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DIY Ocean Layers!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jun 5, 2018 | STEM
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Tagged with 'Science'
Behind the Scenes with Beaker Creatures!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On May 31, 2018 | Science
Erupting Summer Science: DIY Volcanoes!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On May 30, 2018 | Science
"Research shows that most children have formed an opinion (either positive or negative) about science by the time they reach the age of 7."
Erupting Summer Science: DIY Volcanoes!
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"Research shows that most children have formed an opinion (either positive or negative) about science by the time they reach the age of 7."
DIY Spring Weather Crafts!
- Learning Resources Posted On Apr 27, 2018 | STEM
Celebrate Astronomy Day with Kids
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Apr 20, 2018 | STEM
Each year Astronomy Day is celebrated worldwide. The stars have fascinated humanity for literally centuries, and even to this day captures the imagination of kids of all ages. Celebrate this event with them this year and don't worry if you don't own any expensive telescopes. These DIY activities use real life discoveries to inspire your little astronomers!
Track the Phases of the Moon
Bone sticks from across Europe and Africa dating back as long ago as 35,000 BCE that tracked the moon’s phases. Use a simple number line with your kids to track the phases of the moon over the course of a month, from full moon and back again. Do it for several months and see what patterns they begin to observe.
Depict a Celestial Phenomenon
A celestial phenomenon is a astrological event that involves one or more objects. The earliest example depicted was discovered in Germany in 1999. The Nebra Sky Disc dates back to 2000 BC and it depicted a star cluster, phases of the moon and the rising sun.
Use a black paper plate, or even just black paper, and encourage your children to depict their own star formations. If they can’t stay up to observe them at night, project some indoors with this Shining Stars Projector.
Astronomy to Keep Time
The Chinese astronomers kept detailed observations beginning about 600 BC, for the primary purpose of timekeeping. Their records allowed them to predict eclipses, and include the first record of events such as supernovas and comets.
On the other side of the world, the Mayans developed their own astronomical tables for predicting the phases of the moon, eclipses, and the appearance of the other planets. They used these and the cycles of the Sun, the Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and constellations to establish the Mayan calendar.
All of the above astronomy was without a telescope, and you can still observe these astronomical events with your kids today. Check out this astronomy calendar and pick a full moon, eclipse, planetary event, or meteor shower to observe as a family.
Try this simple astronomy experiment to help kids as young as preschoolers understand what makes night.
Just because ancient astronomers did all of this without a telescope doesn't mean your little ones have to! All of the above activities can be done with the naked eye but if you feel like shooting for the stars check out Learning Resources Big View Telescope. How will you celebrate Astronomy Day?
Celebrate Astronomy Day with Kids
READ MORE
Each year Astronomy Day is celebrated worldwide. The stars have fascinated humanity for literally centuries, and even to this day captures the imagination of kids of all ages. Celebrate this event with them this year and don't worry if you don't own any expensive telescopes. These DIY activities use real life discoveries to inspire your little astronomers!
Track the Phases of the Moon
Bone sticks from across Europe and Africa dating back as long ago as 35,000 BCE that tracked the moon’s phases. Use a simple number line with your kids to track the phases of the moon over the course of a month, from full moon and back again. Do it for several months and see what patterns they begin to observe.
Depict a Celestial Phenomenon
A celestial phenomenon is a astrological event that involves one or more objects. The earliest example depicted was discovered in Germany in 1999. The Nebra Sky Disc dates back to 2000 BC and it depicted a star cluster, phases of the moon and the rising sun.
Use a black paper plate, or even just black paper, and encourage your children to depict their own star formations. If they can’t stay up to observe them at night, project some indoors with this Shining Stars Projector.
Astronomy to Keep Time
The Chinese astronomers kept detailed observations beginning about 600 BC, for the primary purpose of timekeeping. Their records allowed them to predict eclipses, and include the first record of events such as supernovas and comets.
On the other side of the world, the Mayans developed their own astronomical tables for predicting the phases of the moon, eclipses, and the appearance of the other planets. They used these and the cycles of the Sun, the Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and constellations to establish the Mayan calendar.
All of the above astronomy was without a telescope, and you can still observe these astronomical events with your kids today. Check out this astronomy calendar and pick a full moon, eclipse, planetary event, or meteor shower to observe as a family.
Try this simple astronomy experiment to help kids as young as preschoolers understand what makes night.
Just because ancient astronomers did all of this without a telescope doesn't mean your little ones have to! All of the above activities can be done with the naked eye but if you feel like shooting for the stars check out Learning Resources Big View Telescope. How will you celebrate Astronomy Day?
READ MORE
10 Amazing Women in Robotics
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Apr 9, 2018 | STEM
Robotics is the way of the future, and women are leading the way for some of the most helpful technologies! For young girls, strong role models are key! From Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer, to women involved in robotics today, this list of female leaders is sure to inspire kids to consider robotics as a future career.
Ada Lovelace lived in the early 1800's and saw something others didn't see: that machines could be involved in complex computing. She published the very first algorithm for a machine.
Grace Brewster Murray Hopper was an American computer scientist who lead the way in computer programming in the 20th century. Hopper and her team also invented the Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL), which is still widely used today.
For 40 years, Professor Ruzena Bajscy has been leading robotics research. Now in her mid-80's, she also continues to teach at the University of California, Berkeley. Her area of research is the communication between machines and people.
Dr. Maja Matarić directs the Interaction Lab at the University of Southern California. Her vision is to improve quality of life for people with special needs with affordable human-centered technologies since their medical expenses can be very high.Human-Centred Robots - Ayanna Howard
Ayanna Howard is the most senior African-American female roboticists involved in higher education in the United States. Her work over the past two decades has focused on helping artificial intelligence interact with a human-centered world.
If robots can perform in the deepest parts of the ocean, why can't they contribute at home? That question has driven Cynthia Breazeal to pioneer ‘social robotics' that interact with humans. She helped create the world's first social robot, Kismet, and founded Jibo, the world's first family robot. She also directs the Personal Robots Group at MIT's Media Lab.
Ayorkor Korsah grew up in Ghana and studied in the United States gaining her Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. Now back in Ghana, she is a professor of computer science and robotics at Ashesi University. In 2012, she co-founded the African Robotics Network, a community that shares robotics resources.
Dr. Kimberly Hambuchen is an engineer who develops and improves robots for missions in space. She was part of the team that developed Valkyrie, NASA's first two-legged robot. Hambuchen supports the international space community by improving robots in space.
Marita Cheng is from Australia, and even at the age of 29 her work in robotics is amazing. Her start-up robotics company helps make things easier for people with diverse abilities and long-term illnesses. She has really helped out the medical field greatly.
Kaijen Hsiao is a roboticist who wants to bring robots to the masses. Most of all she develops robots that serve the agricultural sector and people with disabilities. Which of these women leaders inspires you most? 
The World's First Programmer - Ada Lovelace
Programming Pioneer - Grace Brewster Murray Hopper
Grace Brewster Murray Hopper was an American computer scientist who lead the way in computer programming in the 20th century. Hopper and her team also invented the Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL), which is still widely used today.Robotics Pioneer - Ruzena Bajcsy
For 40 years, Professor Ruzena Bajscy has been leading robotics research. Now in her mid-80's, she also continues to teach at the University of California, Berkeley. Her area of research is the communication between machines and people.Can Robots Improve Life? - Dr. Maja Matarić
Dr. Maja Matarić directs the Interaction Lab at the University of Southern California. Her vision is to improve quality of life for people with special needs with affordable human-centered technologies since their medical expenses can be very high.Human-Centred Robots - Ayanna Howard
Ayanna Howard is the most senior African-American female roboticists involved in higher education in the United States. Her work over the past two decades has focused on helping artificial intelligence interact with a human-centered world.Social Robots - Cynthia Breazeal
Robotics for the World - Ayorkor Korsah
Robots in Space - Dr. Kimberly Hambuchen
Robots for Good - Marita Cheng
Robots for Everyone - Kaijen Hsiao
10 Amazing Women in Robotics
READ MORE
Robotics is the way of the future, and women are leading the way for some of the most helpful technologies! For young girls, strong role models are key! From Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer, to women involved in robotics today, this list of female leaders is sure to inspire kids to consider robotics as a future career.
Ada Lovelace lived in the early 1800's and saw something others didn't see: that machines could be involved in complex computing. She published the very first algorithm for a machine.Grace Brewster Murray Hopper was an American computer scientist who lead the way in computer programming in the 20th century. Hopper and her team also invented the Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL), which is still widely used today.For 40 years, Professor Ruzena Bajscy has been leading robotics research. Now in her mid-80's, she also continues to teach at the University of California, Berkeley. Her area of research is the communication between machines and people.Dr. Maja Matarić directs the Interaction Lab at the University of Southern California. Her vision is to improve quality of life for people with special needs with affordable human-centered technologies since their medical expenses can be very high.Human-Centred Robots - Ayanna Howard
Ayanna Howard is the most senior African-American female roboticists involved in higher education in the United States. Her work over the past two decades has focused on helping artificial intelligence interact with a human-centered world.
If robots can perform in the deepest parts of the ocean, why can't they contribute at home? That question has driven Cynthia Breazeal to pioneer ‘social robotics' that interact with humans. She helped create the world's first social robot, Kismet, and founded Jibo, the world's first family robot. She also directs the Personal Robots Group at MIT's Media Lab.
Ayorkor Korsah grew up in Ghana and studied in the United States gaining her Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. Now back in Ghana, she is a professor of computer science and robotics at Ashesi University. In 2012, she co-founded the African Robotics Network, a community that shares robotics resources.
Dr. Kimberly Hambuchen is an engineer who develops and improves robots for missions in space. She was part of the team that developed Valkyrie, NASA's first two-legged robot. Hambuchen supports the international space community by improving robots in space.
Marita Cheng is from Australia, and even at the age of 29 her work in robotics is amazing. Her start-up robotics company helps make things easier for people with diverse abilities and long-term illnesses. She has really helped out the medical field greatly.
Kaijen Hsiao is a roboticist who wants to bring robots to the masses. Most of all she develops robots that serve the agricultural sector and people with disabilities. Which of these women leaders inspires you most?
The World's First Programmer - Ada Lovelace
Programming Pioneer - Grace Brewster Murray Hopper
Grace Brewster Murray Hopper was an American computer scientist who lead the way in computer programming in the 20th century. Hopper and her team also invented the Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL), which is still widely used today.Robotics Pioneer - Ruzena Bajcsy
For 40 years, Professor Ruzena Bajscy has been leading robotics research. Now in her mid-80's, she also continues to teach at the University of California, Berkeley. Her area of research is the communication between machines and people.Can Robots Improve Life? - Dr. Maja Matarić
Dr. Maja Matarić directs the Interaction Lab at the University of Southern California. Her vision is to improve quality of life for people with special needs with affordable human-centered technologies since their medical expenses can be very high.Human-Centred Robots - Ayanna Howard
Ayanna Howard is the most senior African-American female roboticists involved in higher education in the United States. Her work over the past two decades has focused on helping artificial intelligence interact with a human-centered world.Social Robots - Cynthia Breazeal
Robotics for the World - Ayorkor Korsah
Robots in Space - Dr. Kimberly Hambuchen
Robots for Good - Marita Cheng
Robots for Everyone - Kaijen Hsiao
10 Incredible Things Robots Can Do
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Apr 9, 2018 | STEM
Happy Robotics Week! We have a fun list here that will make you say "Robots do WHAT?!"Once the stuff of futuristic fantasies, robotics has really come into its own! From cooking dinner to performing surgery, robotic capabilities are rapidly expanding far beyond the auto assembly line and into trades and tasks that once seemed impossible. Read on for a summary of some of the surprisingly helpful things robots are doing right now and be amazed!
Believe it or not, robots can:
Cook!
Choose a recipe from the programmed library and Moley Robotics’ Robotic Kitchen will make it for you – from measuring and mixing ingredients to baking, broiling, simmering, and stirring.
Outrun You!
A mechanical cheetah built by the engineers at MIT tops out at speeds close to 30 m.p.h. This cruisin’ kitty is designed to help with search and rescue efforts in disaster areas that are not smooth enough for wheeled robots.
Fly the Friendly Skies!
Drones are robots, too, and they’re working all over the world, doing everything from delivering blood to monitoring Australia’s shorelines for sharks.
Help You See Better!
Robots can turn a series of numbers into prescription eyeglasses, all in less than an hour!
Prep Your Meds!
From pharmaceutical prescriptions to prepping IVs, these nurse bots are rolling behind the scenes in pharmacies and hospitals. Since there is so much that goes into keeping people healthy, this is a huge help in the medical field!
Make Music!
Brain.fm’s tunes are designed – by robots – to be in synch with your brain waves while making some awesome beats.
Shape You Up!
Personal trainer bots are leading exercise sessions with the elderly. They even monitor participants and can detect correct body position.
Read Your Mood!
A companion robot named Pepper is programmed to read facial expressions and respond accordingly with songs to match your vibe, supportive comments, and more.
Make Deliveries!
Robots are delivering everything from online orders to room service.
Perform Surgery!
Medical facilities including the famed Mayo Clinic use robotics to operate on patients. Using robotics provides “more precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with conventional techniques."
Some may worry that the increasing capabilities of robotics will eventually eliminate some human responsibilities, yet remember that these machines are nothing without the human element of programming. Start your kiddo down the path to programming today with Botley the Coding Robot!
10 Incredible Things Robots Can Do
READ MORE
Happy Robotics Week! We have a fun list here that will make you say "Robots do WHAT?!"Once the stuff of futuristic fantasies, robotics has really come into its own! From cooking dinner to performing surgery, robotic capabilities are rapidly expanding far beyond the auto assembly line and into trades and tasks that once seemed impossible. Read on for a summary of some of the surprisingly helpful things robots are doing right now and be amazed!
Believe it or not, robots can:
Cook!
Choose a recipe from the programmed library and Moley Robotics’ Robotic Kitchen will make it for you – from measuring and mixing ingredients to baking, broiling, simmering, and stirring.
Outrun You!
A mechanical cheetah built by the engineers at MIT tops out at speeds close to 30 m.p.h. This cruisin’ kitty is designed to help with search and rescue efforts in disaster areas that are not smooth enough for wheeled robots.Fly the Friendly Skies!
Drones are robots, too, and they’re working all over the world, doing everything from delivering blood to monitoring Australia’s shorelines for sharks.Help You See Better!
Robots can turn a series of numbers into prescription eyeglasses, all in less than an hour!Prep Your Meds!
From pharmaceutical prescriptions to prepping IVs, these nurse bots are rolling behind the scenes in pharmacies and hospitals. Since there is so much that goes into keeping people healthy, this is a huge help in the medical field!Make Music!
Brain.fm’s tunes are designed – by robots – to be in synch with your brain waves while making some awesome beats.Shape You Up!
Personal trainer bots are leading exercise sessions with the elderly. They even monitor participants and can detect correct body position.Read Your Mood!
A companion robot named Pepper is programmed to read facial expressions and respond accordingly with songs to match your vibe, supportive comments, and more.Make Deliveries!
Robots are delivering everything from online orders to room service.Perform Surgery!
Medical facilities including the famed Mayo Clinic use robotics to operate on patients. Using robotics provides “more precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with conventional techniques."
Some may worry that the increasing capabilities of robotics will eventually eliminate some human responsibilities, yet remember that these machines are nothing without the human element of programming. Start your kiddo down the path to programming today with Botley the Coding Robot!
DIY Tornado in a Bottle!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Apr 5, 2018 | STEM
DIY Rainy Day Activities!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Apr 3, 2018 | STEM
Spring has sprung, and we all know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” This means, while the excitement of spring is upon us, most areas of the United States will also be facing LOTS of rainy weather. NEVER FEAR: Whether you are reading this as a parent, teacher, or both; these ideas will keep your kiddos engaged in learning, even if they are cooped up inside the house until sunnier days appear!
Rainbow Round-Up
With spring showers often follow rainbows! Help your little ones pass the time during the storm by exploring the science of rainbows.. Set the stage and build background knowledge by exploring colors, light, and color mixing. These color paddles and color mixing lenses by Learning Resources are perfect for rainbow play and exploration. Let your students experiment with shining light through individual colors and also play with color mixing by overlapping primary color paddles to make secondary colors.
After that warm-up, transition from color mixing to into rainbow fun with one of my favorite, simple activities for this time of year. The best milk color changing experiment I have found is from Spangler Science (here). Watch the video and follow the simple instructions to have your littles mixing colors like rainbow experts. Ask your kiddos to record their materials, steps in the experiment, and observations using a blank paper or in a journal.
Weather Wonders Exploration
When you’re stuck inside due to rainy spring showers, use that time as a learning opportunity, whether at home or school! Using fun, visual, and engaging weather trackers like these (large & small) from Learning Resources, you can turn the rainy day blues into a meteorologist broadcast. Then, extend that experience with the fun spring craftivity below, and perhaps even pair it with some weather-themed poetry.
Cupcake Wrapper Umbrellas
This activity is simple, adorable, and perfect for home and school creation. I made these gems applicable to fourth grade by having students start by creating the umbrella visual and then writing poetry about rain to celebrate National Poetry Month in April. You can do the same at home/school to enhance this craftivity.
Materials needed:
Assorted cupcake wrappers/liners
Assorted colors of pipe cleaners
White construction paper
Blue tempera paint
Paintbrushes
Scissors
Glue
Instructions:
Fold 2-3 cupcake liners in half.
Arrange on white construction paper.
Glue back half of the liners to the paper.
Cut pipe cleaners in half (or smaller, if needed).
Curl the bottom end of the pipe cleaner to form the handle (J) of the umbrella
Glue the top of the handle inside the umbrella.
Secure bottom of the pipe cleaner handle to the construction paper by applying glue underneath.
Using blue paint and paintbrush, make raindrops falling all around the umbrellas.
Clean up any mess and display the beautiful finished products!
While you and your little ones might be thinking, “Rain, rain, go away,” you can make the most of your time inside with these hands-on spring themed activities. They will have a blast, and when the showers pass, they’ll be geared up and ready to explore outdoor spring weather!
DIY Rainy Day Activities!
READ MORE
Spring has sprung, and we all know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” This means, while the excitement of spring is upon us, most areas of the United States will also be facing LOTS of rainy weather. NEVER FEAR: Whether you are reading this as a parent, teacher, or both; these ideas will keep your kiddos engaged in learning, even if they are cooped up inside the house until sunnier days appear!
Rainbow Round-Up
With spring showers often follow rainbows! Help your little ones pass the time during the storm by exploring the science of rainbows.. Set the stage and build background knowledge by exploring colors, light, and color mixing. These color paddles and color mixing lenses by Learning Resources are perfect for rainbow play and exploration. Let your students experiment with shining light through individual colors and also play with color mixing by overlapping primary color paddles to make secondary colors.
After that warm-up, transition from color mixing to into rainbow fun with one of my favorite, simple activities for this time of year. The best milk color changing experiment I have found is from Spangler Science (here). Watch the video and follow the simple instructions to have your littles mixing colors like rainbow experts. Ask your kiddos to record their materials, steps in the experiment, and observations using a blank paper or in a journal.
Weather Wonders Exploration
When you’re stuck inside due to rainy spring showers, use that time as a learning opportunity, whether at home or school! Using fun, visual, and engaging weather trackers like these (large & small) from Learning Resources, you can turn the rainy day blues into a meteorologist broadcast. Then, extend that experience with the fun spring craftivity below, and perhaps even pair it with some weather-themed poetry.
Cupcake Wrapper Umbrellas
This activity is simple, adorable, and perfect for home and school creation. I made these gems applicable to fourth grade by having students start by creating the umbrella visual and then writing poetry about rain to celebrate National Poetry Month in April. You can do the same at home/school to enhance this craftivity.
Materials needed:
Assorted cupcake wrappers/liners
Assorted colors of pipe cleaners
White construction paper
Blue tempera paint
Paintbrushes
Scissors
Glue
Instructions:
Fold 2-3 cupcake liners in half.
Arrange on white construction paper.
Glue back half of the liners to the paper.
Cut pipe cleaners in half (or smaller, if needed).
Curl the bottom end of the pipe cleaner to form the handle (J) of the umbrella
Glue the top of the handle inside the umbrella.
Secure bottom of the pipe cleaner handle to the construction paper by applying glue underneath.
Using blue paint and paintbrush, make raindrops falling all around the umbrellas.
Clean up any mess and display the beautiful finished products!
While you and your little ones might be thinking, “Rain, rain, go away,” you can make the most of your time inside with these hands-on spring themed activities. They will have a blast, and when the showers pass, they’ll be geared up and ready to explore outdoor spring weather!
