The Laboratory
Friday, 05.26.06 @ 12:05AM 
Science can be serious, but what’s so funny about that? When you scratch the surface, science CAN be funny. First off, you can poke fun at how serious it is. Second, there are so many opportunities for things to go wrong. Wrong in the slapstick style we all love! So lets explore the world of the scientific laboratory.
Rules of the lab
* If an experiment works, something has gone wrong.
* When you don't know what you're doing, do it neatly.
* Experiments must be reproduceable, they should fail the same way each time.
* First draw your curves, then plot your data.
* Experience is directly proportional to equipment ruined.
* Always keep a record of your data. It indicates that you have been working.
* To do a lab really well, have your report done well in advance.
* If you can't get the answer in the usual manner, start at the answer and derive the question.
* In case of doubt, make it sound convincing.
* Do not believe in miracles--rely on them.
* Team work is essential, it allows you to blame someone else.
* All unmarked beakers contain fast-acting, extremely toxic poisons.
* No experiment is a complete failure. At least it can serve as a negative example.
* Any delicate and expensive piece of glassware will break before any use can be made of it.
Anyone who has ever flushed potassium down a toilet knows how fun chemistry can be. Take a look at this video of mixing rubidium and cesium with water!
Remember the Pepsi/Mentos experiments? Here’s a different twist on the same idea! (WARNING: not for the faint of heart)
Say hello to Professor Fartsmore.
Fun science projects
The Cheney Shotgun experiment.
The Ultimate Jello Shot.
How many condoms can you wear at once?
When does a liquid act like... something else? Watch this and see!
A Flickr gallery of photos of Tesla Coil experiments. W00t!
Science experiments with twinkies. (lifted from Mamacita)
A science fair project that shows you shouldn’t boil your water in the microwave.
And a science experiment I didn’t find.
The dangers of dihydrogen monoxide.
Gravity is ONLY a theory.
A gloriously active Periodic Table of Elements.
Zoom zoom zoom... from outer space to subatomic particles.
The Sarong Theorem Archives. Images of people proving theorems while wearing sarongs. Really.
Music video: Mathematical Pi.
A Simpleton's Guide to Science
Relativity: Family get-togethers at Christmas.
Gravity: Strength of a glass of beer.
Time travel: Throwing the alarm clock at the wall.
Black holes: What you get in black socks.
Critical mass: A gaggle of film reviewers.
Hyperspace: Where you park at the superstore.
You enter the laboratory and see an experiment. How will you know which class is it?
If it's green and wiggles, it's biology.
If it stinks, it's chemistry.
If it doesn't work, it's physics.
Useful Metric Conversions for the mathematically challenged
1 trillion microphones = 1 megaphone
1 millionth of a fish = 1 microfiche
1 trillion pins = 1 terrapin
10 rations = 1 decoration
10 millipedes = 1 centipede
3 1/3 tridents = 1 decadent
2 monograms = 1 diagram
8 nickels = 2 paradigms
2 wharves = 1 paradox
Previously on Miss Cellania: Science Class
Thought for today: Absolute zero is cool.
humor links video funny science experiments laboratory scientist
Reader Comments (7)
Anyway, another great post, Miss C!