Blog

Earth's Atmosphere Geology Water and Solutions

Cloud in a Glass

As you're studying weather, take a few minutes to make a cloud in a glass to help explain the process of condensation and cloud formation. What you'll need: clear glass or jar, kitchen matches, ice cubes, small plate or pan that will completely cover top of glass or jar (metal works best), boiling or very hot water Procedure: 1. Fill the plate or pan with ice cubes and have it ready to quickly place over…

Cheryl TaylorFebruary 27, 2017

Earth in Space

Don’t Miss the Supermoon!

On November 14-15, 2016 we'll experience a "Super Moon." A full moon that is bigger and brighter than usual because the moon will actually be about 400,000 kilometers closer to Earth than normal. The last Super Moon occurred in 1948 and you'll have to wait until 2034 for the next one. So, take your children outside tonight so they can experience their first Super Moon! For more information about the phenomenon, go here.

Cheryl TaylorNovember 14, 2016

Biology Chemistry Plants Properties of Matter Teaching Science Water 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 TaylorMay 23, 2016

Earth's History

Roadcuts – Windows to the Past

The next time you're traveling with the kids and need to stop for a break, look for a roadcut with a large safe shoulder to walk around. Call attention to the rock layers visible on the surface of the cut, and ask children for their ideas about what caused the layers. Depending on the age of the child, topics of discussion can include: the type of rocks and how they formed (most formed as sediments…

Cheryl TaylorMarch 7, 2016

Teaching Science

How do you rate in general Scientific Knowledge?

Here's an interesting Science Quiz done by the Pew Research Center. It contains some basic science knowledge questions in multiple choice format. Take the quiz and then see how you score against average American adults. You can also find overall results based on demographics. Follow another link to check out the full analysis of the poll that was designed to discover, "What the Public Does and Does Not Know About Science."

Cheryl TaylorDecember 22, 2015

Physics Waves

Earthquake Waves

The general properties of waves can be investigated through an activity on earthquakes. First, have your child research the three different types of earthquake waves. Encourage them to find the following information about each wave: 1. name of the wave 2. how quickly it travels compared to the other two 3. what part of the Earth does it travel through 4. type of wave, based on motion (compression wave, transverse wave, etc.) 5. does it…

Cheryl TaylorNovember 1, 2014

Biology Cells 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 TaylorOctober 26, 2014

Chemistry Properties of Matter

Separating a Mixture

A mixture contains two or more substances that are not chemically combined. Each substance retains its original properties, and can be separated by physical means. Challenge your student to design a method to separate a mixture into its separate components. First, you'll need to make the mixture that will be separated. A suggestion would be to mix salt, sand, pebbles, and iron filings. Home improvement stores sell "play sand" which works well for many science…

Cheryl TaylorOctober 12, 2014

Earth in Space Geology

Take the Pluto Survey!

We all remember learning the nine planets of the solar system when we were in school. And just like that, there were only eight! Poor Pluto! In 2006 the IAU (International Astronomical Union) demoted Pluto to nothing more than a "dwarf planet" when another rocky body, similar to Pluto, was discovered beyond Neptune. But, on September 18 Harvard University hosted a debate about the controversial classification of Pluto and it seems quite a case was…

Cheryl TaylorOctober 4, 2014