students K-3

  • Chemistry Experiment
    • Empty plastic soda bottle
    • 4 tablespoons of baking soda
    • 2 ounces of white regular vinegar
    • One balloon (not blown up) 9” size or larger
  • Friction Experiment
    • Small size plastic Ziploc bag (or generic but must be the kind with the press and close ‘zipper’)
    • Scissors

Additional materials for Virtual Science Assembly: Upper grade students 4-8th

  • Mathematical Experiment
    • Two 11×17 sheet of paper or three standard 8.5 x 11 sheets
    • Scissors
    • Tape (any kind, clear tape, masking tape etc)
  • Mathematical Experiment
    • Four 3×5 cards
    • Scissors
  • Chemistry Experiment
    • Pencil or pen
    • Plastic container that’s big enough to hold a styrofoam cup (kids can just use a simple cereal bowl from their home too)
    • 2 styrofoam cups (Must be styrofoam. Some foam cups are made of biodegradable plant materials. That type cannot be used. Do not buy those.)
    • 4 ounces of fingernail polish remover (must be 100% acetone)
Learn more about Side-By-Side science, including costs: