Temperature Effects

Wow, that snow we had was pretty cool.
Playing in the snow is fun, but can also be chill inducing. Now that it’s gone telling the temperature seems harder, but is it? Did you know
the American Rhododendron is a pretty good thermometer?

Use this tip next you want to know what coat
to wear outside. Rhododendron leaves lay
flat and are green in mild temperatures (40-50F); they curl up near freezing; and they curl tighter and turn brown below that.



Here’s a
trick to try using temperatures that will amaze your friends.

What you need:
2 quarters
Blindfolded friend
Freezer or ice cube
Towel

What you do:

Your blindfolded friend will act as your scale.
Have this person face you holding his/her hands out palms up, middle and index fingers extended. Place a
pre-chilled (chilled for several minutes) and dried coin on one hand and the room temperature coin on the other hand. Have your “scale” determine if there is a weight difference by raising the hand with the lighter coin. What was the result?

Surprisingly, the cold coin should weigh more to your friend.
Why is a bit of a mystery. It could be that the pressure receptors are also triggered by cold. Try it with other objects and see if you can
make your own theory.

The science fair is coming!!!

The science fair is 6 April from 6:30-8:30pm. This popular, family friendly event takes many volunteers to get off the ground. If you are willing to lend some muscle,
please contact Amy Oliver (amyroliver@gmail.com) or Anca Stepan (ancastepan@gmail.com).