At the Alabama School Library Association (ASLA) conference this summer, I sat in on a great presentation by Lisa Hathcock at Saks Elementary. She described how she uses tri-fold boards to set up centers in her MakerSpace. They feature specific science information, "Making" challenges, and highlight books from her library's collection. I thought they were … Continue reading Classroom/ MakerSpace Center (Free)
I have video from one more activity in Amazing Cardboard Tube Science. This shows one of my first attempts at the car for On a Roll on page 20. https://youtu.be/Ac-Dyl8ZkiY The force of the air coming from the balloon is almost too weak to get the car moving. So weak, in fact, that when I … Continue reading On a Roll
So a friend tagged me on Facebook with a "What's your spirit biological macromolecule quiz?" from Buzzfeed. (I'm collagen, thanks for asking.) The questions were ridiculous and silly, but I thought--what a great idea! I can see getting kids to write quizzes... What step of photosynthesis are you? (Are you the sort to have your … Continue reading Buzzfeed Biology (and other sciences)
The National Park Service offers a variety of programs straight from the Grand Canyon--Through the wonders of modern technology, a park ranger will "beam" into your classroom and lead your class through one of several explorations, including animal and plant adaptations, geologic history (layers, plate tectonics, etc.), the history of people groups in that area, … Continue reading Engaging “Field Trips” (at your school)
The munchkins and I have been having a blast with a face swapping app recently. I've been wracking my brain for a science education use for it. So today we played at being physicists and face swapping with Einstein. This was the best of the girl munchkin: She wouldn't let me post what his face … Continue reading Face Swap!
A young friend helped me test out these tube feet when I was working on Amazing Cardboard Tube Science. It's the special extra experiment you get in the bind-up (a paperback with the whole series combined). He's walking like a pro: https://youtu.be/Jcz0F_m_RnU Challenge: Play with the materials used to make Tube Feet. Can you figure … Continue reading Tube Feet
I took some video while I was writing Amazing Cardboard Tube Science. This shows one the projects--a marble run. Marble runs are great for discussing potential energy, kinetic energy, and energy transformations. https://youtu.be/rwhGntSfK28 And here you can see some of the engineering challenges I had to overcome as I worked: https://youtu.be/6T2CKH_64kA Now, a challenge for … Continue reading Marble Run
Once Upon a Science Book 