June 10, 2016
By Dr. Kenneth Lyle, Duke University, Durham NC and Elaine “Lainey” Williams
Thermoplastic Polymers for All!
When thermoplastic polymer became available a couple of years ago, we purchased a bottle to see if it would be a viable addition to our chemistry outreach program. Since then, literally hundreds of people, young and old, have experienced molding the thermoplastic, taking their creations home in Zip-loc® bags.
And now, with the availability of dyes, a whole new world of creative design has opened up. The molding of a thermoplastic activity has been incorporated into our “Polymers” and “Chemistry of Crafts” hands-on outreach presentations, and has been used as a stand-alone station.
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2 Comments | 
Chemistry, College level, Elementary level, experiments, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, experiments, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, science fair project, variables | 
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
May 13, 2016
by: Donna Giachetti
Albert Einstein famously said,
The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Curiosity has its own reason for existing.
At Educational Innovations, we agree wholeheartedly. Our company was founded by a master teacher in 1994. Today it’s still run by a dedicated crew of teachers who share a passion for science… and for fostering curiosity in kids.
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3 Comments | Chemistry, Earth Science, Elementary level, energy, experiments, magnetism, Physics, static electricity | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, homeschool, homeschooler, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
April 19, 2016
Wind power… solar power… hydropower… power from biomass… There’s so much to say about these renewable energy sources and their growing importance in our lives. Time spent teaching young minds about green science is invaluable—we are helping them to understand and participate in their own futures as inhabitants of our planet!
Even the smallest scientists will understand that the sun and wind can be made to “do work” and produce energy. This topic is so much fun to explore, we hope you’ll share your own favorite discussion starters with us in the comments below!
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Leave a Comment » | College level, Earth Science, electricity, Elementary level, energy, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, electricity, energy, experiments, fun experiments, green energy, green science, hands-on activity, homeschool, hydropower, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, STEM, thermal energy | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
April 19, 2016
At Educational Innovations, we love green science all year long, not just on Earth Day!
With our planet’s fossil fuel resources becoming scarce and increasing global concerns over pollution, it’s more important than ever to explore alternative, renewable sources of energy. One of the best ways to persuade people to “go green” is to make them realize how cool it is to rely on our sun, wind or water for energy. That’s why we strive to choose green energy products that are educational… AND fun! Read on for “organic” reviews from our customers.
If you have a favorite Educational Innovations product, send us a comment below! We’d love to share your review with your fellow teachers and science lovers.
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Leave a Comment » | College level, Earth Science, electricity, Elementary level, energy, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, electricity, energy, fun experiments, green energy, green science, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, STEM, thermal energy | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
April 19, 2016
Hands-on lessons make learning more interesting and engaging. We found a delightful green science lesson that enables kids to look at green energy in a new way. Not only can your students quantify the work that wind can do… they’ll design their own windmills using paper, string, some clips and a cup.
And who doesn’t love a windmill?
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Leave a Comment » | College level, Earth Science, Elementary level, energy, High School level, Middle School level, Physics | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, energy, experiments, fun experiments, green energy, green science, hands-on activity, homeschool, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, science fair project, STEM | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
