Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 133)

Algae String Mizuhiki Knots

STEM Activity

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Cultures around the world have developed knots for many uses. For example, the Inca people used knotted cords called Quipu for collecting data, keeping calendars, and even military organization. In Japan, knots are used in celebrations, food prep, and garments. Elaborate paper Mizuhiki ones, such as the examples in this activity are tied to mark important life events. Educators, a lesson plan is also available for this topic. Read more

Altitude and Weather

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

As you move up or down in altitude or elevation, the temperature and pressure will change. This is particularly striking if you live near a mountain range. During the summer, at low altitudes you may have temperatures in the 80's or 90's and still be able to see snow on mountain peaks at high altitude. You can test the effect of altitude by comparing temperature data from weather stations at high and low altitudes. You can test the effect of elevation by making your own weather balloon and… Read more

An Illumination Investigation

Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-12th

An Infinite Number of Reflections? Really?

STEM Activity

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Can you imagine a bouncy ball bouncing back and forth between two walls, infinitely? Wouldn’t that be amazing? What if, instead of a ball, light was bouncing between two mirror walls; would it bounce back and forth forever? Imagine each light bounce added one reflection of you in the mirror; would it look like there were an infinite number of “you’s” in there? Can we create an infinite number of reflections? Try this activity and be amazed by the many… Read more

Analyzing Impact Craters on Mercury

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever wanted to analyze data from a NASA spacecraft? In this science project you will use data from NASA's MESSENGER mission to measure the diameter and calculate the depth of impact craters on Mercury. You will then analyze that data for relationships between a crater's depth and diameter. This is your chance to perform a science project as a NASA researcher would! Read more

Animal Magnetism: Do Large Mammals Align Themselves with Earth's Magnetic Field?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

We rely heavily on our senses to tell us about our environment. But in addition to the senses of touch, smell, taste, hearing, and sight, some animals are able to sense Earth's magnetic field. Migratory turtles and birds use this sense to guide them on long journeys. Homing pigeons use it to find their way home. New research suggests that large mammals, such as cows and deer, may also have the ability to sense the direction of magnetic north. In this animal behavior science project, you will… Read more

Antioxidants

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Antioxidants have become very popular in the news lately for their potential health and anti-aging properties. Antioxidants work by preventing oxidation reactions that produce free-radicals which can cause harm to the body. Try testing different vitamins for antioxidant activity. How do vitamins A, B, C, and E compare? Do some vitamins have more antioxidant activity than others? What are some other sources of antioxidants? Try testing extracts from proposed sources of antioxidants like coffee,… Read more

Antlion Pits in Open Sand or Under Leaf Cover

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Antlion larvae are known for their predatory ways. In sandy areas, they dig pits to trap ants or other crawling insects that happen to stumble in. This project shows you how to create a mini-environment for antlion larvae to test their preferences for pit-building sites. Read more

Apple Genetics: A Tasty Phenomena

Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-8th

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Using the context of apples, students will apply their knowledge of heredity and genetics to distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction as they explain how new varieties of apples are developed and then propagated to meet consumer demand for a tasty, uniform, consistent product. Read more

NGSS Performance Expectations:

MS-LS4-4. Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals' probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
MS-LS4-5. Gather and synthesize information about technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.

Are Enzymes in Laundry Detergents Effective Stain Removers?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Some laundry detergents have added enzymes that break down proteins, helping to remove them from the cloth fibers, and thus remove stains. You can perform a scientific test of these enzymes' stain-fighting ability. Do background research on the enzyme(s) in the detergent, and on the substances you choose for making the stains. Try to predict for which substances the enzymes will be effective. Cut a piece of light-colored cotton cloth into identical 10 cm squares. Choose different… Read more

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