Firemaking. How did traditional methods of firemaking work?
What materials were used for drill and tinder? What modern methods of firemaking
are used in your area? What kindling is used? How are fires made in wet
weather?
Boiling water. Over a campfire, put a newly made coffee pot
next to one that is already blackened. Does the water boil slower or faster
in the newly made pot? Why is this so?
Melting snow. It is difficult to melt snow in a coffee pot over
a campfire. However, if there is a little water in the bottom of the pot,
the snow melts easily. Why is this?
Boiling water with rocks. Long ago, interior people boiled water
by putting hot rocks into a birch bark basket until the contents boiled.
Being very careful (as some rocks explode when heated) experiment with
this. Which works best, a few big or many small rocks? You will have to
remove the cooled rocks and replace them with hot rocks.
Sharp tools. What are the variables involved in sharpening a
knife or tool.
Campfire smoke.Why does smoke follow you around the campfire?
Matches. Experiment with different kinds of matches, paper &
wooden, both of different brands. Which strike better under damp conditions,
cold conditions? Which are better for the home? Which are better for out
in the woods? Look at the strikers under a magnifying glass. What are they
made of? Which are more durable? Are there other household materials that
will produce enough friction to ignite the matches?
Shelter. How are/were emergency shelters built in your area?
Hypothermia. What is hypothermia and how can it be prevented?
I have an idea now.
How do I present my experiment? Go.