Category

Biology

BiologyChemistryPlantsProperties of MatterTeaching ScienceWater and Solutions

Using Popcorn to Practice Scientific Method

This is a fairly common science fair project that I actually helped my grandson carry out for an elementary science fair. It's definitely not a new idea, but a great way to let children work through the scientific method using a fun topic . . . POPCORN! The question to be answered is: "Does storage temperature affect how well popcorn pops?" Children will be storing popcorn in a warm environment, room temperature, cold, and frozen.…
Cheryl Taylor
May 23, 2016
BiologyCells and Microbiology

Yeast – Examining Living Cells

Yeast . . . it turns grapes into wine . . . it makes bread rise . . . but did you know it's actually a living one-celled fungus? Yeast provides a safe way for children to observe a few of the life processes of living cells. 1. Living Cells Need Water - Add dry yeast to very warm water to activate them. Explain to children that the yeast must have water in order to…
Cheryl Taylor
October 26, 2014
BiologyEarth MaterialsEcology - Ecosystems

What is my Ecological Footprint?

Our children have a very egocentric view of life and, through limited life experience, they typically assume everyone has the same type of lifestyle as they do. While we talk a lot about conservation, how do we really measure up to other people? As you study ecology and conservation with your child, go online with them to take one of two Ecological Footprint Quizzes to reveal the size of your family's ecological footprint. The first…
Cheryl Taylor
August 16, 2014
BiologyEcology - Ecosystems

Water Conservation

How many times do you have to remind your kids . . . "Turn off the water!" . . . or, "Turn off the light when you leave the room!" Kids are forgetful and they sometimes need help developing good conservation habits. Here's a simple activity that will make your kids aware of how much water they can waste simply by brushing their teeth! 1. Find a large bowl that will just fit into the…
Cheryl Taylor
August 14, 2014
AnimalsBiology

Fingerprints

A fun way to teach kids about their skin is through an activity on fingerprints. The skin has two layers: the dermis and the epidermis. The epidermis is the layer of dead cells on the outside of the body that waterproofs and protects the living tissues underneath. The dermis is the living skin layer that contains blood vessels, sensory receptors, and the dividing cells that create the epidermal layer. The upper part of the dermis…
Cheryl Taylor
July 30, 2014
BiologyPlants

Seed Germination Lab

Children are fascinated by the fact that a seed can grow into a plant. You've probably already planted seeds with your child in order to watch them grow into plants. Here's a slightly different way to show your child the actual process of germination that allows them to actually see the plant emerge from the seed. Materials: seeds, paper towel, plastic sandwich bag, magnifying glass Procedure: 1. Fold a paper towel so that it fits…
Cheryl Taylor
May 11, 2014
BiologyCells and Microbiology

Growing Bacteria at Home

First, a warning . . . if you grow bacteria at home there is always a possibility you could grow large amounts of harmful bacteria that could make someone in your household sick. Always use proper safety precautions when growing bacteria! Some safety hints are included below, but always, always use common sense when handling any bacteria culture. When bacteria cultures are grown in the lab the bacteria is grown in shallow containers (Petri dishes)…
Cheryl Taylor
April 27, 2014
BiologyEcology - Ecosystems

Backyard Ecology

No matter whether you live in the country or the city, your child can observe nature close to home. Help your child be a nature detective to discover the ecosystem existing right in their own backyard. First, help your child identify what types of plants and animals they are realistically likely to see. If you have land in the country they're likely to observe large mammals such as deer and racoons. If you have a…
Cheryl Taylor
April 7, 2014
AnimalsBiology

Bug Collection – Go Digital!

Remember having to do a "bug collection" project when you were in school? There is a lot of value in observing animals in their natural environment and learning how to identify them based on physical characteristics. But, is it really necessary to catch, kill, and mount them? If your kids are afraid of crawly things or squeamish about killing live creatures, why not have them do a "virtual bug collection"? Armed with a digital camera,…
Cheryl Taylor
March 28, 2014
BiologyCells and Microbiology

Edible Cell Models

When teaching about the parts of the cell, increase your child's interest by having them build an edible model of a cell. The type of cell and the type of model depend on the age of the child and your snack preference for them. If your child is older they can research "parts of a cell" online to find many different diagrams of different types of cells. Help your child find a diagram at an…
Cheryl Taylor
March 23, 2014