October 7, 2016
by Dr. Kenneth Lyle
The demonstration
The Poly Density Bottle is a fascinating demonstration primarily due to the phenomena being counterintuitive to what one would expect. The bottle containing white and blue beads suspended in a clear and colorless liquid is shaken vigorously, distributing the beads randomly throughout (bottle A). Upon standing, the beads separate from one another (bottle B) with the white rising to the surface while the blue sink to the bottom (bottle C). Then, the two sets of beads move towards one another (bottle D) meeting near the middle (bottle E). This demonstration can be easily repeated again and again. And, once prepared, it can be stored for subsequent use year after year. No additional preparation is required. Read the rest of this entry »
2 Comments | Chemistry, College level, density, Elementary level, experiments, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: density, discrepant event, DIY, Educational Innovations, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
September 23, 2016
By Ken Byrne
Someone once told me that all magic is science, and all science is magic. To me, a magic show is a series of puzzles for me to solve, trying to figure out just how they pulled off an illusion. My favorite science demonstrations are much the same. I love those demonstrations that make me scratch my head and ask, “Why?”
Here is one of my favorites that is easy and inexpensive. It feels like a magic trick, but it is all science. It simply involves rolling a cylinder down an inclined plane. Sometimes the cylinder will roll down quickly. Other times it will crawl down slowly. Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
August 12, 2016
By Nancy Foote
When a little kid comes up to you and asks you do science, it’s hard to say no. But when you’re a science teacher, and that little kid is your granddaughter, you know you have to come up with something fast.
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Leave a Comment » | Biology, electricity, Elementary level, energy, experiments, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, electricity, energy, fun experiments, green science, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, science fair project, STEM, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
July 15, 2016
by: Linda Dunnavant
A Density Experiment
Do you have to teach density as part of your curriculum? If so, look no further than this “floating” golf ball lab! Your students will be engaged and hopefully even amazed at how density affects the world around them.
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2 Comments | Chemistry, College level, density, Elementary level, experiments, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: density, discrepant event, DIY, Educational Innovations, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
June 14, 2016
What’s more summery than watermelon? These fun lessons from the National Watermelon Promotion Board are perfect summer science activities and can be modified depending upon the grade range you’re teaching.
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1 Comment | Biology, Chemistry, College level, density, Earth Science, Elementary level, experiments, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, fun experiments, green science, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti