There are a number of fun science experiments you can do at home with children of all ages. It is just a question of gathering the supplies and making sure you pay attention to health and safety. Choose age-appropriate activities and watch your children’s love of science grow. 1. Large Magnets Get a number of magnets to illustrate attraction and repulsion. Make sure they are large enough so a child can’t swallow them. You can create a maze on a piece of paper or cardboard and place a metal object like a paperclip on top. Slide the magnet underneath to drive the paperclip through the maze. 2. Coke Bottle Geyser Get a 2-liter bottle of diet cola and a tube of mint Mentos candy. Go outside into an open space. Drop 7 Mentos into the bottle, preferable at the same time, and run away. Watch the soda shoot straight up out of the bottle like a geyser. 3. Invisible Ink You will need half a fresh lemon, some water, a cotton bud, paper, and a lamp. Juice the lemon into the … [Read more...]

There are many work experience opportunities to help get your older child into science. Children aged 14 and over are allowed to obtain a work permit provided their parents give permission. There are internships during summer vacations, and volunteer opportunities all year round. The only limitation is where you live, but even that might not be the case if your child were to be selected for a residential opportunity in another state or country. Some internships might even be paid. Animal Shelter Volunteer Animal shelters always need help in caring for the animals, including feeding and walking them. For any child who loves animals or is planning a career as a vet, this is a must. Vet’s Office Volunteer Some vets will allow students planning to be a vet to shadow them and help them around the practice. Zoo Internships Many of the top zoos have internships for keen students who want to learn more about particular animals, or immerse themselves in the chance to … [Read more...]

There are a number of problems unique to science teachers which can pose challenges to even the best teachers. Here are some of the main ones. 1. Safety Issues Lab work is an important part of a chemistry course, but it can involve coming into contact with dangerous chemicals. In addition, objects such as Bunsen burners or a gas supply can cause hazardous conditions if they are not supervised carefully to make sure they are turned off. Students don’t always follow instructions, and some can be foolish or even malicious. They might be careless about wearing protective equipment and in handling their experiments. Science teachers need to be aware of what everyone is doing during the lab lesson. However, this is not always possible if students start asking them questions. 2. Dealing with Sensitive Topics Certain topics related to science can be considered sensitive and get parents up in arms. For example, some states only wish to teach creationism. In biology, … [Read more...]

Baking is a tasty and fun hobby. Most people probably would not equate it with science, but the truth is, it can be used as a tool to teach certain concepts. Here are a few ways to teach science through baking to children of all ages. Younger Children Quick Breads Younger children are fascinated by cakes and muffins. These are what are referred to as quick breads. The raising (leavening) agent will often be baking soda. The mild acids in a second ingredient, milk, are enough to trigger a reaction and make the dough rise. This is an example of the reaction of an acid to an alkaline substance. Baking powder will also make quick breads rise. It is baking soda with some added ingredients, cream of tartar and cornstarch. The baking soda is a base and the cream of tartar is an acid, so it can be used in a range of recipes where acid might not otherwise be present. Baking powder makes cakes rise through the release of carbon dioxide gas. Learning about Ph The Ph … [Read more...]

There are many exciting jobs which require science qualifications. Some are even in such hot demand that they are projected to grow significantly in the next few years. They have good starting salaries as well. Here are some of the top choices: 1. Doctor The world needs doctors. And as many populations around the world are living longer than ever before, the demand for health care will increase exponentially. 2. Veterinarian Animal care is required 24/7/365 in a range of locations, from small office-based practices to farms, zoos, animal shelters, and more. 3. Oceanography and Marine Biology Some of those interested in living creatures might devote themselves to the ones that live in the ocean. Oceanographers study the sea, and marine biologists study the underwater inhabitants of our vast seas. 4. Environmental Science This is a rapidly growing field as more and more people become concerned about climate change, waste and toxic waste, loss or change of … [Read more...]