Super Full Moon

March 19th was the first full moon of its size since 1993.   These rare large moons only occur once in every 20 years.  When you play the video above, you will get an inside look at the 14% size difference and the reasons, believed, behind this unique illusion.

Science Made Fun for Everyone!!!

Scientist James working with his students 

High Touch High Tech was developed as a way for children to become engaged in the wonderful world of science.  The sscientists attentively listen to and encourage the students to contribute their own ideas and opinions through interactive dialogue. What makes this program so successful is the hands on experience the students receive along with collaboration skills being developed among peers.  Bottom line, You must try to challenge your children/ students on a creative and intellectual level without making it a chore.  Make learning fun!!!  Please read the attached link for an example of science made fun.  Scientist James

How does the Basilisk Lizard Walk on Water?

The Basilisk lizard, AKA the Jesus lizard, are found in the Tropical Rain Forest of Central & South America and they are finding a passage to the US.  They have a unique ability from all other animals; they can walk on water.  This is possible due to the flaps between their toes that support them above the water as they are rapidly moving across, keeping their head up.  As you watch the video below, you can see how the lizard is able to balance themselves along with keeping up their speed. To read more a more dept study, please see Nation Geographic

Jesus Lizard

Family Science Night

What a fun and interactive way to engage a child, "Family Science Night".  Check out the creativity from Lupin Hills Elementary School in California.  They participated in this unique event that investigated earthworms, mysterious smells and reactions to different chemicals.  Around 225 students along with their parents explored in this outreach program. The kids & parents partnered together and they found that science can be fun!  More details.

How do lava experiments work?

Lava Lamps are fun to create and they are very simplistic, meant for any age group .  The only ingredients you need is Water, Vegetable oil, salt, food coloring and a cool glass jar.  You are probably wondering, how in the world does this work! Well, Oil is less dense than water so it is able to float above the water.  When you add the salt, the salt crabs part of the oil and drags it to the bottom of the jar because it is denser than the water.  The Salt will then start to break down and dissolve.  


For more information and steps on how to do create a lava lamp, please read on.... lava lamp


    

1st Graders examine their surroundings

Using your senses (video)

Think blocks is a wonderful and simple idea for children in early development to gain a better perspective on how to depend/ understand your senses.   They are designed to teach four essentially important thinking skills: 
(1) Contrasting between similarities and opposites or “distinction making”
(2) Understanding part-whole structures or “systems thinking”
(3) Recognizing interactions, associations, and cause and effect or “relational thinking
 (4) Learning to see things from different points-of-view or “perspective taking” 
This is just another way to make science fun!!!

Total Lunar Eclipse Syncronicity

The Total Lunar Eclipse is an amazing, yet rare experience.   We were fortunate enough to have this opportunity to see this on the day of the Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the official beginning of winter, December 21, 2010.  The last time this was seen was on Dec. 21, 1638.  The winter Solstice will not be see again until Dec. 21, 2094.  Kurdistan Planetarium Video