Exploratorium

This course is a part of Science & engineering partners, a 10-course Topic series from Khan Academy.

The Exploratorium is a 21st-century learning laboratory and museum based in San Francisco. Since 1969, we’ve offered visitors and learners around the world the opportunity to experience everyday scientific phenomena firsthand through creative, thought-provoking exhibits, educational tools, and programs. We promote an inquiry-based approach to learning—one that ignites curiosity about the world around us, encourages exploration, and leads to profound discoveries. The science "snacks" on this website are fun, hands-on activities developed and thoroughly tested by the Exploratorium Teacher Institute. Dive in and discover what we're all about!

This course contains 4 segments:

Sound

When vibrating waves of air meet the elegantly designed human ear, we hear beautiful music, babies crying, wind whistling, and more. Explore these activities to learn more about how and what we hear.

Light and color

Light: it’s a particle, it’s a wave, it’s all that our eyes can detect. In these hands-on activities, you’ll explore phenomena related to light, color, and human perception. Blow your mind creating multicolored shadows and more.

Chemistry

These hands-on activities investigate phenomena that arise from molecules and atoms interacting and transforming in different ways. Build a battery and light up an LED without much more than the change in your pocket.

Electromagnetism

Charge! That’s what this area of physics is all about (well, electrical charge and its motion, to be exact). Explore electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetic fields—and harness the power to transform sound into light.