Ellen is Wild About Science!
VIDEO: Watch Steve on the Ellen Show
Experiments Steve did on Ellen – Elephant’s Toothpaste | Smoke Rings | Anti-Helium
Let’s just say it’s all kind of a blur… three experiments, lots of laughs and an invitation to come back. I couldn’t ask for any more. My wife and I left Denver on Wednesday to fly out to Burbank, California to tape the show on Thursday. As you might imagine, all of my “stuff” was trusted to the great people at FedEx because the airlines don’t really understand why passengers should travel with beakers, strange liquids or trash cans used to blow smoke rings. We arrived at the studio at 12:30 PM on Thursday to get ready for a technical rehearsal at 2:00 PM. I was most nervous about finding my demos and getting everything set-up. The Ellen Show has an amazing staff – all of the producers and backstage people did anything possible to accommodate our every need. Contrary to what you might think, I didn’t meet Ellen DeGeneres at the rehearsal. Instead, the segment producer played the role of Ellen as I ran through everything that I was going to do on the show. This is the time when the technical people (directors, camera operators, props people) got to see exactly what I was going to do. We made a mess in rehearsal – foaming suds everywhere and a studio filled with smoke. In a matter of minutes, a crew of people whisked my demos away with a quick reset and I was off to the green room to get ready.
VIDEO: Watch the Behind the Scenes Video
From that point on, everything happened very quickly. My wife and I watched the first few minutes of the show from the dressing room and then it was off to the studio. The first time I met Ellen was when I stepped out onto the set. She was extremely nice… very funny… and really seemed to enjoy the demos. But I think her favorite was knocking cups off of people’s heads in the audience with giant rings of smoke. At the end of the segment, the music started to play… everyone started to dance… and Ellen invited me to come back to do more science in November! And yes… I got my Ellen underwear and a whole bunch of goodies as a parting gift. Thanks for asking.
How do I get a smoke machine? Or that one gas you used to lower Ellen’s voice? That was pretty cool!
Hi Steve! I just watched your segment on Ellen with my five yr old and she loved it. I can’t wait to receive the catalog so that I can do science experiments here at home to help her learn. I also have a 9yr old sister that I’m sure will enjoy these science experiments.
I missed the segment on the mixing of liquid detergent and peroxide to release oxygen. Please send me the directions.
Hi – for a list of all of the experiments I did – go to Steve Spangler Science
Hi Steve!
Loved you segment on Ellen. I had never seen you before, you are already a favorite website in our home!! Fabulous!
I loved this!! This is exactly what kids need to really see how interesting Science can be. Kudos! I’m forwarding your site to all the Science teachers in our district.
I would like the directions for the liquid detergent and peroxide experiment. I think my granddaughters would love to see it. Thank you
Steve, congratulations on your appearance on the Ellen Show! I don’t know how many viewers she reaches, but I’m positive that there are probably thousands upon thousands of folks that are now inspired to do a little science…if not at their house…then at a friend’s house. Congratulations once again!
How did you do that experiment in the picture above? I can’t find it in the experiment section of your site. PLz tell me how you do that
nvm i found it
Hi!
My Mom and I watched the Ellen show when you did the cool foam experiment. And we were wondering what was the ingredients, and how did you mix it.So i was wondering if you would send me the reciepe? Thanks!
Hey Steve!
Very nice job on the Ellen show. We had to hit rewind on the Tivo a few times when Ellen grabbed the shot glass of potassium iodide in order to replay your reaction. I’m going to guess that was not staged!
Again nice job!
Carl
i just watched your video about mentos geyser and i am planning on doing it at school next week. i am in 4th grade. THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!!how does it work?
WOW, I just caught you on ELLEN, I can only say that I wish THESE were the science experiments we did in school back in the day, instead of dissecting a frog !!!!!!! My KIDS are 23, 26 and 27 and I had to go into the Ellen website to get your information, IT WAS TRULY amazing, and emphasis on F U N !!! my ummm KIDS LOL, can’t wait to do your experiments thank you.
Amazing is all I can say. I’m in college and I have always loved science but you took it to a new level and made it even more interesting. I loved the segment and I hope to see more of you. I know that these interesting experiments will encourage children everywhere to want to learn and that science can be fun. Best of luck in all you do.
I was listening to my Ellen Podcast while working out and I almost feel off of the treadmill when I heard Ellen introduce Steve. I used to teach with him years ago and now he’s on Ellen! Congratulations. Here’s the link to the podcast.
Well, we all knew Steve and his science tricks would be a big hit. I’m so glad Ellen asked you back. I had everyone I know watching you Friday and I taped the show so my family can watch it again and again. My son just said, “I want to meet him.” So when can you come to Arizona? Thanks again for all you do to make science a BLAST!
Steve!
YOU ARE SO COOL! I have followed You for some time from Gothenburg, SWEDEN.
Your show with ELLEN was a masterpice, i love that you used the same high tempo as always before. You really inspire me!
Thanks!
Thanks everyone for your kind comments. My wife and I really had a great experience with Ellen and her staff (first class people all the way).
Here’s the info about the Trash Can Smoke Ring demo. The complete write-up is posted on the Smoke Rings page. It’s easy to make – have fun.
–Steve
I got your email about the upcoming Ellen appearance and set the TIVO because I knew it was something I didn’t want to miss. Thank you so much for giving teachers tons of new ideas to get kids hooked on science. I would love to attend your workshop in Dallas in October if I can get a sub for my kindergarten class.
I saw you on Ellen and was really impressed. We are always looking for new science experiments we can do at home to keep the kids entertained and learning, so finding your site was great! I already have a very long wish list started for Christmas starting with the instant snow. We live in South Texas and the snow will be a very special treat for all of us this year!! I can’t wait to see you on Ellen in November and will be sure to record it for my family.