Pitsco Blog | Physics

Static electricity – this might shock you

Posted by Deidre Galloway on January 09, 2020

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.

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Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, STEM, Resources, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Physics

Hot days ideal for solar learning opportunities

Posted by Molly Underwood on August 08, 2019

Egg-Fry-Sidewalk-2024-0719

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.

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Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, STEM, Authentic Learning, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Physics

How do bicycles work? The science behind this ‘simple’ machine.

Posted by Katlie Brynds on June 07, 2019

Bicycling-2024-0519

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?

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Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, Resources, Engineering, Physics

For the love of popcorn: The science behind the pop

Posted by Patty Cooke on March 14, 2019

Popcorn-2024-0319

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.

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Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, STEM, Resources, Physics

STEM and football join teams

Posted by Preston Frazier on February 02, 2019

Football-and-STEM-2024-0119

Sunday’s big game is almost here! People have made their team picks of who will win the most prestigious trophy in professional football. Even if you’re not a football fan, this is the perfect time to look at some math and science connections that your students can relate to the big game on the gridiron.

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Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Culture, STEM, Resources, Activities, Physics, innovate

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