Science Buddies Blog (Page 66)

Building a Halloween Brushbot: Family Robotics

October 21, 2014 11:00 AM

An orange scrub brush gives a family science activity a boost of jack-o-lantern-inspired fun and leads to a great robotics exploration. Ever since the new Brushbot family science activity launched at Science Buddies, with electronics components conveniently bundled in a multi-project kit, I have had it on my "must make" list for my kids. Thinking it would be cool to couple trick-or-treat month and the robotics project, I decided we would make a… Read more

Solar Power Towers and Migratory Flight Paths

October 16, 2014 11:00 AM

Environmental conservation and energy science collide in a proposed solar power project that promises greener energy but threatens to disrupt a major migratory path for birds, including golden eagles, in the area. Students can explore similar issues for migratory birds and animals with a big data science project. Photo: Illustration of the initial two-tower proposed Palen Solar Electric Generating System. A large California solar project, the Palen Solar Electric Generating System… Read more

Major League Baseball = Major League Science

October 14, 2014 9:30 AM

Think baseball is all about runs, outs, balls, and strikes? What about physics, biomechanics, and statistics? Explore the science of baseball! By Kim Mullin Photo: Wikipedia Baseball fever is raging at my house. The first order of business every morning is to find out if our favorite team won or lost the previous night's game. Equally important is checking to see if our team's closest rival won or lost. All of this baseball excitement will culminate… Read more

Making Juice-filled Boba with a Spherification Science Project

October 6, 2014 9:00 AM

We go DIY with molecular gastronomy and family science as we make our own popping boba using the Science Buddies Spherification Kit. When it is hot outside, my kids love to pit stop at the nearby frozen yogurt shop where they can swirl frozen yogurt into an oversized paper bowl and load it up with toppings of their choice. Favorite toppings vary, but one kid's heaping concoction always includes little slippery, fruit-flavored balls—popping boba.… Read more

Ebola Outbreak Reaches Epidemic Proportions in West Africa

October 1, 2014 1:00 PM

The current Ebola crisis in West Africa has already topped charts for all Ebola outbreaks in history. Though there are potential medicines being tested, the path to an available antiviral treatment is one riddled with questions and precautions for biochemists. Medical biotechnology science projects let students gets hands-on with the kinds of real-world research and development scientists are doing, right now, as they face the ongoing Ebola health crisis. Ebola virus virion, Centers for… Read more

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

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