Topic - Seasonal Science

How to Say Thank You to That Special Teacher

By Blog Editor Susan Wells

Every time I help out in the classroom, I am in awe of what my children’s teachers do every day. Not only do they have the responsibility of molding, shaping and educating young minds, but they also must deal with a constant influx of small issues. One child wants to share what they did over the weekend; another lost an earring and their ear hole will close in five minutes if it isn’t located; another is sitting at their desk without a pencil or the ability to locate another; another needs a book;  someone else left their lunch at home; and another is wandering aimlessly around the classroom. Let’s not also forget the meeting at the coat rack about why someone can’t play with the others at recess. And that is just in the first five minutes of the day.

Teachers wipe noses, bandaid boo boos, soothe hurt or upset feelings, go on search and rescue missions, serve as a mediator along with trying to educate young minds.

Even though both my mother and father were teachers, teaching is not in my blood. I know I’d

Eggceptional Eggs-periments Day 5 – Walking on Eggs

Have you ever felt like you were walking on eggshells? In this last eggs-periment before the Easter holiday this weekend, you will be. Before you hard boil those eggs, place them on the floor and walk on them. Beware, you will probably break a few of them while practicing this demonstration, so have a few extra on hand and make sure you completely clean up the mess to avoid Salmonella poisoning.

Eggshells have the reputation of being very fragile and easily broken, hence the saying about walking on eggshells. So actually walking on them sounds out of the question. But what if eggshells are really much stronger than we think?

The thin, outer coating of of an egg is strong enough to withstand the weight of your body.

Materials

• A few dozen eggs that are in egg cartons (Select large-sized eggs)
• Large plastic trash bag
• Bucket of soap and water (and some disinfectant)
• Barefoot friends

Eggceptional Eggs-periments Day 4 – Incredible Egg Geodes

Do you love crystals? Are you looking for a creative way to color Easter eggs? How about a little kitchen science to kick off the spring weekend? This activity covers all three.

A crystal geode takes thousands of years to grow a crystal inside. That’s a lot of waiting, not to mention you have to find the geode and then crack it open. I’m not sure anyone has a spare thousand years on their hands. If so, I want to meet them.

If you are not that patient or want to work that hard for your crystals, an Egg Geode is eggs-actly the right geode for you. They require some patience and time, but not anywhere near what a real geode takes.

Materials

• Egg
• Paintbrush
• Glue
• Food coloring
• Alum powder (look in the spice section of your local grocers)
• Water
• Scissors
• Paper towels
• Bowl
• Beaker/glass
• Spoon
• Pushpin

Celebrate April Fools’ Day with Floating Paper Airplanes, Three Cup Monty and the Dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide

April Fools’ Day is one of our favorite holidays in the Steve Spangler Science office. Pranks are abundant and no one’s coffee, desk chair, or personal space is safe. The only downside is that April 1st falls on a Sunday this year and we won’t be able to prank our co-workers.

Here are three fun, science-filled pranks you can play on your co-workers, friends, or family.

The Dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide

Every year thousands of people are put at risk from exposure to Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO). Widely unreported by the media and virtually ignored by government agencies, this silent chemical remains unknown to the majority of people facing possible exposure. This new containment system provides users with an easy but effective way to carefully contain and transport DHMO for proper storage or disposal. Please consult local waste and disposal guidelines for compliance with county and state regulations.

If you are concerned about this dangerous chemical, you can purchase your own Dihydrogen Monoxide Containment Kit from Steve Spangler Science for only $7,950.

If you’re still reading this text… you’re either horrified by the dangers of dihydrogen monoxide… or you realized that you’ve

Eggceptional Eggs-periments Day 2 – Dying Easter Eggs Naturally

Naturally Dyed Eggs Courtesy Crunchy Domestic Goddess

By Blog Editor Susan Wells

Go into any grocery store or department store this time of year and you will be bombarded by Easter egg dye kits. Most of these kits use vinegar and an artificial dye to color the shell of the egg. I know I’m not the only one who gets concerned when I crack open my Easter egg for egg salad and see blue splotches on the egg white.

We are bombarded by artificial dyes in everything from fruit snacks, candy, mac and cheese and soda. Artificial dyes like FD&C Red No. 40, or Tartrazine Yellow No. 5. These synthetic colors are made from petroleum and other chemicals. These dyes have been found to cause cancer, hives, hyperactivity and other issues in adults and children.

My friend, Amy Gates, who blogs at Crunchy Domestic Goddess, developed a system for coloring eggs using dyes from nature. Not only is this safer and less toxic than the store bought dyes, this also uses a little science