HOW TO… Calculate | Collect | Describe | Graph | Hack Identify | Measure | Tabulate | Use | Write

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Hacking is a term sometimes used for those enjoy modifying objects in the world around them for pleasure and/or convenience. A hacker is someone who repurposes objects. In other words, he or she adapts everyday objects for use in situations other than for which they were originally designed. Use the links below to see hacks that might be useful to/for scientists and science students. Try them yourself!

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Turning a clear tank into a subatomic particle detector (aka. cloud chamber)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xky3f1aSkB8&w=560&h=315]

• The folks at Symmetry Magazine have a webpage with step-by-step instructions including diagrams.
• The folks at PBS’s NOVA have done something similar, but with a clear glass jar.

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Turning a smartphone into a microscope

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpMTkr_aiYU&w=560&h=315]

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Turning a laser pointer into a microscope

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maE-j9Os-TU&w=560&h=315]

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OTHER USEFUL HACKER LINKS

• On the fantastic(!) Instructables website, you’ll find lots of ways to hack everyday objects to make cool, useful, and interesting things.

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Do you have a HACK that you’d like to see added to this section? If so, please tell Dr. M about it through the Comment feature below.