Science Education

I Volunteer Because Science is for Everyone

Author: Jennifer Burke, Head Data Sciences & Compliance…

Kinetic Sand Experiment

Non-Newtonian fluids do not fit into the physical definition of solids or liquids. Instead of following Newton’s Law of Viscosity (which measures a fluid’s ability to defy deformation by external stressors), this substance exists somewhere in-between. If you exert extreme force on it in…

Why I’m Jealous of Students in Next Generation Science Standards Classrooms

By: Vanessa Wolbrink, Program Associate, Science, Achieve, Inc.

Salt Crystals Experiment

Grow your own crystals with salt and water. The experiment includes the creation of a supersaturated solution in which the solution (liquid) contains more salt than water can usually hold. When the heated water cools, it makes conditions very unstable, so the dissolved salt will leave…

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

What’s elephant toothpaste got to do with science? Well, the foam you are about to make is unique as each bubble is filled with molecules of oxygen. The yeast acts as a helper (catalyst) to remove oxygen from the hydrogen peroxide. This happens very quickly and creates a lot…

My 4-H Story: Lasting Impressions

By: Tomesah Harrison

More often than not, we learn by watching the behaviors of others, rather than by listening to their words of wisdom. And at times, what we learn sticks as permanent and lasting memories because the impression made was so…

Homework Helper: States of Matter

All objects can be categorized into three groups: solid, liquid or gas. Generally, we know how to identify these states of matter by looking at them. But do you know the science behind why a solid is a solid, or a liquid is a liquid, or a gas is a gas?

Tornado in a Bottle Experiment

Vortexes are spiral forms that swirl around an invisible center line. You can find them in your bathtub when water drains and even in cloud formations above Saturn’s north pole. The vortex in this experiment is formed when gravity pulls the water through the bottle opening…

Homework Helper: Electromagnetic Spectrum

What do rainbows, microwaves, and watching TV all have in common? They all involve the electromagnetic spectrum! Electric currents and magnetic energy waves are buzzing all around us. Some of it we can see, but most of it we cannot. The electromagnetic…

Influencing starts from the bottom up

Building a science literate society is important for our future in a technology driven world. To achieve this, it has to begin at the bottom. Getting children involved with STEM early, will make them more comfortable and engaged as they get older, and move on to…