Editor’s Note: The following experiments are not original ideas. The specific projects we’ve shared are adapted from Boys’ Life, Life Over C’s, Steve Spangler Science, ThoughtCo., and Wonderopolis. We encourage you to give their sites some exploration for more STEMspiration and ideas for learning at home.
April Fool’s Day — it’s a holiday you either love or love to ignore.
Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Teacher Resources, Makerspace, Science, STEM, Resources, Authentic Learning, Activities, Maker Ed, Hands-on Learning, STEAM, Physics, innovate, Art
We’re all familiar with the static cling when we forget to put the dryer sheet in the dryer, especially during the winter season. Or maybe you’ve gotten shocked as you touch a door handle or pet your dog. These shocking experiences are due to static electricity, which is a buildup of electric charges. Winter is a great time to learn about static electricity because the air tends to be drier along with our skin and hair. There are many simple experiments you can do with students or children in your life to connect everyday experiences to science.
Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, STEM, Resources, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Physics
We’re still in the Dog Days of Summer (at least through August 11) and kids are soaking up the last bit of no-school freedoms in the heat and extra daylight. At some point in the summer, you might have uttered, “It’s so hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk.” But is that actually a thing? And, did you know there’s a National Sidewalk Egg Frying Day? Really, there is. It’s on the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day, which also celebrates STEM in its own right.
Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, STEM, Authentic Learning, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Physics
Bicycles are used by millions of people worldwide, for various reasons. People bicycle to work out, commute, deliver packages, compete in races, or just ride for fun. Riding a bicycle might seem easy to some, but it’s actually very complex. Both the rider and the bike play an integral role in the process, which is really more of a science than an art. So, how exactly does this two-wheeled object get us from Point A to Point B?
Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, Resources, Engineering, Physics
I love popcorn. Microwave, stove-top, movie theater, street- and store-bought popcorn. I love it all. And I’m not keen on sharing my popcorn with others either. I’ll buy – or pop – you your own bowl, bag, or bucket, but I want my popcorn all to myself. I’m a generous person, but hey, this is popcorn we’re talking about! So, when I heard there was a Popcorn Lover’s Day, I happily volunteered to research and write about this awesome snack food.
Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, STEM, Resources, Physics
