by Linda Dunnavant
The ZigZag Density Tumbler is an elegant desk “toy” and much more. Turn the tumbler over and watch two different colors of droplets float down in a relaxing zigzag pattern. I like to keep mine on my desk so that I can pick it up and watch it while I clear my head. In addition to being a soothing, relaxing activity for busy adults, it provides myriad possibilities for calming, inspiring, and teaching students. Read the rest of this entry »
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Chemistry, College level, density, Elementary level, energy, High School level, Middle School level, Physics | Tagged: density, Educational Innovations, force and motion, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, kinetic energy, parent friendly, Physics, science, STEM, variables | 
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
by Nancy Foote
I’m in love with goldenrod paper. I’ve loved it for a long time. In my never-ending quest to emotionally entangle my students in the content of our science curriculum, Color-Changing Goldenrod Paper provides a long-lasting entanglement.
If you’ve never done the bloody handprint goldenrod paper demo with your students, you are truly missing out—and so are they)! This is the most engaging “engage” part of the 5 E’s I’ve ever experienced. I like to do the bloody handprint demo around Halloween, but we don’t do acid/base chemistry until February. That’s a long time to wonder, ponder and try to figure out exactly what is happening. But that’s for another blog post.
Leave a Comment » | Chemistry, College level, electricity, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: discrepant event, DIY, Educational Innovations, electricity, experiments, fun experiments, goldenrod paper, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, science, STEM, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
by Jen Donaldson
In my classroom, I’ve devised two new uses for Growing Spheres which help students have a better grasp on some otherwise complicated science concepts.
These small spheres are a wonderful way to make the invisible VISIBLE—in three dimensions!
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
by Gabrielle Hodgins and Dr. Kenneth Lyle, Duke University, Durham NC
Demonstrating the magnetic ink used in printing US currency has proven to engage audiences of all ages because of its relevance to everyday life. Nearly everyone has used machines that distribute and/or accept currency but few understand how the machines distinguish between the various denominations. The key is in the face of each denomination. Magnetic ink is used in the printing of the currency. Each denomination has a different face and, therefore, a different magnetic signature. Similar to a bar code reader, the machines recognize the denomination by its magnetic signature. A strong magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, can be used to demonstrate the magnetic character of US currency.
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, a video is surely worth a few million. Especially when it comes to scientific explanations, a video is a wonderful tool for conveying information to your students in a visual, easy-to-follow manner.
The videos below offer you and your students a glimpse into the world of hydrophilic polymers—where they are today, what new discoveries we’ve made, and where we are headed in the future.
Enjoy! If you find a video on hydrophilic polymers that you’d like to share with us, please leave a comment!
Leave a Comment » | Chemistry, College level, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: Chemistry, Educational Innovations, green science, hands-on activity, homeschool, hydrophilic, instant snow, parent friendly, polymer, polymer crystals, polymers, science, snow polymer, sodium polyacrylate | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
