Science

Two-for-One Space Shuttle: Valentine Box and Monster Truck Piñata

Our nation’s farewell to the beloved space shuttle has been at the front of our minds this past few months, so it’s no wonder that when I asked our 2nd grader what type of Valentine’s Day box he wanted to decorate (thinking of the oatmeal-can rocket ship, or the ubiquitous construction paper-wrapped shoe box) he &hellip Continue reading »

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Water: Fun for the Bigs

We have 48 hours of stuck-at-home time as the Big Winter Storm blows through the area.  “Big” is relative, as we’re only 50 miles from the US/Mexico border, but there you are. This is Part Two (see Part One). Oh Groundhog Day Tree, Oh Groundhog Day Tree… We borrowed the Ice Bauble idea from the &hellip Continue reading »

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What’s in a Golf Ball?

My son asked us, this past summer, what’s inside a golf ball. This experiment is extra fun because you can tie it into your golf game (I don’t play golf, so I did not), geology (I am a geologist, so I did), and good mechanical/shop skills. Purpose: Find out what’s in the middle of a &hellip Continue reading »

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DIY Young Inventor’s Kit!

For the low, low price of a laundry basket, Rubbermaid tote or similarly sized cardboard box, you too can start a Rube Goldberg-esque Inventor’s Kit for your child.   Step 1: Get a laundry basket-sized container. Step 2: Fill! The choice of odds and ends is up to you, and limited only by your creativity &hellip Continue reading »

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Have an Ice Time (Transfer of Energy)

Our science projects this year have all fallen under the broad umbrella of “Energy”. This art project seemed to fit the bill. Materials: Food coloring Cookie sheet or tray Interestingly shaped household containers*: mini loaf pans paper cups rubber glove balloon flexible molds muffin tins * Stay away from glass containers. You may need to &hellip Continue reading »

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A Few Christmas Vacation Science Projects

Looking for something fun to do with the kids over Christmas break? Here are a few science projects I’ve found on the web. This has two Christmas suggestions. Identifying mystery powders, includes a decision chart and backstory (I’m guessing Mrs. Claus isn’t very good at food storage safety). Requires basic household supplies: baking powder, baking &hellip Continue reading »

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Yet Another Rant Against Sexist Advertising

This blog was published yesterday (on November 19, 2010) and is already making its rounds. An excerpt: “As we enter the holiday season, the inevitable toy catalogs begin arriving on our doormats. Most of the celebrations this time of year involve some form of gift giving, and if you have kiddos, that means t-o-y-s. Toys, &hellip Continue reading »

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Energy, and States of Matter

This experiment/lesson has been designed for a class of second graders who are learning about the States of Matter. It’s pretty easy to throw in a introduction to Energy. Here’s everything you’ll need (except the students – you’ll have to find them yourself): PART 1: Teacher Prep The teacher, or a parent volunteer (like moi) &hellip Continue reading »

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