The dandelion's name comes from the French dents-de-lion, meaning lion's teeth, referring to the jagged-edged leaves shape of dandelions. Dandelions grow in temperate climates, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. Some dandelions can grow in wet soils, but some do much better in drier climates. Dandelion plants grow from a crown of leaves, and the flowers blossom on hollow flower stalks. The plant's leaves are bright green with jagged edges, similar to the shape of a lion's teeth. Dandelion is a common name for plants in the genus Taraxacum. There are dandelion species all over the world; some have yellow flowers, others have white. The dandelion is considered to be a wild plant, although it has been widely cultivated throughout Europe and North America as a food source or medicinal herb. In addition to the plants wide cultivation, it has many other uses. The root is used in dyes and its leaves are sometimes used as food for livestock. The history of the … [Read more...]

Watermelon is one of the most popular fruits in the summer, but how much do you know about it? The life cycle of a watermelon is what this blog post will be discussing. We'll take a look at where they grow and when their best season is for harvesting, as well as looking at some history behind them! If you are wondering where you can find this refreshing fruit, it is in tropical climates year-round. The majority of them are grown in Africa and China. Different varieties will be found all over Central America as well though! You might also find some growing on vines that have been trained along wires or cables to provide easy access for harvesting. These plants require large amounts of watering, so they should be near bodies of water such as lakes and rivers, too. What's their best season for harvest? If your family has always bought those fruits from the store, then it's likely summertime was when you first noticed them popping up at markets - which is definitely their peak … [Read more...]

Light energy is all around us. You can't see it, but you feel it constantly. It helps plants grow, and we rely on it for heat and electricity as well as many other things. In this lesson plan, we will explore the basics of light energy: where it comes from, what properties allow us to see light with our eyes (and not only with a camera), how different types of light emitters work differently in various situations, and more! Light Energy Lesson Plan: All About Light Energy Do you know anything about light energy? It's an important energy source that most people don't think twice about when going about their day. However, it's one of the most important energy sources in existence on the planet. What Is Light Energy? Light energy is a form of energy that comes from direct light. We can sense this form of energy because our eyes can see it. Much like other energy sources, light travels in waves. There are different sources of light energy that exist, some of which are … [Read more...]

We have a special fondness in our family when it comes to talking about Jellyfish. My Great Grandpa was Professor Lemuel A Fraser from the University of Wisconsin's Zoology department. While I was very little when he passed, he was a dear man that my mom still talks about fondly. His life's research was all about Jellyfish - and he discovered some pretty cool things back in the years he spent summers out on the coast doing his research. I could go on and on about him - but you dig into his marine research on your own if you are interested. There are many life cycles in the animal kingdom, but few are as unique and interesting as that of jellyfish. The jellyfish life cycle is a fascinating process that starts when eggs hatch into larvae, continues through becoming polyps (stages between larva and adult), they develop into free-swimming medusae, which reproduce sexually to produce more jellyfish. The life cycle of a jellyfish is both interesting and full of surprises! The Life … [Read more...]

A great white shark's life cycle is a fascinating one, and it can teach us about the ocean in many ways. Life in the ocean is all about survival of the fittest, and sharks are no exception to this rule. The Life Cycle of a Great White Shark: Survival in the Ocean will explore how these incredible animals grow and develop from birth to death, as they struggle for their next meal. From birth to death, growing out into what it needs to eventually become its own predator living on top of another fragile ecosystem - like humans themselves! The Life Cycle of a Great White Shark Sharks have been around since before dinosaurs ruled our planet but despite their long history we still know relatively little about them and why they need so many teeth! Characteristics of great white sharks The Great White Shark is a one-of-a-kind predator that has evolved to meet certain needs. It has a streamlined body that allows it to move quickly through the water. The skin has camouflage … [Read more...]