Got Science?

There are more experiments than any one mom has the patience to try, even when the kids are more than willing. We're still discovering great sources for experiment ideas, but here's a list of our favorites so far:

The public library. Our nearest library is a fairly small branch. While it's nothing compared to the big, fancy downtown library, it still has a few dozen books on science experiments. Look for books about ideas for science fair projects, or ask an always helpful librarian.

Also where Ms. Granger finds all her experiment ideas.

YouTube. This ginormous online video library has more videos of science experiments than we could ever hope to try, and that's part of the appeal. We can see what happens without the mess, the bomb squad, or the trip to the ER. Check out this family favorite: Sulfur Hexaflouride Demonstration

Blogs. There are thousands, if not millions of blogs out in cyberspace where people ponder, conjecture, theorize, apply, explode, and explore different types of science. We've found that one blog typically leads to another and another. Check your favorites for links to similar blogs, and then enjoy the trip down the rabbit hole.

Just jump already, Alice. Science is fun!

Teachers. I have received more great ideas from my kids' teachers over the years. Just the other day, I had a twenty minute conversation with one of my 2nd grader's teachers about different things to do with bubbles. Yep, even bubbles can be a science experiment.

Grandparents. They're good for more than just telling stories about the good 'ol days. My dad tells all sorts of stories about the crazy stunts experiments he and his buddies used to do as kids. Like the time they tested the theory about bulls getting angry when they see red (bulls respond to running kids, regardless of clothing color). Or, when they tested a mountain lion's reaction time to loud noise (mountain lions react faster than the human eye can discern to the sound of high pitched screaming). You may not want to recreate their experiments, but the educational value is high.

I'd run from a herd of screaming kids, too.



How I look during summer vacation.

Parks, zoos, aquariums, and science centers. These places are filled with information, if you can just get the kids to slow down and take a look. Good luck with that. I've found all sorts of useful handouts that I can take with me to read later, like when I've locked myself in the bathroom. We've done experiments, gone on tours, and logged wildlife observations based off information we got from these sources.

We even discovered an extra kid on this tide pool outing.

Your kids. Most kids ask loads of questions. Loads and loads. All the time. Why should I have to provide all the answers? Scientist throughout history have made incredible discoveries by asking questions, and then looking for the answers. When the kids ask me why there are different shapes of clouds, I turn it around by asking what they think. They hypothesize, and then they research the answers. Fostering a sense of curiosity and willingness to explore in kids is a gift that will reward them their entire life. And, it will get them off your back with all those nagging questions. For at least five minutes or so.

 But probably not.

We spend a lot of time reading other blogs and magazines, looking for fun ways to learn more science stuff. In between our regular posts, we'll post links to some of our favorites, like this one.

Blog: It's Okay To Be Smart: A Blog About Science and Other Interestingness

This is a blog we came across recently, and we can't stop reading. It's fun, well written, and the title is great. It's Okay To Be Smart blogger Joe sums it up as his guide to some of the "cool science-y things out there, with all the woo and BS filtered out." Perfect!

We know you'll enjoy it as much as we do!

Ready?

Ready for some scientific mayhem.

School is out! 

We are officially a half a day into summer vacation, and we're already planning our adventures! We've got big plans for our experiments this summer. In fact, you might even say we have explosive plans...


We're going to be trying out different ways of creating propulsion rockets, making the biggest bubbles you've ever seen, taking a fibery journey from hoof to foot, dabbling in some computer programing, and having all sorts of other messy fun.


So get out your protective eyegear,          
                                                your aprons, 
                                                           your sheep dip, 
                                                                      and your fire extinguishers, 

and get ready for summer!