Tag - superabsorbent polymers

Big Bag of Science – 12 Days of Wonder

By Blog Editor Susan Wells

We have reached Day #8 in our 12 Days of Wonder. Today’s spotlight science toy is Big Bag of Science.

Steve Spangler Science is celebrating the 12 Days of Wonder and highlighting our top 12 science toys and kits that are perfect to put under the tree. As blog editor, social media coordinator and mom of two budding scientists, I will share my review of each product. Steve Spangler Science also found 12 respected, popular mom bloggers to each test and review one of our 12 science gifts. I will include a link to their blogs and their honest reviews of each gift idea at the bottom of this post. Today, Jill from Single Mom on a Budget shares her review. The kit is also the Deal of the Day. So check our blog every day for the next few weeks to learn all about our 12 Days of Wonder.

Day 8 of the 12 Days of Wonder features the Big Bag of Science.

Today only, this kit is our DEAL of the Day for $21.99. Regular price is $39.99.

4-H and Steve Spangler Science Team Up for National Youth Science Day

I’m excited to announce my partnership with the National 4-H Council to serve as their national spokesperson for the first-ever National Science Experiment. When I first spoke with the people at 4-H, I must admit that I was not aware of their dedication for teaching science, technology and engineering as part of their Youth Development Program. Their efforts to give youth more opportunities to engage hands-on science and to focus kids’ attention on environmental issues is right on target – that’s why I’m excited to be a part of their National Youth Science Day on October 8, 2008.

The National Science Experiment (NSE) will focus on the environment and will use science principles to teach youth across the country about the importance of water conservation. During the creative process, I had the opportunity to work closely with 4-H and Dr. Bob Horton, 4-H science education specialist for the Ohio State University Extension, to create the NSE and related activities, which will be made available to the 6 million 4-H youth plus parents, teachers, students, and youth organizations nationwide in the coming weeks.

Youth who participate in the National Science Experiment will examine the properties of water-absorbing polymers, which are long chains of molecules that can be used in environmental applications such as agriculture, erosion control, soil management, and environmental clean-ups. One of the aspects of the project that I like best is giving these young scientists the ability to conduct the test the tests and then to post their findings online to engage in dialogue with fellow youth nationwide.

Water Wizardry Kit Earns Teacher’s Choice Award

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – A hands-on chemistry kit developed by Steve Spangler Science for Be Amazing! Toys won one of the most coveted awards in the educational market – the Teacher’s Choice Award. The science kit called Water Wizardry teaches children how to perform incredible scientific acts with amazing polymers that defy the laws of nature. The kit includes more than a dozen science-based activities using non-toxic chemicals that help children better understand the amazing properties of water and the need for water conservation using superabsorbent polymers.

“Chemically speaking, polymers are simply long chains of molecules repeated over and over again. It’s important to know something about polymers because we all need to make informed decisions about purchasing products made from polymers that are recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable,” says Steve Spangler, the creator of an entire line science kits and science toys for Be Amazing! Toys, a Utah-based corporation that manufactures educational toys and learning resources.

“This kit was designed for the young scientist who wants to mix and measure and whip up an erupting concoction without any need for worry on the part of the parents,” according to Spangler. This kit focuses on a
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