Origami Frogs and Puff Ball Shooters!

We hope you were able to come out to the science fair.  It was great to see all the cool things studied and reported on the posters.  Maybe you spent some time making a jumping origami frog, or puff ball shooter (or both!).  Below are instructions so you can make more frogs or puff ball shooters at home.  Enjoy!

Puff Ball Shooter Instructions

1.    Collect one each paper cup, plastic bag, and pom pom (puff ball).

2.   Get about 6-8 inches of strong tape

3.    Using dowel (and scissors), make a hole in the bottom of the paper cup a little smaller than the pom pom.

4.   Open the plastic bag and place over the wide opening of the paper cup.  Tape the plastic bag to the paper cup and make an air-tight seal.

5.    Inflate your plastic bag through the small pom pom size hole in the paper cup.  Insert your pom pom in the small hole.

6.    Compress the plastic bag quickly to shoot the pom pom out of the hole.

How far did your pom pom fly?  Keep trying and see how accurately you can shoot it.

Have Fun!!!

and my personal favorite frog can be made by watching this video--she's really cool and the frog is so cute!

http://www.origamispirit.com/2013/05/origami-jumping-frog/

Thanksgiving Science

Hey guys!
Think Thanksgiving is only eating and more eating?  Well, there is quite a lot of work that happens before the noshing.  Check out this article by Thomas Humphrey to learn about what factors need to be taken account when you double the weight of a turkey.  Can you apply this knowledge to anything else?  Give it a try and let us know.  I'm always available for taste testing, too!



http://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/turkey/index.html

Keep investigating the world around you!

Science is everywhere!    

We once again had a great turnout for our Science Fair this year.  It is fun to look at all the experiments, listen to students explain their experiment and in general see everyone having fun.  For me this year a highpoint was walking down the corridor listening to a daughter say to her dad, "Science Fairs are fun, aren't they Dad?".  That's what it is all about - making the science fun and interesting, and seeing it all around you.  However, it is also nice to see that this experiment of adding a Science Fair to our school has had some very positive measurable results.   The April 26th edition of Northshore Connections mentions Fernwood Elementary as one of the schools recognized by the Washington State Board of Education and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction as making exceptional gains in student achievement in science.  Also, when I attended the Skyview Junior High Parents night for incoming 7th graders, the seventh grade science teacher mentioned how the students from Fernwood really "got" the scientific methods already.  Congratulations to all the parents, teachers and kids who worked hard on the Science Fair and projects - your hard work has really paid off.  Thank you, Amy Oliver, for getting the whole thing started!

My 6th grader and I are moving on to Skyview and I hope that someone will take over the blog.  It is a fun way to contribute and easy to do.  If anyone wishes to take over the blog, contact me through the blog or Amy at amyroliver@gmail.com.  In the meantime, keep exploring the world around you!

Summer Science! 

Family Friendly Math Camp; Science Time

Age Group(s): Children and Families Date: 6/20/2013 Start Time: 7:00 PM Description: Make math and science connections, and increase literacy skills, during these  fun and activity-based programs. Free. For Ages 0 – Grade 3. Are you in 4th Grade or older? Check out the Tween Science Program, offered at the same time. Library: Snohomish Library Tween Science Program Age Group(s): Children and Families Date: 6/20/2013 Start Time: 7:00 PM End Time: 8:30 PM Description: Keep your Science Mojo going over summer vacation! For Grade 4 and up. Join us for experiments on the following topics: Thursday, June 20: Electricity Thursday, July 18: Cells and Simple Organisms Thursday, August 15: Force and Motion Not in 4th Grade yet? Check out the Family Friendly Math & Science Time, offered at the same time. Library: Snohomish Library Dig into Mad Science: Up, Up, and Away! Event Type: School-Age Program Age Group(s): Children and Families, All Ages Date: 6/21/2013 Start Time: 4:00 PM End Time: 5:00 PM Description: Spellbinding tricks will show how air pressure affects the world around us. See a hot air balloon made out of a dry-cleaning bag, learn the science behind a parachute, watch a vortex generator at work, ride a hovercraft, and experience cinematic special effects! Library: Lynnwood Library Location: Large meeting room  Visit a local museum or enroll in a summer camp.   Pacific Science Center http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/Camps/camps-for-curious-minds.html .  They also have Parents Night Out  http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/parents-night-out Seattle Aquarium  http://www.seattleaquarium.org/camps-family-programs Burke Museum  http://www.burkemuseum.org/education/summer/ Many of the local museums have memberships that work as part of a network.   Make sure you check to see if your museum membership will get you into a museum in another city when  you are on vacation:  Pacific Science center offers reciprocal membership with other ASTC member museums.  http://www.astc.org/members/passlist.htm Burke Museum offers reciprocal Membership with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and Stonerose Fossil Center in Republic, WA. Also, many local Seattle museums offer free or discounted days, many on the first Thursday of the month.  http://freemuseumday.org/sea.html Use the Library!  There are many free science (and other) programs offered free through  the libraries.  There are many science related books, audio books and videos on the shelves.   There is access to information through databases, kids pages and links to science related activities.  KCLS offers some free museum passes.  KCLS Kids Page http://www.kcls.org/kids/ Summer Reading  http://www.kcls.org/kids/summer/ Summer Programs  http://www.kcls.org/kids/summer/programs.cfm SNO-ISLE Kids Page http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1250 Kids Science Page  http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2777&cid=750 Summer Reading http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=3936 Summer Programs http://host5.evanced.info/sno_isle/evanced/eventcalendar.asp?ag=Children+and+Families&et=&df=list&cn=0&private=0&ln=ALL Explore the world around you. Visit a park and explore: http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks/Park_Information/Park_Directory/Regional_Parks/North_Creek.htm Take a hike and explore: http://www.redmond.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=4175 Go bicycling and explore: http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/trails/regionaltrailssystem/burkegilman.aspx Check out these great websites: Discover Life (great nature website, lots of information, maps and pictures)   http://pick4.pick.uga.edu/ Cornell University (Birds website)   http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.aspx?pid=1478 San Diego Zoo  http://kids.sandiegozoo.org/animals Astronomy for Kids  http://www.kidsastronomy.com/ Stargazers  (online siter for the PBS astronomy short)   http://stargazersonline.org/ NOAA Website (study about tides)  http://www.education.noaa.gov/ Have fun!

Save the Date!

Fernwood Science Fair & Music Festival
April 5th 2013 at Fernwood Elementary 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Need ideas or help getting started? See the posters throughout school or join helpers in the Library every Monday, Wednesday or Friday during lunch recess starting on March 4th 2013.

Other great places to get ideas:

Your library = there are many books and videos available.  Also, both local library systems have Science pages links for kids. 

     Sno-Isle Library System http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2777&cid=750

     King County Library  http://www.kcls.org/homework_help/science.cfm


The Internet = here are some good websites to use as a jumping off point for ideas.

    Science Buddies http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml

    Science Bob  http://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/ideas.php

    Education.com  http://www.education.com/science-fair/


Your School =
There are posters up and around the school with fun suggestions. 
Also, you can get help every Monday, Wednesday or Friday during lunch recess. 
Your school library has great books on Science Fair experiments.

All around you...  If it makes you wonder why, then there might be a good question to start developing an experiment from right there!

 

Science Fair Ideas and activities

Are you getting ready for our Science Fair on April 5th?
         

       If you are having trouble thinking of some ideas, here are some places you can look to inspire you!

Books:   

Call Number: J 507.8 ROBINSOPublisher, Date: Avon, Mass. : Adams Media Corp., c2001.Description: ix, 133 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.Series: Everything series.

Save the Earth science experiments : science fairprojects for eco-kids by Harris, Elizabeth Snoke, 1973-

Call Number: J 507.8 HARRIS Publisher, Date: New York : Lark Books, c2008. Description: 112 p. : col. ill. ; 27 cm. Summary: More than twenty "green" science fair project

The everything kids' science experiments book : boil ice, float water, measure gravity-- challenge the world around you! by Robinson, Tom (Tom Mark), 1968-

Science fair success using supermarket products by Tocci, Salvatore.

Call Number: TEEN 507.8 TOCCI Publisher, Date: Berkeley Heights, NJ : Enslow Publishers, c2000. Description: 128 p. : ill. ; 24 cm. Summary: Presents chemistry projects and experiments that can be done using supermarket products. Series: Science fair success. Science fair success using household products by Tocci, Salvatore. Call Number: TEEN 507.8 TOCCI Publisher, Date: Berkley, N.J. : Enslow Pub., c 2002. Description: 112 p. : ill. ; 23 cm. Series: Science fair success. Yikes! wow! yuck! : fun experiments for your first sciencefair by Harris, Elizabeth Snoke, 1973- Call Number: J 507.8 HARRIS Publisher, Date: New York : Lark Books, c2008. Description: 64 p. : col. ill. ; 24 cm.

Janice VanCleave's machines : mind-bogglingexperiments you can turn into science fair projects. by VanCleave, Janice Pratt.

Call Number: J 621.8078 VANCLEA Publisher, Date: New York : Wiley, c1993. Description: 87 p. : ill. ; 21 cm. Summary: A collection of science projects and experiments exploring simple machines such as levers and screws. Series: VanCleave, Janice Pratt. Spectacular science projects. Experimentos sencillos con animales y plantas by Vecchione, Glen. Call Number: INTL-SPA 507.8 VECCHIO Publisher, Date: Barcelona : Oniro, c2002. Description: 126 p. : ill. ; 21 cm. Series: Juego de la ciencia ; 8. Science fair winners : junkyard science : 20 projects and experiments about junk, garbage, waste, things we don't need anymore, and ways to recycle or reuse it -- or lose it. by Young, Karen Romano. Call Number: J 628.445 YOUNG Publisher, Date: Washington, D.C. : National Geographic, c2010. Description: 80 p. : col. ill. ; 27 cm.

Prize-winning science fair projects for curious kids by Rhatigan, Joe.

Call Number: J 507.8 RHATIGA Publisher, Date: New York : Lark Books, 2004. Description: 112 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 26 cm. Summary: Contains ideas for cool science projects using items found around the house or at a nearby store.

Big book of science experiments.

Call Number: J 507.8 BIG BOOPublisher, Date: New York : Time for Kids, c2011.Description: 192 p. : col. ill. ; 24 cm.Summary: Presents more than one hundred home science experiments that answer such questions as "Why does bread rise?," "What is mold?," and "How are fingerprints formed?"

What do we know now? : drawing conclusions and answering the question by Johnson, Robin (Robin R.)

Call Number: J 507.8 JOHNSON Publisher, Date: New York : Crabtree Pub. Co., c2010. Description: 32 p. : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 29 cm. Summary: Science was meant to be shared with others. Scientists must now determine whether or not the data supports their hypothesis. This book illustrates fun and interesting ways in which to report your results, from ascience fair demonstration to a written report. Readers are also encouraged to use their results as a springboard for further experimentation. Series: Step into science (Crabtree Publishing Company) Science projects about kitchen chemistry by Gardner, Robert, 1929- Call Number: J 540.78 GARDNER Publisher, Date: Springfield, NJ : Enslow Publishers, c1999. Description: 128 p. : ill. ; 24 cm. Summary: Presents experiments suitable for science fair projects, dealing with the chemistry involved with foods and activities related to the kitchen. Series: Gardner, Robert, 1929- Science projects. What's the problem? : how to start your scientific investigation by Burns, Kylie. Call Number: J 507.8 BURNS Publisher, Date: New York : Crabtree Publishing Co., c2010. Description: 32 p. : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 29 cm. Summary: Science engages a curious mind. Questions can come from practically anywhere. Readers will learn why scientists ask questions and how to develop meaningful questions to help guide their scientific experiments. Series: Step into science (Crabtree Publishing Company) What's going to happen? : making your hypothesis by Challen, Paul C. (Paul Clarence), 1967- Call Number: J 507.8 CHALLEN Publisher, Date: New York : Crabtree Publishing Co., c2010. Description: 32 p. : ill. (chiefly col.), col. maps ; 29 cm. Summary: Sometimes a hunch isn't enough. Learn how scientists make educated guesses called hypotheses to test their theories. A hypothesis is the foundation of the scientific method. Readers will learn how to construct a measurable and focused hypothesis to test in an experiment. Series: Step into science (Crabtree Publishing Company) What's the plan? : designing your experiment by Hyde, Natalie, 1963- Call Number: J 507.8 HYDE Publisher, Date: New York : Crabtree Publishing Co., c2010. Description: 32 p. : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 29 cm. Summary: It is essential that scientists design a plan to ensure their experiments are conducted accurately and safely. Readers will learn how to gather materials, and create a step-by-step procedure to test their hypothesis. Readers will become familiar with controls and variables in a scientific setting. Series: Step into science (Crabtree Publishing Company) What's going on? : collecting and recording your data by Burns, Kylie. Call Number: J 507.8 BURNS Publisher, Date: New York : Crabtree Pub. Co., c2010. Description: 32 p. : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 29 cm. Summary: Sharpen your pencils and put on your goggles! It's time to see science in action! This book helps readers hone their observation and recording skills during an experiment. Students will learn how to effectively collect and record data in a journal, as well as organizing data using graphs, charts, and diagrams. Series: Step into science (Crabtree Publishing Company) What just happened? : reading results and making inferences by Challen, Paul C. (Paul Clarence), 1967- Call Number: J 507.8 CHALLEN Publisher, Date: New York : Crabtree Pub. Co., c2010. Description: 32 p. : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 29 cm. Summary: Science never stops-even when the experiment is complete. Now is the time to make sense of your data. This title teaches young scientists how to analyze, interpret, and communicate the results of their data. Series: Step into science (Crabtree Publishing Company)

Videos:
Enter the Google Science Fair 2013 or just watch to get some fun ideas:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8118hW7htSY&list=PLLvf0rO_bj8Vis_4r1xOG0UhonwhXJuZy&index=1

Science Bob website:  http://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/index.php

JPL website about Science Fair projects:  http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2012-408

Activities:

Weekend Activities @ the Burke: Rocks and Minerals

Add to CalendarBurke Museum
Sat., Feb. 2, 2013 – Sun., Feb. 24, 2013
11 am –  3 pm
Included with museum admission; FREE for Burke members

Saturdays & Sundays in February, 11 am – 3 pm

The Burke's geology collection is much more than fantastic fossils. This month we are celebrating rocks, minerals, gems, and crystals—from the everyday variety to the rare and wonderful. Learn more about Earth's ingredients and get some inspiration to start a collection of your own. Each weekend you can:

• Examine and sort a tableful of rocks and minerals
• Try your skills at identifying rocks, mineral, and crystals using the tools of a geologist
• Go on a picture treasure hunt of rocks and gems on display at the Burke
• Make and take home an agate-inspired sun catcher
• Enjoy guided tours of Burke exhibits during our  "Best of the Burke" tours every Saturday at 1 pm!
• Make plastic crafts you can take home in the Plastics Unwrapped exhibit

Also, one Saturday per month, experience Collection Tours at 11 am and 1 pm. On February 23, tour the Burke's geology collection for a look at some of the Burke's treasures, with a special emphasis on volcanoes.

Click here to register for the 11 am Collection Tour.

Click here to register for the 1 pm Collection Tour.

Polar Science Weekend

Pacific Science Center
February 28-March 3, 2013

Build an igloo, snuggle into hooded cold-weather parkas, peek into tents used in polar research camps, take the salinity taste test and join a spectacular smashing ice demonstration as you meet and talk to polar researchers.

It's all part of Polar Science Weekend, returning to Pacific Science Center for the eighth straight year on February 28-March 3, 2013. Presented in partnership with the University of Washington's Applied Physics Laboratory, students, families and guests of all ages will enjoy four action-packed days of hands-on activities, demonstrations, exhibits and more - all transporting you into the extreme environments of the Arctic and Antarctic. You will also meet polar scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on earth.

Polar Science Weekend is included with price of general admission - FREE for Pacific Science Center members. 

UW Engineering Open House/Discovery Days  http://www.engr.washington.edu/alumcomm/openhouse.html

Paws-On Science: Husky Weekend

At Pacific Science Center April 5-7, 2013

This world class event will bring researchers and scientists from one of the world’s foremost public research universities together with children and families for three days of engaging and exciting discovery.

Seattle Science Festival 2013 http://www.seattlesciencefestival.org/

Dino Day

Add to CalendarBurke Museum
Sun., Mar. 10, 2013 | 10 am – 4 pm
Included with museum admission; FREE for Burke members

Join the Burke Museum for our most popular Family Day of the year! Get an up-close view of the Burke Museum’s paleontology collections. See and touch fossils, meet Burke paleontologists, join a fossil dig pit for kids, and more! Included with museum admission; free for Burke members, who receive exclusive early admission to the museum at 9 am.

Websites that teach science:

TEACH YOUR STUDENTS ABOUT THE SCIENCE OF LIVING IN SPACE

NASA has a wonderful educational website called Space Life Sciences centered on living organisms in the space environment. The website focuses on the human body in space, plants in space, space food and nutrition, space habitats, research with animals in space, and the potential for life beyond Earth. Teachers can find classroom materials, links to other NASA websites, announcements about life science research conducted in space, and information on opportunities for educators and students.

Khan Academy Science units:  

The Khan Academy is an organization on a mission. We're a not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education for anyone anywhere.

All of the site's resources are available to anyone. It doesn't matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20 years, or a friendly alien just trying to get a leg up in earthly biology. The Khan Academy's materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge.

Example: Birth of Stars https://www.khanacademy.org/science/cosmology-and-astronomy/stellar-life-topic

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/mit-k12

TED Talks

TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences -- the TED Conference in Long Beach and Palm Springs each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh UK each summer -- TED includes the award-winning TED Talks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize.

http://www.ted.com/talks?lang=en&event=&duration=&sort=newest&tag=24

Free Rice

About Freerice.com

Freerice is a non-profit website that is owned by and supports the United Nations World Food Programme.

Freerice has two goals:

• Provide education to everyone for free.
• Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.

This is made possible by the generosity of the sponsors who advertise on this site.

Whether you are CEO of a large corporation or a street child in a poor country, improving your education can improve your life. It is a great investment in yourself.

Perhaps even greater is the investment your donated rice makes in hungry human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide.

http://freerice.com/#/chemical-symbols-full-list/1078