Mad Science

Happy Valentine’s Day! We think you’re all STEM-tastic! Thanks for supporting us in our mission to spark imaginative learning!

Happy Lunar New Year Everyone! Teach your kids about emulsions and hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances by pouring vegetable oil into a mason jar filled with water. Watch as the two substance settle into two separate layers because they repel each other. As you pour the oil into the water it will look a bit like fireworks, which is a traditional way to celebrate Lunar New Year! You can also add a few drops of red food coloring to the oil, which will make it all the more festive!

Scientist Spotlight! Stella Bowles, Youth Environmentalist Her grade 6 science project, that tested the bacteria present in the river near her home, eventually convinced three levels of government to pledge $15.7 million to help clean it up. She became a citizen scientist, reached out for community support, and learned all about water testing in the process. http://bit.ly/3iW0uFy

Get ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count happening from February 12-15! Each year people from around the world come together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. It’s a great family activity that you can do right in your own backyard! Share your pictures and contribute to a bird database that is used by scientists around the world! Did you know that when the community at large and other amateur scientists conduct scientific research it’s called Citizen Science! Learn more: https://www.birdcount.org/

Today is Send a Card to a Friend Day! What a great way to show them you care about them! In the age of emails and digital communication, it’s always fun to get something thoughtful in the mail! Tell us what the front of yours says in the comments! We’d be over the moon if you shared your science pun ideas!

Scientist Spotlight Alfred L. Cralle, Businessman and Inventor While he was working at a hotel, he noticed that the employees serving ice cream were having trouble getting the cold dessert off the spoon and into the cone. He decided to solve this chilly problem and designed a mechanical utensil which he called the ice cream mold and disher! This new durable scoop could be used one-handed and saved time and effort! #BlackHistoryMonth

Scientists have fairly recently discovered evidence that suggests that our lungs are not just used for breathing! It seems that they may actually produce platelets and other factors responsible for blood clotting, which stops bleeding!

New Zealand is actually the above-sea-level portion of a mostly submerged microcontinent called Zealandia. Roughly 6% is above water and the entire thing is about half the size of Australia!

Starfish are amazing creatures! They don’t have brains or blood, they are able to regrow lost limbs, and they can digest food outside their bodies. Say what!

Water can be a gas, a liquid, and a solid all at the same time! A triple point may sound like something that happens at a sporting event, but it’s actually a scientific phenomenon. It’s the point at which a substance, like water, occurs in all its phases. It only happens under very specific conditions. Do you think it can occur in nature or only in the lab? Let us know in the comments!

A moment in remembrance and thanks for those who sacrificed so much.

For #STEMDay we want to hear about a scientist in your life, famous or not so famous, that has inspired you or your child! Get creative with your hashtags.