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outdoor Archives - Taylor Made Science

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 Taylor
November 14, 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 Taylor
March 7, 2016
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
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
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
MotionPhysics

Calculate Speed While Encouraging Exercise

We all know that kids have a lot of energy. Put that energy to good use by combining a physics lesson, a math lesson, and some good exercise! All you'll need is an energetic kid, a tape measure, a stopwatch, and a safe place for your child to run. Calculating Speed 1. Pick out a "track" that your child can run safely. Select a distance appropriate for your child to run several times. 2. Help…
Cheryl Taylor
March 28, 2014
Earth MaterialsGeology

Making Rocks Fun!

Okay, I have to admit, rocks sound boring to most people. But here's a way to get kids interested in the topic of rocks and minerals! Kids (and adults) love to find treasure. Purchase a bag of "mining rough" and you have a ready-made treasure hunt for your kids. Mining rough is the left over material generated by the mining process. To a mine that recovers and sells gemstones, it isn't cost effective to spend…
Cheryl Taylor
March 22, 2014