People of all cultures sing and make music, particularly in times of celebration. Christmas is no exception, which is why, seemingly no matter where you go, Christmas Carols can be heard all over the country. All that singing can get a little hard on the voice (and the ear!) after a while…which is why we have CD players! But seriously… The earliest English collection of carols was published in 1521, and many of these are still sung today. Here at Planet Science though, we'll be singing some the more science orientated non-traditional versions: "I'm dreaming of a white precipitate with every chemistry test I write May your equations be balanced and right and may all your reactions be bright." More of these jolly jingles can be seen at www.xs4all.nl and www.kent.wednet.edu And if you think you can do better than this, and want to get your name into our new E-zine into the bargain, try writing your own Christmas Carol and send it in to us at ideas@scienceyear.com

	There's actually some great science behind Christmas carols. Here's a crazy experiment you can try at home which should have everybody in fits of laughter by the time you've finished!
	You will need:
	A large balloon A large rubber band Strong glue Scissors A can opener An empty tin can A small mirror (eg from a makeup compact, or a very smooth piece of aluminium foil) A torch
	Carefully cut both ends off the tin can using the can opener. Use the scissors to cut open the balloon so you've got one large flat piece of rubber.
	Being careful not to cut yourself, stretch the rubber over one end of the can and fasten it firmly in place with the rubber band.
	Now stand the can on its end with the rubber end facing you.
	Glue the small mirror onto the rubber, so that it sits in the middle- reflective side up.
	Lie the can back down and secure it so it can't roll away. The mirror should face a wall.
	Switch on the torch and position it so that the light shines onto the mirror, and reflects back on to the wall.
	You are now ready to try the Christmas Carol Sound and Light Show.
	First, turn the lights off so the room is dark. Then clap your hands next to the open end of the can and watch what the light on the wall is doing.
	Now shout into the open end of the can. The effect will get stronger.
	Now, begin the show by singing your favourite Christmas Carol as loudly and quickly as you can.
	How fast can you get it? Does it make any difference if you sing in a really high or low pitch?
	What about if you get louder and louder?
	Keep going til your neighbours have had enough!