January 19 is National Tin Can Day. Yep, there really is a day for everything it seems. So why recognize this one? Well, we can’t pass up the opportunity for some hands-on learning! Tin cans are celebrated for the advancements they brought to food preservation in the early 1800s. Outside of their primary purpose, I’m thinking about celebrating the science of the tin can telephones. The Guinness World Record for the longest functioning tin can telephone is 796 feet!
Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, STEM, Resources, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Physics, innovate
Summer means it’s a great time for indoor sports and activities to help keep cool, and, for me, that always includes bowling! Bowling is one of those awesome pastimes I like because I can take any of my friends, regardless of skill level, and we can all have a good time, hang out, and easily social distance.
Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Homeschool, STEM, Engineering, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Physics
When I was in fifth grade, I was almost in a yo-yo commercial. Looking back now, I wonder if knowing the physics behind yo-yoing would have helped me land that commercial. Who knows? Maybe I’d be a famous actress – or yo-yoer – by now.
Topics: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, STEM, Trends, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Physics
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
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