Tag: science experiment

Long Live the Peach

Join High Touch High Tech in celebrating
Peach Blossom Day
March 3, 2021

Imagine a hot summer’s day, sitting in the shade at a picnic with your favorite people.  You open your picnic basket to find a gloriously ripe, perfect-in-every-way peach.  You take a bite and savor that unique combination of texture, flavor, and juiciness that makes perfectly ripe peaches so wonderful, wipe a little juice off your chin, and smile….   

Image Source: Pixabay.com

OK, sorry to have to bring you crashing back to snowy late winter, but from that moment of peachy Zen, perhaps you can see why peaches, perfection, and the joy of life have gone hand in hand for centuries.  Not only does calling someone “a peach” make a fine compliment, peaches have been immortalized in rock songs, are associated with the entire American state of Georgia, and are even one of the world’s favorite emojis.  No culture on earth loves a peach more than Chinese culture, the people who first domesticated and perfected the peach far back in the ancient past.  In China, the peach blossom symbolizes happiness, and the peach fruit itself is a symbol of longevity and the full enjoyment of a long, healthy life.  Ancient Chinese folk tales tell of an Orchard of the Gods where the Peach Tree of Immortality grows – anyone who manages just one bite of the juicy fruit gets eternal life.  The Chinese God of Longevity, Shou Lao, is almost always depicted holding a peach, and peach-themed decorations and cakes are a customary part of any older person’s birthday. 

Image Source: Pixabay.com

Cultures around the world often turn to the natural world for symbols that can express the joy of life and hope for longevity.  In some Indigenous American cultures, the turtle was a sacred symbol of a long, healthy life.  The strong, ever-enduring turtle also symbolized the earth itself, the giver of all life.  Even today many Indigenous American groups refer to the American Continent as “Turtle Island.”  Currently, turtles and their tortoise cousins are known to science as some of the longest-lived animals on the planet, weathering season after season in their slow and steady fashion.  The Royal Court of Oyo State, in Nigeria, claimed a tortoise named Alagba, “The Elderly One,” was supposedly 344 years old.  There is no 100% proof of this claim; however, the crown of world’s oldest Testudine, or any known animal, in fact, goes to Jonathan, a 187-year-old Tortoise living on St. Helena.

Image Source: Pixabay.com

In the European world, many thinkers from Aristotle to Leonardo da Vinci revered the humble salamander, believing that the creature was able to constantly renew itself and was therefore indestructible.  Salamanders were thought to be born from fire, live impervious to fire’s damage, and be able to renew themselves constantly through the power of fire.  Leonardo da Vinci was particularly fascinated with them, and King Francis I of France adopted the salamander as his personal emblem.  Contemporary biologists would never put a salamander under any threat of fire, but the salamander’s well-documented ability to regenerate its limbs may have something to do with its long association with indestructability and longevity.

Image Source: Pixabay.com

From peaches to salamanders to evergreen trees and tortoises, people have long looked to the natural world for proof that a long, healthy, and happy life is truly possible.  Many scientists around the world are currently working on the issue of longevity, researching many possibilities to unlock the secret of long life.  For some researchers, it may lie in psychological and emotional health, in a person’s mindset, upbringing, and relationships.  For some researchers it lies in the genes.  For others, it is diet and exercise that is the “fountain of youth.”  But in today’s world, science does show us that there is yet another animal worthy of admiration (and study) for its longevity: The Immortal Jellyfish, Turritopsis dohrnii.  This incredible creature is literal proof that longevity, even immortality, exists in nature.  When it dies and sinks to the sea floor, the cells simply regenerate into tiny polyps and continue living.  Only recently discovered and not fully understood, this unbelievable animal is indisputable proof that it is within natures design to attain a long, healthy life!  So, sit back, relax, and take a bite of that peach.  Life is sweet, and it can be long and healthy, too.

Image Source: Pixabay.com

Our little insect friends, bees, may not enjoy the long life that other creatures do, but they sure do make an impact while they buzz around! In fact, bees play an important role in the longevity of the peach blossom through pollination! So, in honor of Peach Blossom Day on March 3rd, we invite you to play our Bee Pollination Game! Check out the lesson plan and supply list link below…and then maybe enjoy one of those delicious, juicy peaches!
https://sciencemadefun.net/downloads/bee_pollination_game.pdf

Sources:

Learn more about the Immortal Jellyfish:
https://www.bbcearth.com/modal/newsletter/#_

The rich tradition of Salamander Lore in the European world:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salamanders_in_folklore

The Oldest Tortoises – BBC News

Turtle Symbolism:
https://blog.nativehope.org/native-american-animals-turtle-k%C3%A9ya

A collection of Indigenous American turtle myths:
http://www.native-languages.org/legends-turtle.htm

Chinese Symbols of Longevity in popular culture:
https://www.wofs.com/8-great-longevity-symbols-for-the-home/

The DEFINITIVE rock anthem about peaches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvAnQqVJ3XQ

Nature’s Density

Image credit: how to smile

What is
Density? Density is how much ‘stuff’ is packed into a particular area.

For
example, if we have 13 balls in a box and we have the same box with 27
identical balls inside it. We say the box with 27 balls has higher density than
the box with 13 balls.

Density
is a fundamental property of matter. Density is defined as mass divided by unit
volume. It is measured in grams per cubic centimeter or kilograms per cubic
meter. The Greek letter rho, is the symbol for density.

Density,
ρ = Mass ÷ Volume

So,
two liquids can take up the same amount of space(volume) but can have
completely different masses. If liquid A has a higher mass, MORE of that liquid
is in that space and therefore is denser. If liquid B has a lower mass, LESS of
that liquid is in that same space and is therefore less dense than liquid A.

Image credit: steve spangler science

All
liquids in your tower have similar volumes but they have different densities.
What does that mean? That means that each liquid has a different amount of mass
in that volume. The liquids with the highest density are at the bottom, and the
ones with the lower density are on top of each other. So, which of the liquids
is most dense? And which is least dense?

Join our HTHT @ Home Science Experiment and make your own Density Tower:
https://sciencemadefun.net/downloads/Density%20Tower_EOTD_May%2013th.pdf

Bang in a Bag

Image credit: little bins for little hands

A chemical reaction is a process in which one or more chemicals
(or things) combine to make something new. The ‘things’ or chemicals that we
started with are called Reactants and the new ‘thing’ that is made are called
Products. It is called a chemical reaction since:

  1. It is accompanied by a rearrangement of the
    atoms in the reactants to form different chemical matter. The product formed is
    a new entity and is chemically different from the starting reactants.
  2. It is usually irreversible: this means that in
    most cases, I cannot get back what I started with.
  3. A chemical reaction is usually accompanied by
    a color change, smell, heat or light or release of a gas.

An example
of chemical reactions is the burning of wood in the presence of oxygen to
produce ash, water vapor and carbon dioxide.

A Chemical reaction or change is different from a physical change.

A physical change usually involves only a change of state: from
solid to liquid, liquid to gas or gas to water. A physical change does not
involve a change in the chemical entity of the reactant. The products will have
different physical properties than the reactants (such as state of matter,
texture, shape), but the chemical structure remains exactly the same as the
reactants. Therefore, a physical change is usually reversible.

Image source: Pixabay.com

An example
of a physical change is the change of states of water. Liquid water freezes to
become ice, and when heated turns to water vapor or steam. But in all three
states, it is still chemically identical: H2O, which is made of two
atoms of Hydrogen and one atom of Oxygen. So, change of states of matter is not
a chemical, but a physical change.

In the Bang
in a Bag chemical reaction you just observed, acidic vinegar (chemically acetic
acid) reacts with basic baking soda (chemically sodium bicarbonate) to form an
entirely new substance called sodium acetate, carbon dioxide (the gas produced)
and water. Once the reaction is complete, you cannot get back the vinegar and
baking soda. The release of carbon dioxide caused the sound and the bubbling
you observed during the chemical reaction.

Join our HTHT @ Home Science Experiment and make your own Bang in a Bag:
https://sciencemadefun.net/downloads/Bang%20in%20a%20Bag_EOTD_May%2012th.pdf

December E-News: Make it a Hands-On Holiday with FUN Science!

Holiday gifts are the perfect way to incorporate science into our holiday traditions. Opening a gift that has been hand crafted from science can spark that natural curiosity and open the door to valuable ideas, skills and potential hobbies.

Science is a part of our daily life; everything we do and deal with has since. From cooking to playing ball; growing a garden to watching snow fall – understanding science can help us appreciate and relate to the world around us. No matter the age, the gift of science can fuel curiosity, ignite inspiration, and motivate our lives in so many ways.

Holiday gifts are the perfect way to incorporate science into our holiday traditions. Opening a gift that has been hand crafted from science can spark that natural curiosity and open the door to valuable ideas, skills and potential hobbies.  

It’s been said that the best gifts are those we make ourselves. Whether you’re motivated by a skimpy budget or desire to create one-of-a-kind gifts for those on your Christmas list, you’ll find something for everyone. Along the way, you may even learn a thing or two!

1. Holiday Air Fresheners:

This simple project illustrates how polymers can cause a scent to permeate the air for weeks. Custom scents, colors, and jars allow you to personalize air fresheners for different people. 

Read entire project > >

2. Pine Cone Fire Starters:

Fill a basket with pine cones which have been treated to produce colored flames. Add a festive bow. Seriously, what gift could be better than colored fire?

Read entire project > >

3. Crystal Holiday Ornaments:

These are great for making many types of holiday decorations. You can either make a set of crystal snowflakes as gifts or to attach to gifts as decorations. The snowflakes can last for years & make for a great yearly tradition for families. Short on time? Simply package the ingredients & instructions, wrap in a festive bow & give as a DIY grow your own crystal basket.  

Read the entire project > >

4. Relaxing Bath Salts:

Few things are as relaxing as a hot bath on a cold day. Up the comfort factor with homemade bath salts. Try baby soda bottles for packaging single-serve bath salts and amber bottles for larger quantities. 

Read entire project > >

5. Fizzy Bath Bombs:

Much like bath salts, bath bombs can foster a luxurious feeling in the tub. These bombs cause a chemical reaction which results in bubbles and fizz. Pack them in a wide-mouthed glass jar circled with ribbon or in a tissue-lined box. 

Read entire project > >

6. Hand-Churned Butter:

Learn about emulsions while churning out an edible gift for someone on your list. If you’re extra handy around the kitchen, bake a batch of bread or muffins to accompany the butter. 

Read entire project > >

7. Play Dough Footprint Keepsakes:

These little footprints or hand prints make the perfect keepsake for all of the moms & dads out there. Even better, they are super easy & super cheap to make!

Get the play dough recipe here & the full project directions here.  

8. Lip Balm:

Protect your pout against the elements with handmade lip balm. Handy with your design software? Then create custom labels to adorn the container. Check out your local dollar store for unique containers / vials to put your lip balm into.

Read entire project > >

9. Homemade Paper:

Put old newspapers, laundry lint and junk mail to use with this project! The homemade paper is great for Christmas cards or group it with envelopes and a pretty pen for a gift set. 

Read entire project > >

10. Luscious Hand Cream:

No need to go out & buy expensive hand creams & lotions when you have the power of science! Get project details & recipes for many types of hand creams that you can make at home. You can even print off your very own custom label! 

Read entire project > >

What’s your favorite DIY gift this season? Let us know how you are using science during this holiday & we could feature you in an upcoming blog post!

Email us at info@ScienceMadeFun.net or find your local HTHT location on Facebook! 

HTHT of Central NJ Bridge Generation Gap with Hands-On Science!

Second graders from Immaculate Conception School in Somerville, CT joined the residents of Brandywine Senior Living Center this week for a science experience that proved… your’e never too old to learn! High Touch High Tech of Conneticut franchise owner, Planet Preeti,  engaged the inter-generational groups in two sessions of the popular, environmental themed program – “The Green Machine.” The Brandywine residents participated in the lessons, both to learn and to share their personal green experiences by helping the students.  

 

An article on MyCentralJersey.com featured the unique event praising that both sessions were a stimulating experience for the residents as it was for the children. First, the children and seniors learned about creating cleaners without using harsh chemicals. This session set the level of excitement for both generations & got the entire group involved in mixing the solutions. The second session, about composting and making small choices to help the environment, was also very lively. A highlight of the programs were when the seniors contributed their feedback. When Planet Preeti asked if any of the seniors had composted, one resident said she’d done it for 40 years, and she was a great source of information. 

Residents & students alike were unanimous in their enthusiasm for the program. The residents truely enjoyed the intimate interaction with the children & had a lot of fun getting hands-on with the experiments. 

Check out the full article on this program at MyCentralJersey.com

Are you in the Central New Jersey area & looking for a FUN, hands-on experience for your classroom or group? Check out High Touch High Tech of Central New Jersey to find out how you can experience the excitement of science for yourself! 

High Touch High Tech of Central New Jersey

www.CNJ.ScienceMadeFun.net

Email: CNJ@ScienceMadeFun.net

Call Today at 732.444.2424

Toll Free at 800.596.7560

 

ScienceMadeFunKids Announces the “Name That Site” Contest!

Hey Parents, Teachers & Kids – We need your help!

The NEW premier section of ScienceMadeFunKids is looking for an exciting & compelling name! The new section will debut in 2012 & offer amazing and engaging activities where science & imagination collide!

If your entry is chosen you could win one of these exciting prizes:

– a FREE 1-year subscription to the NEW premier section of ScienceMadeFunKids!
– a FREE in-school field trip for your entire class!
– a FREE Sizzlin’ Science Birthday Party!

Simply log on to ScienceMadeFunKids to submit your “Bright Idea” today!




Good Luck!

 

 

9-year-old’s Science Experiment Saves Water, Money & Teachers in Reno

 

What does baseball and water conservation have in common? The answer is nine-year-old Mason Perez.

Mason hit a homerun with his science project that has helped save water, money and even, the teachers jobs across Reno, NV .  It all started when Mason wanted to wash his hands at the Aces baseball stadium but couldn’t. The water pressure was so high it hurt his skin. When he told his mom, she reached over next to the sink and turned down the water intake valve.

 

Mason’s idea: Why doesn’t everybody do that?

It’s such a simple solution, it seems obvious. And yet, when Mason tested three local facilities, he found they could save between 6 and 25 percent of the water they were using, just by turning down the pressure. Mason and his mom met with Rick Parr, general manager of the Reno Aces, who then went down to the bathroom to test the theory. “You could tell right away that it worked,” Parr told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Parr instituted Mason’s idea of turning down the valves along with some other water-saving measures, and in 2010 the Aces stadium reduced its water use by 20 percent.

This doesn’t just work for stadiums and schools though: You can do it in your house. Just turn down the valve next to the sinks and spigots, and you’re saving water.

Mason also talked to the school district about his idea.

“You know how teachers have kind of been losing their jobs? If we turned down every valve at every school we have in the Washoe County School District, with all that money we can save, we can save at least one teacher’s job.”

 

 

Somerset Afterschool has a Blast!


High Touch High Tech of San Antonio and Communities In Schools have been collaborating for five years with in-class programs, career days, mentoring, and summer school. HTHT has provided fun science enrichment classes that align the CIS mission of “empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life”.  Afterschool programs were a new addition this year with 36 classes being held in Somerset ISD at Barrera, Somerset, and Savannah Heights with 3rd-6th grades. What a blast the students had launching their film canister pop rockets!

We first discussed Newton’s third law of motion and how that applies to rockets, the chemical reaction, pressure, then safety, operational procedures, and then the fun began! Students worked in teams of two to fill, load, cap, and count off their pop launch. With unbridled enthusiasm, they retrieved their rocket, measured the launch distance, diligently marked the result on their chart, then did it again, and again, and again!

After cleaning up and returning to the classroom, students discussed their results, observations, variables, and conclusions. On that day, the typical launch was 8-14 meters! The CIS director, Ms. Richardson, is shown with several of her Somerset elementary students, and me, Mr. Sonic – Sizzlin’ Scientist.

 

“Thank you for all the experiments you did with us. I liked the rockets the best, they were so cool! The power pill made the H2O explode! It was amazing” – Victoria 4th grade

 

“Thank you Mr. Sonic for all the things you have done for us. My favorite thing was the rocket because when we put the thing in and it went POP! – Elise 3rd grade