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
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.
Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Culture, STEM, Resources, Activities, Physics, innovate
When I was a kid, winter always seemed to bring at least one big snowfall every year. It’s possible these snowfalls seemed larger in comparison to the ones I see now simply because I was about two feet shorter back then, but whatever the reason, I remember engaging in numerous snowball fights over the years. As the fourth in a family of 12, and growing up in a neighborhood filled with children, I never lacked for fellow snowball fight competitors. So, I watched and learned a few tricks about packing snow to create the best snowballs and snow forts. What I didn’t know was that all this involved physics.
Topics: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Physics
