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Back in the California gold rush, many people were tricked by a shiny yellow crystal known as fool’s gold. Now, more than 100 years later, scientists are flipping the script. Australian and Chinese researchers have found where real gold hides inside fool’s gold!

Light, fluffy and oh-so-sweet, meringues are a delicious treat. When beaten, egg whites turn into an amazing foam that can be baked to perfection. But there’s also a way to make meringues without using eggs! Safety: Use clean hands and clean equipment when handling food. This activity uses an oven and beaters. Ask an adult […]

This quiz is about things that are puffy, scruffy, and fluffy. Will you fluff the answers, or get a perfect score?

Have you ever wondered why there are gaps in footpaths, and at the ends of bridges? Bridges, footpaths and many other structures get bigger when they heat up, and they need gaps so they don’t break on hot days. But Australian scientists have discovered a material that stays the same size over a wide range […]

Make a curious device that doesn’t like being put near a candle flame. When it gets hot, it curls away!

Rock on! This quiz is all about metal. From octopus blood to bass guitars, you’ll need to be a metal master to get 5/5.

By Mike McRae and David Shaw Attracted to doing some hands-on science? Why not use a magnet to create a ‘reed switch’?

By Mike McRae Double Helix magazine is looking for your questions! Our Microscope column answers the most intriguing science, tech, engineering and maths queries you can throw at us. Comment down below with your question, or email us at Helix.Editor@csiro.au. The best questions will be published in our magazine! Here’s a sample question to get […]

This quiz is all about shiny things. Will there be a glimmer in your eye as you get 5/5?

Are you faster than a Tyrannosaurus rex? Scientists are still arguing about how fast a T. rex could run, if it could run at all. But most animals walk more than they run. So how fast is a tyrannosaur’s walking speed?