Science Buddies Blog (Page 82)

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

Where's Waldo Science: Weekly Science Project Idea/Home Science Activity Spotlight

June 27, 2013 5:50 AM

In this week's spotlight: a pair of projects that investigate the science behind visual search. When you are looking for a specific car in a crowded parking lot, what makes it easier or more difficult to spot the car? What if you are looking for your keys, someone in a crowd, or something specific on the shelves at the grocery? Do you enjoy puzzles and seek-and-find style books and games that make a game or visual brain teaser out of "finding" something that is hidden in plain sight. like… Read more

Returning Student Mentor Shines in Science Help Forums

June 26, 2013 9:00 AM

Lexington, Kentucky student does an "outstanding" job helping respond to student science questions in Science Buddies' free Ask an Expert forums. The volunteer program gives top students a chance to contribute to science education by helping as part of a team of volunteer Experts. This year's winner balanced helping others with her own International Science and Engineering Fair-caliber science project. Valerie Sarge of Lexington, KY, received this year's Craig Sander Outstanding Mentor… Read more

Calling Naturalists of All Ages: Citizen Science Projects for the Whole Family

June 24, 2013 10:00 AM

Birds, frogs, ladybugs, and butterflies—these are a few examples of species in which growing waves of scientists are helping contribute to a global knowledge base. You and your family can, too! Have you or your kids spotted a ladybug recently? You may have watched your student observe the ladybug as it crawled around in her hand. Maybe there was even a small observational habitat created, for a half hour or so to see if the ladybug might eat a leaf (albeit a leaf a hundred or… Read more

Weekly Science Project Idea/Home Science Activity Spotlight: Shake Up Some Butter

June 20, 2013 10:00 AM

In this week's spotlight: a pair of projects that investigate the science of butter-making, a process you might even call butter-shaking! In these hands-on food science projects and activities, students make their own butter and investigate to find out what role (if any) temperature plays in the process. You and your family can shake up some butter to use with tomorrow's breakfast, but will you have better luck using cold or room-temperature cream? Get shaking to find… Read more

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