Science Buddies Blog (Page 109)

Science Mom on the Radio

May 7, 2010 4:46 PM

Courtney Corda, our very own Science Mom, will be live Saturday morning (May 8, 8:30 AM PDT) on the KGO radio Joanie Greggains show. A former PE teacher, Joanie Greggains is a special advisor to the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Tune in as Courtney talks with Joanie about the importance of science literacy and the ways in which students interested in sports can find exciting projects that put scientific principles in context of something they enjoy. Courtney… Read more

Pop! Goes the Canister

May 6, 2010 10:27 AM

There's more to baking soda and vinegar than just volcanoes in the sand! One day last summer I opened the gate that shields the preschool from the eyes of the surrounding neighborhood and caught sight of a film canister being launched into the air by an excited four-year-old. Under the supervision of a space-minded father, preschoolers that morning were being treated to launch after launch after launch of canister rockets, each accompanied by a resounding "pop" as the lid blew off and the… Read more

Scientist's Pick: A Biotechnology Laboratory...on Your Kitchen Counter!

May 3, 2010 12:34 PM

Note: This month's "Scientist's Pick" is from Science Buddies' staff scientist, Sandra Slutz. ~ Science Buddies' Editorial Staff Project: Forensic Science: Building Your Own Tool for Identifying DNA Scientist: Sandra Slutz Science Buddies' Difficulty Level: 7-9 Sometimes, when I'm supposed to be sitting down and concentrating on a task, my mind wanders. You never know what will come of those momentary mental strolls. In this case, the result was a pretty cool Do-It-Yourself project… Read more

Oil Spill and Wildlife

April 30, 2010 11:31 AM

Duck covered in oil from a 2007 spill. Image: Mila Zinkova, Wikipedia. A massive oil spill off of the Gulf of Mexico has had environmentalists watching the winds in hopes that the oil wouldn't wash ashore. The weather, unfortunately, is failing to cooperate. Winds have sped the slick towards land, and predicted storms over the next several days will further hamper cleanup efforts. According to the New York Times, Louisiana has already declared a state of emergency. The oil spill threatens… Read more

Morning Music

April 27, 2010 5:45 PM

I was on my way to the car one morning last week, and as I rounded the car to open the door, I noticed the repetitive trill of a bird. It was loud, persistent, and close. Stopping to listen, I swiveled around, searching the early morning street. There it was, a house finch perched atop a street light, its red throat catching the gleam of the sun breaking through the trees to the east. There are other birds in my area I've stopped to listen to in recent years. Some of them have become… Read more

Earth Day: Polar Caps

April 22, 2010 10:03 AM

As you observe Earth Day 2010 today, it's the perfect time to talk with students of all ages about conservation, recycling, and the importance of being good caretakers for the Earth. The following newly released Science Buddies science project can help students understand the issues surrounding global warming and the ice caps. These caps may seem far away, but melting due to climate change may have significant impact on the size of oceans. The trickle-down problem is the increased risk of… Read more

Ash Air

April 16, 2010 12:30 PM

Eruptions this week of a volcano that sits beneath a glacier in Iceland forced the evacuation of local residents who were in the path of the meltwater run-off from the glacier as surface melting occurred in response to the energy and temperature underground. As reported by guardian.uk.co, the floods arrived shortly after the initial eruptions, and the plume of ash blotted out the sky. Carried by winds, the ash wreaked havoc this week for international airports. British airports were… Read more

Student Journal Spreads Science

April 14, 2010 9:58 PM

Falconium boasts savvy design, engaging art, and a wide range of student-authored science articles. A student-run journal being put out by students at Torrey Pines High School in Encinitas, CA is giving science students a rare opportunity—the chance to publish their work for a widespread peer audience. While literary journals are common fare in many schools, student science journals are less common. There's opportunity here for emerging scientists to share their research and… Read more

Dim Light; Bright Science

April 12, 2010 9:34 AM

David Johnson, a 7th grader from Windsor Charter Academy, went to the Colorado State Science Fair last week with a science project idea he found on the Science Buddies website. Answering questions posed by the Science Buddies Topic Selection Wizard helped Johnson find a good match for his interest in circuits and electronics— and a novel use for a #2 lead pencil! Sliding Light: How to Make a Dimmer Switch (Science Buddies Difficulty Level: 6) Congratulations to David!… Read more

Methane: Handle with Care

April 6, 2010 11:45 AM

An explosion yesterday in the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia is responsible for at least 25 deaths. Another four miners are still missing, but rescue missions have reportedly been called off due to dangerous levels of methane gas. Once the underground tunnels are ventilated, a process being assisted through the drilling of holes in the side of the mine to allow more oxygen to enter, rescue and recovery operations can continue. The New York Times reported that officials hold out hope… Read more

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