Despite the common misconception that “chemical” means toxic and is the opposite of natural, chemistry is the study of all substances (natural and man-made, toxic and non-toxic). It involves the identification of the building blocks of matter, and the ways …[Continue]
More Science Resources
Bubbles
Looking for some good clean summertime fun? Try making a batch of bubble solution and a homemade bubble wand. My favorite recycled bubble wands are those green plastic strawberry baskets that accumulate in the kitchen ’cause I hate throwing them …[Continue]
DNA
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a long, spiraling molecule that carries the genetic codes that enable cells to reproduce. Although DNA was first isolated by Friedrich Miescher in 1869, it’s double helix structure wasn’t discovered until 1953 by James Watson and …[Continue]
Engineering for Kids
Engineering is the application of math, science, and other practical knowledge in order to invent, design, and build. It is also the “E” in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) that has become a hot educational focus in the last …[Continue]
Scientific Classification
Scientific classification is a system of organizing living things into categories, from most inclusive (the biggest one) to least inclusive (the smallest one.) This kind of hierarchical classification is also known as a taxonomy. There are seven main divisions in …[Continue]
Botany
Botany is the branch of biology that specializes in plant life. Botanists study nearly 400,000 species of life, including flowers, vascular plants, fungi and algae. And because plants are inexpensive and easy to grow, they are frequently a topic for …[Continue]
Flowers
“April showers bring May flowers.” Perhaps that’s why May is National Flower Month. Indulge your green thumb with this week’s website picks about flowers….[Continue]
How to Build a Bridge
A bridge is a structure built over an obstacle to provide passage for cars, people, trains, animals and bicycles. Engineers generally design bridges in one of six types (beam, cantilever, arch, suspension, cable-stayed or truss) although bridges can be a …[Continue]
Biomimicry
Biomimicry is the examination and mimicry of natural systems by engineers, scientists and inventors. Although the term “biomimicry” was first used in 1982, man has looked at nature to find inspiration for problem-solving technology since the beginning of time. For …[Continue]
Recycling
In honor of National Recycling Week (November 7-13, 2011) and America Recycles Day (November 15, 2011), this week’s crop of sites address the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle….[Continue]