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Ideas for Elementary
MotionPhysics

Rotational Motion with a Pinwheel

Kids love to play with pinwheels. Whether you buy one at the store or make your own (pinwheel making tutorial), add a little Physics to the fun! 1. Use a string and ruler to measure the outside distance around the outside of the pinwheel. 2. Mark one spot on the pinwheel in some way. Use color, a piece of tape, etc. Just make sure the mark is very visible, even when the pinwheel is spinning.…
Cheryl Taylor
September 8, 2014
Earth's AtmosphereEnergyGeologyPhysics

How do colors affect temperature absorption?

We've all heard the fashion sayings . . . "never wear white after Labor Day" . . . "pastel colors should be worn at Easter" . . . etc. You know the traditions, but did you know they are actually based on science? The color of the clothing you wear can affect how hot or cold you feel when standing outside during the day. The light reaching us from the Sun is known as "white…
Cheryl Taylor
August 25, 2014
Acids and BasesChemistry

Testing the pH of Soap

We usually think of soap as being a very mild substance that is good for the skin. But, the cleansing effect of soap is due, in part, to the fact that it is a basic substance. Some soaps can dry out the skin, or even damage skin with frequent use. When you teach your children about acids and bases and the pH scale, have them explore the pH of different soaps in your house. Test…
Cheryl Taylor
August 19, 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
ChemistryInteractions of Matter

Invisible Ink as a Chemical Reaction

Kids love spy gadgets and mystery! Use homemade invisible ink to write secret notes, then teach your child the science behind the process used to reveal the hidden messages. There are many ways to make invisible ink. To use one of the safest methods, just use a Q-tip to write or draw on white paper with lemon juice. Actually, any fruit juice that contains citric acid will work, but lemon juice tends to dry the…
Cheryl Taylor
July 14, 2014
Earth's HistoryGeology

Dinosaur Tracks

Scientists often have to use indirect evidence to infer information about extinct species. Children (and adults!) often find it hard to understand how a footprint can tell a scientist anything about the animal that made it. Use this "mystery solving" activity to help explain how information can be collected from indirect evidence. You will need to do a little advance preparation for this activity. You'll need some play dough or other soft modeling clay and…
Cheryl Taylor
June 20, 2014
ForcesPhysics

Learning about Buoyancy in the Pool

Buoyancy seems like a simple concept, but to fully understand it on a scientific level can be a challenge for students. Introduce the concept to your younger elementary kids in a fun way while playing in the pool this summer! Buoyancy is based on Archimedes' Principle that states, "Any object, wholly or partially immersed in a fluid, is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object." Very…
Cheryl Taylor
June 10, 2014
EnergyPhysics

Teaching Kids about Consumerism and Conservation

Let's face it, the advertising world targets your kids every day. What child hasn't been disappointed after saving for months for a toy, only to find it doesn't measure up to what the commercial promised? In my science classes I teach my students how science can be used to objectively test claims made by advertisers . . . in other words, how to be wise consumers. Here's a fun idea that actually came from one…
Cheryl Taylor
June 1, 2014