Science Buddies Blog (Page 90)

Science in a Flash: Turn Milk into Plastic!

January 9, 2013 10:39 AM

Try this quick and easy way to introduce kids to chemical reactions and polymers. One Science Buddies mom even used it for spur-of-the moment entertainment at a slumber party! Simple household kitchen ingredients and materials let one science mom create a spur-of-the-moment science exploration for a group of early risers at a slumber party. The kitchen chemistry science activity this mom did involves polymers. For another family science investigation of polymers, see "Putty Science:… Read more

A Look Back at 2012 on the Science Buddies Blog

January 3, 2013 4:30 PM

As the 2013 science fair season gets underway, get inspired by what's possible for student science—and science at home—with a recap of last year's posts about science projects, science news, and family science. The New Year is underway, and even during the semester break, many students are working with zest, determination, and curiosity on their science fair projects. As we welcome in 2013 and the coming months of the science fair season, here is a brief look back at a few of our… Read more

Encouraging and Inspiring Female Student Engineers

December 17, 2012 10:30 AM

While "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day" is officially celebrated in February, helping girls understand the creative world of engineering is important all year long. If you love to innovate, imagine, build, tinker, solve problems, or make things, engineering might be just the right area for you—or your student! Too Young to Be an Engineer?Have you heard of Becky Schroeder, a teenage inventor who wanted to find a better way to do her homework while waiting in a dark car. Becky's story… Read more

Blindfolds On: Designing Video Games for the Visually Impaired

December 6, 2012 10:15 AM

Two students in LA took an audible cue from the community for their fourth-grade science project and designed a sound-based video game. Their first video game design project gave them an inside look into how games are designed, built, and tested to meet the needs of various audiences. For their fourth-grade science project, Zach and Talia created a video game called Blong. Their game, reminiscent of Pong, was designed with special attention to sound cues so that it can be played by a wide… Read more

Robot Engineering: Tapping the Artist within the Bot

December 4, 2012 9:46 AM

When it comes to customizing robots, the spirit of innovation is alive and well in afterschool programs around the country. Extracurricular engineering and robotics clubs may provide a welcome outlet and important mentoring for students. From brainstorming designs to nuts and bolts building to learning how to integrate servo motors and computer programming, robotics projects capitalize on a student's love of tinkering—with the possibility of a clear reward in the end, a bot that does… Read more

Artificial Intelligence and Cancer Diagnosis: Meet the 2012 Google Science Fair Winner

November 28, 2012 11:28 AM

According to senior Brittany Wenger, programming computers to think for themselves in the name of science may change the face of cancer diagnosis. Using cloud technology to both share data and feed her program, Wenger's Google Science Fair project blends computer science and medicine to create a powerful resource for the medical community—and an inspiration for other young programmers. "The Google Science Fair has provided me with a platform to share my research with the world. I am… Read more

When the Moon Is Full (Or Seems to Be)

November 7, 2012 11:21 AM

Last month's interest in goblins and ghouls has faded, but you can spice up November classroom and family science discussions with a blend of astronomy and a fitting 'trick' of the eye in preparation for this month's full moon! From astronomy projects to tests of human perception, the changing faces of the moon invites student science exploration. Students curious about the full moon illusion can learn more about afterimages in the "Are Your Eyes Playing Tricks on You? Discover the… Read more

Altered Foods: Labeling, GMOs, and Biotechnology

November 5, 2012 8:00 AM

What kind of corn is in your favorite corn chip? Current debate in California surrounds the labeling of genetically modified foods and foods made from genetically engineered crops. Students can get hands-on and learn more about genetically modified organisms with biotechnology science Project Ideas from Science Buddies and Bio-Rad Laboratories. (Image: Bigstock) Debate over the labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms has been headline news in the months leading up to… Read more

Frankenstorm Science: Hurricane Sandy

November 1, 2012 3:51 PM

Students of all ages may be hearing and seeing news about Hurricane Sandy. Even in the aftermath of the storm, talking about hurricanes with your students helps them better understand the science involved. (Image: NASA GOES Project) Students curious about hurricanes like Sandy—or interested in why this week's tropical storm was unusual and how it differed from past storms—can explore further in one of several science fair Project Ideas at Science Buddies.Hurricane Sandy… Read more

More Halloween Science

October 31, 2012 10:07 AM

(Image: Evan-Amos, Wikipedia) With a bit of planning, you can turn a pile of Halloween loot into an engaging science activity! Yesterday we posted a round-up of spooky, creepy, and candy-filled blog posts from years past to help you and your students find the science in Halloween tricks and treats. Especially with all the candy that may be spilled from a bag to the living room floor tonight after a stroll through the neighborhood, there is much to be said for the hands-on approach. After… Read more

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