Sneaky Science: Let’s Engineer a Silly Prank

Hey there, young scientists! Today, we’re going to explore the fun side of science by engineering a practical joke. Get ready to giggle and learn as we dive into the world of playful pranks!

Get Started

Use the Engineering a Silly Surprise for Your Teacher worksheet to help you plan and test your trick.

Watch Sneaky Science: Let’s Engineer a Silly Prank to get inspired.

Brainstorm Your Trick

Gather in groups and brainstorm ideas for a practical joke to play on your teacher.

REMEMBER: Your trick should be harmless and fun! Be sure that you have permission to play a joke on your teacher FROM THEM!

Use one of the following simple science principles to make your prank more creative and entertaining:

• Air Pressure Tricks: Explore the power of air pressure by using balloons or compressed air to surprise your teacher.
• Buoyancy Pranks: Experiment with buoyancy by setting up objects to float or sink unexpectedly.
• Simple Machines Shenanigans: Harness the power of simple machines like levers, pulleys, or inclined planes to execute your prank.
• Chemical Reactions: Safely explore chemical reactions to add an element of surprise to your prank. WARNING: Ask an adult for help with chemical reactions. Be sure to use safe household materials and avoid any harmful substances. For example, you could use baking soda and vinegar to create a fizzy eruption in a container when your teacher opens it.
• Optical Illusions: Play with perception and optical illusions to trick your teacher’s senses. For example, you could create a fake “hole” in the ground using cleverly placed props and perspective tricks.
• Sound Effects: Incorporate sound effects to enhance the surprise factor of your prank. You could use a hidden speaker to play unexpected noises or create a fake “creaking” sound to make your teacher think a chair is about to collapse.

Design Your Prank

After brainstorming, select your group’s favorite prank idea. Make sure to write down the materials needed and the steps to carry out the prank. Use the Engineering a Silly Surprise for Your Teacher worksheet to help you plan.

Plan and Prepare

With your chosen prank in mind, gather all the necessary materials listed. Assign roles within your group, including:

• materials manager
• prank planner
• execution expert

There can be more than one person assigned to each role, but make sure all roles are filled.

Engineering the Prank

Follow the steps outlined in your prank plan to set up the joke and build any parts you need.

Testing

Test it out to make sure everything works smoothly. Make any necessary adjustments to improve the prank’s effectiveness.

Execute the Prank

It’s showtime! Choose a person from your group to play the role of your unsuspecting teacher. Set up your prank to demonstrate to your classmates. Gather around and watch as your group shows off the hilarious trick!

Reflection

After the prank is over, gather as a group to reflect on the experience. Answer the following questions and discuss them in your group:

• What worked well?
• What could be improved?
• How did science play a role in your prank?

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun while learning and exploring the world of science through playful experimentation. Happy pranking, scientists!