Science Buddies Blog (Page 82)

Student Science: Straw Suspension Bridge

July 18, 2013 6:05 AM

How does the Golden Gate Bridge or another suspension bridge work? Does the suspension design help it support more weight than other types of bridges? In the "Keeping You in Suspens(ion)" science project, students put these questions to the test. With ordinary materials—straws, tape, string, paper clips, and a small cup—students can quickly model a suspension bridge and test its weight-bearing capacity compared to a simple beam bridge made from the same materials. How many pennies… Read more

Human-Powered Helicopter: Pedal Power Engineering

July 17, 2013 10:00 AM

A team from Canada captures a longstanding prize with their human-powered helicopter. You won't be parking yours any time soon, but the story is an inspiring example of engineering design, innovation, and perseverance. News of a last month's human-powered helicopter flight "win" by a Canadian engineering team brought the movie Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) immediately to mind. Kiki has always been a favorite of the Hayao Miyazaki movies in my house, but the character obsessed with… Read more

Citrus Science Crisis: From Fruitful to Fruit 'fall'

July 16, 2013 10:00 AM

Thanks to the Asian citrus psyllids, your breakfast cup of orange juice is at risk. Learn more about citrus greening, the threat to the citrus industry, and ways students can develop related hands-on science investigations. A Fruity Problem Apple and orange growers, both, are fighting for the survival of their crops. The enemy—pests. The image above from the USDA shows leaves covered by Asian citrus psyllids in various stages of their life cycle. Related Reading Teresa Weir's… Read more

Basketball Science on the Court

July 15, 2013 7:45 AM

Have a sports-oriented kid? Playing basketball can engage muscle power and brain power! For summertime fun, hit the courts to explore the science behind shooting hoops. By Kim Mullin Better Basketball? Can science help you improve your skills on the court? It might! Sports science projects let you explore the science and physics behind a favorite pastime. Shoot some hoops; score some science points. Basketball season may be officially over, but it's a safe bet that lots of kids are… Read more

Math Riddles for All Ages

July 12, 2013 5:00 AM

A new book brings math into the realm of bedtime stories. Whether you read it with your kids at night or during the day, Bedtime Math encourages families to talk about math every day—and to have fun doing so! Talking About and Doing Math with Your Kids We use math every day in countless ways. Don't be afraid to turn ordinary moments into math moments with your kids. It is good for them to add, subtract, and think about numbers and how they relate to real-world… Read more

Hula Hoop Science: Weekly Science Project Idea and Home Science Activity Spotlight

July 11, 2013 8:30 AM

In this week's spotlight: a pair of science projects perfect for burning off some energy and getting your "spin" on. What is the secret to a good hula hoop? Experiment with the weight and size of different homemade hoops to see how each affects your ability to keep a hoop in motion. What's the best combination? Can you hula hoop longer with a lighter or heavier hoop? Why? Motion Mania: Applying Physics to Hula-Hooping (full Science Buddies Project Idea) Swiveling Science: Applying… Read more

Student Physics: Accelerometer on a Trampoline

July 8, 2013 3:09 PM

For his 8th grade science project, Jonathan Stewart gave the "The Chills and Thrills of Roller Coaster Hills" Project Idea a new, bouncy, twist. When it was time for his science project, the local amusement park was already closed for the year, so after building his accelerometer (the device he is holding in the photo), Jonathan put it to the test on a trampoline for a great physics project exploration of g-force! What did your science project or family science activity look like? If you… Read more

Rocket Science: Weekly Science Project Idea/Home Science Activity Spotlight

July 3, 2013 9:24 AM

In this week's spotlight: a pair of projects that fit right in with U.S. 4th of July celebrations and let you get hands-on with "rocket" science at any time of the year. What happens when you combine vinegar and baking soda? A chemical reaction! If you contain the reaction in a small space like a film canister, you can get a high-flying blast from the combination—your own mini rocket. But how much of each ingredient do you need? Experiment with the ratio of vinegar and baking soda… Read more

Green Family Science: Pinpointing Constant Power Drain

July 2, 2013 8:52 AM

Are there energy vampires in your house? There are probably more things sucking on your household energy than you realize! This summer, band together with your students to analyze your family's power usage—and to see what steps you can take to make a difference in your family energy usage footprint. From stereos to gaming systems to chargers for all of your devices, you might be surprised at how many things are plugged in—and how much energy each uses, even when it is just sitting… Read more

Young Naturalist Wins Bio-Rad Essay Contest

July 1, 2013 5:00 AM

In an essay she wrote as part of a competition for a science scholarship offered by Bio-Rad Laboratories, this recent high school graduate and aspiring wildlife biologist evokes the spirit of John Muir as she describes her own passion for hands-on science and fieldwork. Above: Ashley Baughman, recipient of the Ron Mardigian scholarship, awarded by Bio-Rad Laboratories, on a trip to Pinnacles National Monument where she and classmates studied the endangered California Condor. For… Read more

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