Monday, October 21, 2013

Cool science experiments

Hey, if you are looking for some cool science experiments, check out this video. Be sure to ask for your parent's permission before doing any of this.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

What is science? In school it seems like we just memorize stuff. Is that really what you do?

Thank you for asking this question. Science is more of an approach or way of life then memorization. Science involves doing experiments in a way that allows you to control what you are doing. Science starts with a question. After studying a topic, a process that often involves some memorization, scientists then come up with a testable idea that would shed some light on answering that question. This idea, or hypothesis, is a prediction based on previous study and must be testable. Scientists look at the range of predictions that a given hypothesis will make and test them through experiment. The results of these tests are then analyzed to determine how and if the hypothesis needs to be revised. Through this process, scientists can come to conclusions and better understand the world. Although science in school can sometimes seem like useless memorization, it can be quite handy. Plus, scientists probably spend more time being active and testing or learning concepts rather than memorizing. While some memorization is necessary, it is not the bulk of what we do. Every time you are out in the world exploring and testing things in a way that allows you to draw conclusions, you are doing science. It is often said that kids are the best scientists.
This video is pretty funny while also illustrating important concepts.

Monday, October 7, 2013

What is electricity?

Check out how electricity works! Electricity is a form of energy associated with charged particles (see What is an electron? What is Charge?). These particles can either be moving (called current) or stationary (called static electricity).

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Goodness gracious great films of water!

Check out this video! A NASA astronaut describes and shows heat convection and highlights how things are different with minimal gravity.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Cool solar cell experiment

Hey, I found this really cool science experiment that allows you to make your own solar cell. Check it out!