Family Science | Science Buddies Blog (Page 12)

Paper Rocket Aerodynamics

November 12, 2015 10:00 AM

Make paper rockets you can launch by blowing through a straw and experiment to find out how changing the design can change how the rockets fly with this family STEM activity. Making a paper rocket that you can launch by blowing through a straw is an easy hands-on activity sure to engage paper airplane folders and rocket enthusiasts alike. You can easily turn this paper-based pastime into a STEM activity by exploring the design of the paper rocket. What… Read more

Dancing Water Droplets

November 6, 2015 1:00 PM

With this week's fun family science activity, you can create an exciting visual display using water and food coloring! How do water droplets react on a surface material? Do they roll off? Do they disperse? Do they move together? How do they react to each other? Depending on the surface material and the liquid, you may find that droplets move in a variety of different ways. These patterns of movement demonstrate several different science principles. What determines whether droplets spread… Read more

Phone Book Friction Physics

October 22, 2015 10:56 AM

Explore the physics of friction using sticky notes. What happens when you interleave the pages of two books or pads of paper? Why? The friction between two objects determines how difficult it will be to slide one object across another. Friction accounts for how your feet move across grass, for example, compared to how an ice skate moves across ice. Scientists use both the coefficient of friction and measurement of normal force to talk about how much… Read more

Compare Circumference and Diameter with String

September 24, 2015 10:01 AM

Things that are circular in shape surround us. From quarters to wheels to the openings of cups and bottles, circles are abundant, and they come in all sizes. In this week's family science activity, students explore properties of a circle, just like mathematicians do, to see if they can identify the relationship between the diameter of a circle and the circumference. This hands-on math activity turns these measurements (and the concept of Pi) into something that can be visualized with… Read more

A Positive Science Fair Project Experience

August 18, 2015 10:00 AM

Science fair projects let students learn, use, and demonstrate important science and reasoning steps, and the benefits of hands-on and active exploration compared to more passive modes of learning or rote memorization are well-documented. So why do so many parents scowl at the science fair project assignment? What makes the science project a stumbling block for many families rather than an anticipated and positive learning experience? Is it simply a matter of perspective? There are many steps… Read more

Sale in the Science Buddies Store!

July 10, 2015 1:00 AM

Are you looking for fun science projects to do this summer? Science kits from the Science Buddies Store bring all the specialty items you need to your door in one convenient box. Take 25% off in the Science Buddies Store now through July 15, 2015. The time to bring science home has never been better! Check out some of our top picks for summer science exploration: Squishy Circuits Kit (see it in action) Bristlebot Kit (see it in action) Spherification Kit (see it in action) Magic… Read more

Fun Frisbee Science

July 8, 2015 7:00 AM

Test different throwing techniques or compare different types of Frisbees and learn more about aerodynamics and physics at the same time. Ready, set, throw! With the right mindset—or source of inspiration—you can find ways to easily tie science into many of your family's activities and hobbies, and the things you do with your kids for fun can be a fulcrum for science-themed family conversation. Your kids don't even have to realize you are turning a routine together-time… Read more

Splitting Ink: Marker Chromatography

June 25, 2015 8:00 AM

Use paper chromatography to explore the colors used to make different colors of marker ink! What color dyes are in your favorite marker ink? Try paper chromatography to find out! What color dye molecules are combined to make your favorite marker color? From creating with paint or colored pencils, you probably know that mixing certain colors makes predictable colors. Blue and red makes purple, for example. But what color molecules are used in a purple… Read more

Glow-in-the-dark Nighttime Summer Science

June 23, 2015 6:00 AM

A test tube of phytoplankton offers a no-mess way to let kids observe biochemical processes, circadian rhythms, and bioluminescence. Move over fireflies, phytoplankton live longer, which makes them a great option for home science. On the first night of a fifth grade camping trip earlier this year, our group leader shuffled us all down to the beach in the dark. The kids were on a phytoplankton mission, and the dark beach was the place to be. The… Read more

Heat up Your Summer with Solar Science

June 22, 2015 9:00 AM

Bright summer light is perfect for exploring solar energy. Science Buddies' kid-friendly science project ideas make it fun and easy! By Kim Mullin Summer is almost here, so get ready for fun in the sun! With school out, there will be plenty of time to play in the water, eat popsicles, spit watermelon seeds, and much more. What do you like to do with your summer days? Learning through Exploration and Discovery When deciding how to spend your free time this summer, be sure to… Read more

Science Buddies Blog (333 results)

Explore Our Science Videos