Science Buddies Blog

Caterpillar Spotting Leads to Citizen Science

September 30, 2014 9:00 AM

An unusual caterpillar brings lots of "eeeews!" and one contribution to a citizen science project. Discover how anyone can collaborate on serious scientific research. By Kim Mullin Above: Acharia stimulea, larva, Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org What do you picture when you think of a caterpillar? Green and hairless? Or perhaps black and fuzzy? Recently, I found a caterpillar on my car bumper, and its distinctive looks made… Read more

Drag-and-drop Code: Engaging Students with Computer Programming

September 29, 2014 10:00 AM

Last week, we posted an overview of Code.org's Hour of Code activities (and their new Code Studio), along with some exciting Science Buddies Project Ideas for students who are ready to move beyond an Hour of Code and continue their exploration of computer programming. In this very relevant video, UC Berkeley Professor Dan Garcia talks about the kind of "drag-and-drop," block-based, snap-together programming environments that are becoming increasingly de facto as a way to introduce students of… Read more

Computer Programming Basics: An Hour of Code

September 25, 2014 12:15 PM

With more and more kids playing video games and using apps, the secret to introducing kids to computer programming may be in making a game of it. With a smorgasbord of fun, engaging, playful, and puzzling modules available as part of the Hour of Code initiative, kids can experiment with programming basics and sample Javascript, Python, Ruby, and more. For kids just getting started with computer programming concepts, a gamified approach may make all the difference in showing them that… Read more

What's in a Watermelon?

September 17, 2014 6:00 AM

Are the seeds in your watermelon playing hide-and-seek? Can plants grow without soil? The plant world offers a cornucopia of mysteries that are ripe for investigation. By Kim Mullin On a hot summer day, cold, crisp, and juicy watermelon is one of my favorite treats. Delicious and healthy, watermelon is hard to beat, especially when you also consider the entertainment those big black seeds can provide. That's right, put one in your mouth and spit it as far as you can! Did you know… Read more

From Wooden Train to the Magic of Maglev

September 11, 2014 8:00 AM

For a third grade student with an interest in science and pinewood derby cars, the Maglev Train project combined a fun DIY activity with engaging science. A levitating train is science kids can see! Family Science is Fun! Alex and Lisa, pictured above, built and explored the Magic Bullet Train kit from the Science Buddies Store. Alex's train turned out great, and we love the gold paint! For more family science inspiration featuring the maglev train kit and project, see Magic Train Puts… Read more

Boosting Biotechnology Learning in Local Schools

September 9, 2014 6:00 AM

With support from Amgen and the Lawrence Hall of Science, high school biology in the Bay Area has gotten a world-class boost of biotechnology. The Amgen Biotechnology Experience gives teachers and students the opportunity to experiment with sophisticated hands-on science that is often impossible in a school setting—at no cost to the schools. Producing recombinant DNA molecules and using red fluorescent proteins to transform E. coli so that the bacteria glows red (or sometimes… Read more

Rosetta Pulls Alongside Jupiter Family Comet: Student Space Science Projects

September 5, 2014 9:30 AM

Now within twenty miles of its target comet, the Rosetta spacecraft may help provide information about the formation of the solar system and planet Earth. Students and classes can join scientists in the next year of Rosetta watching and, along the way, explore comets and space science through hands-on science projects. Above: A rendering (not to scale) of the Rosetta Satellite arriving at Comet 67P. Photo: Spacecraft: ESA/ATG medialab; Comet image: ESA/Rosetta/NAVCAM. When it comes to… Read more

Homemade Compass: Weekly Science Activity

September 4, 2014 9:30 AM

In this week's spotlight: a physics-focused family science activity that can help everyone in the family get a better sense of where you are—or in what direction you are heading. In this activity, students make a small, working compass using part of a cork, a needle, and a magnet. Once the compass is created, students can put it to the test. Does the direction the homemade compass points match up to what another navigational device or app says? Families can experiment with other… Read more

Science Buddies Blog (8 results)

Explore Our Science Videos