Today December 21, 2014 is the first day of winter also known as winter solstice. But what does that mean? Unfortunately, for all of us busy shoppers in the Northern Hemisphere it means that it is the shortest day of the year. In Houston the sun will set at 5:27 PM! It will be the longest night of the year with the sun rising at 7:13 AM. Why do the season change? Earth is tilted on it's ... Read More about What is Winter Solstice?
Snowman Chemistry!
Allie had her preschool Christmas party this week and her teacher asked if I could do a science experiment. I was so excited that I went straight to Pinterest for inspiration! I wanted to find something that wasn’t messy, didn't require complicated ingredients, and most importantly had an amazing WOW factor. (Come on, I’m trying to make science look cool to preschoolers!) I found the perfect ... Read More about Snowman Chemistry!
Why did Santa need Rudolph?
Last week we watched the Christmas classic "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" while decorating the tree. Allie loved watching Rudolph, the elves, and all the misfit toys. We endured the Abominable Snow Monster thanks to fast forward. I forgot how scary he was! After the movie Allie had a very thought provoking question. Here was our conversation. Allie: Mommy, why did ... Read More about Why did Santa need Rudolph?
Part 2: Christmas gift ideas to inspire with science!
Is it really 13 days until Santa comes? Are you frantically ordering off Amazon Prime and sneaking away to toy stores while the kids are at school? I sure am! Today I have added a few more gifts to my Christmas list based on reader feedback! These ideas also include 'non-toy' gifts with a science twist. My original list can be found here. 1. Fun ... Read More about Part 2: Christmas gift ideas to inspire with science!
What is static electricity?
One cold day, Allie walks up to me with a big smile and shows me a balloon that was sticking to her shirt from static. I smiled, took the balloon, rubbed it in her hair, and made her hair stand up. She thought this was pretty neat. Then I attempted to explain that her hair was standing up because of static electricity. This happens when the balloon is rubbed on her hair and builds up a ... Read More about What is static electricity?
What is an engineer?
What is an engineer? Most people picture someone who drives a train. Perhaps you picture someone sitting in a cubicle with graph paper and a pocket protector. Would you picture that little girl on the left? Or someone wearing high heels and a Loft sweater? How would you explain what an engineer is to a child? It is hard for them to see an engineer in action. They see that doctors help sick ... Read More about What is an engineer?
