Science Buddies Blog

September 30, 2016 11:00 AM

In this family STEM activity, students explore the science behind the size of a marshmallow. What happens if you add or remove air around a marshmallow? Families can see science in action by experimenting with stretchy, gooey marshmallows. Gas Inside and Gas Outside Marshmallows contain hidden gas that is trapped inside when they are made. Balanced by the gas (air) outside, marshmallows stay a certain size. But by manipulating the air surrounding a marshmallow, you can force a… Read more

Digital Classroom: Logging In

September 22, 2016 11:45 AM

Using Science Buddies with Google Classroom makes it easy for teachers to add science assignments to Google Classroom. Don't let login issues slow you and your students down! Here's what you need to know about logging in at Science Buddies to make or turn in assignments. A cropped screenshot of a Google Classroom account log in shows two log in options: one for a student account and another for a teacher account. Our "Create Assignment" button and… Read more

Baking Soda Bubbles and the Science of Sour

September 15, 2016 10:35 AM

In this family STEM activity, students use baking soda to help detect the presence of acids in foods and explore the relationship between acidity and whether or not a food tastes sour. A Simple Test for Sour When you eat or drink something, your taste buds detect qualities like sour, sweet, and bitter. If you drink pickle juice, you might immediately describe it as sour. The same would be true for lemon juice. But a food or drink that also contains ingredients that counter (or mask)… Read more

Your Digital Classroom: The Topic Selection Wizard

September 12, 2016 11:00 AM

If finding a project is the stumbling block, Science Buddies has the answer! The Topic Selection Wizard helps match students with projects that may be of interest to them. With Google Classroom Integration, you can turn project finding into a classroom assignment! Note: This post has been updated! See the new version, Assign the Topic Selection Wizard with Google Classroom. For some students, the assignment to do a science fair project is… Read more

Stretchy Dough and the Science of Gluten

September 8, 2016 12:00 PM

In this family STEM activity, students mix up dough in the kitchen to explore the role of gluten in making doughs stretchy and elastic. The Science of Dough Preparing many baked goods involves first mixing up a dough that is then kneaded (or not kneaded), left to sit for a certain amount of time (or not), and stretched or rolled during the process (like a pizza crust) before it is baked. Depending on the desired texture of the dough and the ingredients used, the steps of the recipe will… Read more

Flocculants and the Science Behind Clean Drinking Water

September 6, 2016 10:00 AM

With a DIY circuit to measure the turbidity of water, students can put water samples to the test and explore the way engineers evaluate water clarity. In a new environmental engineering project, students model a water treatment plant process to test one of the ways water is changed from murky to clear before being piped to customers for drinking—and then use their homemade turbidity meter to evaluate the results. Photo: Steve Hillebrand, US Fish and Wildlife Service More than 18… Read more

Putting the McGurk Effect to the Test

September 1, 2016 12:00 PM

Students interested in Virtual Reality can investigate how easy it is to trick the human brain. With a bit of video making, students can test the McGurk effect with friends and family. Are there limits to the effect? How will these limits influence the creation and success of Virtual Reality environments? Above: Watch this PBS video to see the McGurk effect in action. Do you ever doubt your ears? Without you stopping to think about it, your brain uses other available cues (or sensory… Read more

Science Buddies Blog (7 results)

Explore Our Science Videos