Science Buddies Blog (Page 46)

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

Your Digital Classroom: Assigning Science Reading with Science Buddies' Google Classroom Integration

August 29, 2016 1:50 PM

Making science reading assignments using our Google Classroom Integration is a great way to streamline the management of reading exercises in a paperless classroom. Use the Science Buddies news feed to locate science news articles and easily add them to your Google Classroom. The Value of Assigning Science Reading As kids file back to school in coming weeks, group or individual science reading assignments can be a great way to encourage discussion as… Read more

Diaper Duty Science

August 25, 2016 1:22 PM

In this family STEM activity, students take an inside look at the polymer in diapers that makes them absorbent. Just Add Water What do astronauts and babies have in common? They both rely, at times, on diaper-like solutions to keep them dry. When it comes to how a diaper absorbs liquid and keeps moisture away from the body, there is serious science at work. With a family-friendly science activity, kids can take a closer look at what happens inside a diaper when the diaper gets… Read more

White-hat Hackers: Cybersecurity Specialists

August 22, 2016 10:00 AM

Hackers who use their computer programming, technology, and cyber skills to help companies protect against cyber attacks are in great demand! To address the growing need for cybersecurity specialists, Symantec and Science Buddies are helping students learn more about careers in cybersecurity. There are thousands of openings around the world for individuals who can think like a hacker to help beat hackers at their own game. An infographic on data breaches and stolen… Read more

Popcorn Popping Science

August 19, 2016 7:30 AM

In this family STEM activity, students experiment to find out the science secrets behind popcorn. What Makes Popcorn Pop? Have you ever wondered what makes popcorn pop? Not all varieties of corn pop. Popcorn has a specific structure and a specific composition that allows us to turn the hard kernels into a tasty snack. In this week's family science activity, families head to the kitchen for a firsthand look at popcorn popping science. Part of what makes popcorn pop is the water that is… Read more

Growing Science: Agriculture and Plant Projects

August 16, 2016 7:30 AM

Projects that involve growing plants may involve extra time and planning. We have strategies to help students keep agriculture and plant science projects on track! Plant-based Projects Take Time! There are many exciting project ideas at Science Buddies for students interested in agriculture, plant, and food science. Whether students want to explore questions related to plant growth or strategies for crops and farmland, these hands-on science projects… Read more

Center of a Shape Science

August 12, 2016 8:52 AM

In this family STEM activity, students experiment with a simple technique that can help them determine the center of a shape. Grab some paperclips and string to explore! In this week's family science activity, students learn how to find the "middle" or "center" of a two-dimensional shape. It can be easy to locate the center of a symmetrical shape like a circle or a square, but finding the middle of an irregular shape can seem tricky. With a bit of science, kids can pinpoint the center of any… Read more

Stay Up for the Perseid Meteor Shower

August 11, 2016 1:13 PM

This year's Perseid Meteor Shower is predicted to be the especially bright! Pair skygazing this week with hands-on student science experiments that help bring the night sky into focus. Photo: NASA/JPL Looking Up People with clear skies overhead may see up to 200 meteors an hour during the peak of this year's Perseid Meteor Shower. That's nearly double the average rate of meteors per hour during the annual meteor shower, making this year's nighttime show especially worth staying up to… Read more

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