Print, A History of Medicine in Pictures

Print, A History of Medicine in Pictures – ca. 1961 What is going on here? This poor kid does not look very happy! And understandably so. Titled “Jenner: Smallpox is Stemmed,” this print illustrates English physician Edward Jenner performing the first vaccination against smallpox in 1796. Jenner was able to prove that his discovery of vaccination… Continue reading

St. Louis-Area Students took on the roll of chemists during GSK Science in the Summer™ in partnership with the Franklin Institute

Free STEM enrichment program was offered virtually during the summer months ST. LOUIS, MO – September 16, 2020 – ST. LOUIS, SEPT. 16, 2020 – GSK Science in the Summer™, a free summer STEM program that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, was offered virtually this summer, with 380 STEM kits… Continue reading

Diet Coke & Mentos Experiment

A quick search for “Diet Coke and Mentos” on YouTube returns hundreds of videos. See for yourself why this experiment is so popular and listen as Lauren explains what is really happening. Connect with curiosity!

Chromatography Explained, Rainbow of Colors

Chromatography: A Popular Laboratory Technique

Even if you’ve never heard of chromatography, you have probably seen it in action. Chromatography is a process of separating a mixture of chemicals into various parts. It can be used in forensics and for testing food, beverages, and prescription drugs. In this at-home experiment, we use water, markers, and paper towel strips to better… Continue reading

Elephant Toothpaste: A Classic Science Experiment

Have you ever seen Elephant Toothpaste? In this at-home chemistry demonstration, we return to a classic. Watch as Lauren uses household items to create a substance that foams, bubbles, and changes temperature. Connect with curiosity!

Collections – Wall mounted gas lamp, 19th century

The flammability of coal gas was discovered by accident in the 1730s, yet gas was not applied as a practical lighting method for widespread use until the 1790s. Even then, most people distrusted gas fixtures inside the home and did not universally incorporate them until the 1880s. Gas lamps of the Victorian era, like this… Continue reading

Saint Louis Science Center Collections A to Z

The Science Center’s Collections Department cares for and preserves a wide variety of artifacts, some of which may surprise you! From animals to fossils, ancient pottery to meteorites, space toys to medical tools, here you can discover a selection of wonderful things from A-Z. Connect with curiosity!

Rain Clouds and Lava Lamps

Here we have Science Center members Lauren and Natalie Lynch making a rain cloud and a homemade lava lamp. Share how you science at home! Our members have been busy at home working on science experiments and expanding their curiosity. If you want to share your own moments, submit your videos and photos to memberships@slsc.org.… Continue reading

CO2 Fire Extinguisher

Did you know that fire doesn’t like carbon dioxide? In this at-home science video, watch how Kelsey makes carbon dioxide with common kitchen materials, and how you can use that creation to put out a small flame. Connect with curiosity!