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Just call 210.207.4466 to listen!
Robots and Circuits
Make Your Own Doodle Bot
Supplies Needed:
Step 1: Tape three markers evenly around the cup, while also keeping cup face down.
Step 2: Next, take the small motor and connect the black and red wires of the battery pack to the small eye loops on the motor. The metal portion of the wires should touch the motor loops to ensure connectivity. Twist the wires to make sure they stay in place. (Tip: Should you need to expose more of your wire, gently cut back the red or black coverings with care as to not cut fully through your wires.) Either wire can connect to either side of the motor. Do not add the battery to the battery pack yet.
Step 3: Tape the battery pack to the side or top of the cup.
Step 4: Create a propeller on your motor that will spin when the motor turns on to help give your bot movement. Something quick you can do is tape two pieces of tape together and add a penny for weight. Then securely tape your new propeller to the small stem of your motor. Tape your motor to your cup, making sure that the propeller won't hit the cup as it spins.
Step 5: Place your bot into paper with the markers open and add the battery. It should begin to move and create a doodle.
Recycled Robot Craft
Gather as many different recycled materials as you can find - cans, cereal boxes, bottles. Build a robot out of the materials you find. As you build, think about your robot's story. Where does it get fuel from? What can it do? Does it have any powers? What sort of adventures does it go on? Write down your robot's story or tell it to a friend or family member.
Hula Hoop Circuit
Electricity travels through a circuit - a circular path that begins and ends at the same place. The circle must be complete with no breaks for electricity to flow and give things power. To play this game, you need a hula hoop (to act as the electricity) and at least one other person to help you be the circuit. One person in the group will put the hula hoop on their arm before everyone playing holds hands to make a loop. You need to pass the hula hoop (the electricity) from person to person around the circle. Make sure not to let go of each other's hands and break the circuit! If the circuit breaks, the electricity has to start back at the beginning.
Bots! Robotics Engineering by
An action-packed book for middle schoolers that explores the roles robots play in our world, including the history, engineering, and key players in this STEAM field--plus loads of hands-on robotics activities so kids can learn design, engineering, and coding, and develop their own innovative ideas for future robots! Robots are everywhere! They vacuum our houses, work in our factories, help us learn at school, and play with us at home. They sample rocks from other planets, survey disaster zones from the air, and bring back images from the bottom of the ocean. In Bots! Robotics Engineering with Hands-On Makerspace Activities, kids 9 to 12 learn the how, why, and who behind the robots we have today. * Explore the history of robots and artificial intelligence and read short biographies of important innovators such as Ada Lovelace, Charles Babbage, Alan Turing, Leonardo da Vinci, Dean Kamen, and Nikola Tesla, and Cynthia Breazeal. * Engage in science-minded learning by constructing a hydraulic arm, formulating an edible inflatable soft robot, designing a motorized ArtBot, and testing your own gravity-powered mini-walker. Learn coding basics by writing pen-and-paper programs in Logo and creating virtual robots in the free online language Scratch. Discover how to build low-cost programmable cardboard robots using microcontrollers such as Micro:bit or Circuit Playground Express and Microsoft MakeCode. And find out how to train an "AI computer" to think by playing an unplugged Machine Learning version of the math game Nim. * Essential questions, links to online primary resources, fascinating facts and brief sidebars help readers learn the basics of robotics while exploring their creativity as they design and build their own robots and robotic components. About the Build It Engineering set and Nomad Press Bots! is part of a set of two Build It Engineering books that explore the engineering technology behind our daily lives. The other title in this series is Crazy Contraptions: Build Rube Goldberg Machines that Swoop, Spin, Stack, and Swivel with Hands-On Engineering Activities. Nomad Press books in the Build It series integrate content with participation. Combining content with inquiry-based projects stimulates learning and makes it active and alive. Nomad's unique approach simultaneously grounds kids in factual knowledge while allowing them the space to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers. All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.
Cool Robots by
Attention young LEGO brick builders: Sean Kenney is back again with original creations of Robotopolis--robots, transformers, and spaceships of all sizes, colors, and features. Complete with select model instructions, insider tips, and landscape designs for new LEGO fans of all ages as well as diehard enthusiasts.
DKfindout! Robots by
This fun, fact-filled book for kids ages 6-9 guides readers through the science behind the abilities of life-like robots, and how these humanoids might become even more advanced in the future. Supporting STEM-based learning and educating young readers through a combination of close-up images, quirky trivia facts, quiz questions, and fascinating tidbits, it's the perfect book for any reader who can't get enough of robots. When were robots first dreamed up? What does an industrial robot do? How do robots sense the world around them? Find out the answers to these questions and more in DKfindout! Robots, which features photographs of drones, automata, and other machines from all around the world. Readers will learn about the different types of robots and the famous engineers who created them, and gain insight into how robots think and learn through illustrated charts, diagrams, and blocks of coding language. From the industrial and medical fields to entertainment and home security, kids will discover the many ways robots can improve our lives--and our futures--as they read DKfindout! Robots. Vetted by educational consultants, the DKfindout! series drives kids ages 6-9 to become experts on more than 30 of their favorite STEM- and history-related subjects, whether Vikings, volcanoes, or robots. This series covers the subjects that kids really want to learn about--ones that have a direct impact on the world around them, like climate change, space exploration, and rapidly evolving technology--making learning fun through amazing images, stimulating quizzes, and cutting-edge information. The DKfindout! series is one that kids will want to turn to again and again.
Robotics by
Once, robots were only found in science fiction books and movies. Today, robots are everywhere! They assemble massive cars and tiny computer chips. They help doctors do delicate surgery. They vacuum our houses and mow our lawns. Robot toys play with us, follow our commands, and respond to our moods. We even send robots to explore the depths of the ocean and the expanse of space. In Robotics, children ages 9 and up learn how robots affect both the future and the present. Hands-on activities make learning both fun and lasting.
30-Minute Robotics Projects by
What can be created in 30 minutes or less? How about a robot? With clear step-by-step instructions and photos, these fun robotics projects with delight young makers and tech fans. The activities in this book use common items from around the house and keep readers learning while they're busy having fun! Projects include: Programming a maze LED stickies Light-up paper circuit Bristlebot made of pipe cleaners Art bot Junk bot Dancing robot Underwater robot Robot hand
The Robot Book by
Drones, RC cars, artificial limbs, Roombas--the robots have arrived! Don't you want your own? Author and physics teacher Bobby Mercer will show you how to turn common household objects and repurposed materials into 20 easy-to-build robots for little or no cost. Turn a toothbrush, an old cell phone or pager, and scrap wire into a Brush Bot, or hack a toy car to hotwire a Not-So-Remote Bot. A small electric fan, several craft sticks, and rubber bands make a Fan-Tastic Dancing Machine, and drinking straws, string, tape, and glue can be used to construct a working model of the human hand. Every hands-on project contains a materials list and detailed step-by-step instructions with photos for easy assembly. Mercer also explains the science and technology behind each robot, including concepts such as friction, weight and mass, center of gravity, kinetic and potential energy, electric circuitry, DC vs. AC current, and more. These projects are also perfect for science fairs or design competitions.
Gravity!
Gravity is always at work around us, keeping us firmly on the ground and making objects fall towards the Earth's surface. A scientist named Galileo helped prove that gravity affects everyone and everything at the same rate. Miss Valerie shows you how you can recreate Galileo's experiment in the video below:
If Galileo's experiment proved that gravity makes everything fall at the same rate, then why do feathers still take longer to flutter to the ground than a hammer? It's because of air resistance! Air resistance is a force that works against a moving object, and some objects are slowed down more by air resistance. If we were able to drop a feather in a place without air resistance (like space), then it would fall just as quickly as the hammer. Astronauts tried this exact experiment on the moon when they dropped a feather and a hammer at the same time. Take a look at NASA's video and see what their results were:
Painting with Gravity
You can use gravity as a tool when you paint! Here are three techniques you can try when you paint with gravity.
Egg Drop
Can you build a protective case for an egg? Use items from around the house like cereal boxes, cotton balls, toothpicks, and tape to find a way to keep the egg from breaking when it lands. Make sure you drop the egg outside!
Books:
Gravity by
What keeps objects from floating out of your hand? What if your feet drifted away from the ground? What stops everything from floating into space? Gravity. As in his previous books,Redwoods,Coral Reefs, andIsland, Jason Chin has taken a complex subject and made it brilliantly accessible to young readers in this unusual, innovative, and very beautiful book. Chin's approach makes this book a must-have common core tool for teachers and librarians introducing scientific principals to young students. A Neal Porter Book
Gravity by
This title will explain the force of gravity. Readers will learn about Isaac Newton and the falling apple, what gravity is, how it affects their daily lives and the entire universe! This title is complete with carefully chosen photographs and labeled diagrams to help visual learners. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo Kids Jumbo is an imprint of Abdo Kids, a division of ABDO.
You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Gravity! by
You don't really get a choice about gravity. If you live on Earth, you're going to have to live with it.This series takes readers (Ages 8-12) on a historical journey, examining how people coped in the past and how they developed ingenious ways to make life safer and less unpleasant. Each book features full-color cartoon-style illustrations and hilarious speech bubbles to heighten interest, making the series attractive even to reluctant readers.If you become an astronaut, you might get to escape from gravity for a while, but it will be waiting for you when you get home. But gravity does a lot of useful things - such as keeping us on the Earth and holding the entire universe together! Learn how gravity was discovered and why it helps us to understand everything from how toothpaste comes out of the tube to the movements of the planets.
The Story Behind Gravity by
What was Einstein's biggest mistake? How does gravity help us keep fit? What is a wormhole in space? To uncover the hidden facts behind everyday things, explore the secrets of True Stories. True Stories reveals the surprising truth about a range of subjects. Discover everything you could wish to know, and some things you'll wish you didn't, about a huge range of topics!
Gut-Wrenching Gravity and Other Fatal Forces by
Imagine yourself falling... falling... falling and never reaching the ground. Well that's exactly what our planet is doing, and it's taking you with it! Learn about all the disgusting and dreadful aspects of gravity. From blackouts caused by g-forces to toilet-troubles in space, this book is full of yucky, painful and fascinating facts. You can get your hands dirty too with some easy (and painless!) experiments.
The Science Book of Gravity by
These sixteen volumes of fun-packed science projects and experiments introduce readers to basic science principles. Full-color photographs and easy-to-follow text guide children through creative experiments using common materials, while practical examples relate each experiment to the world around us. “The handsome design and illustration of the series make it an inviting choice for library collections.” -Booklist “Clear, well-spaced photographs, good instructions, and appropriate warning typify this series of experiment books for middle graders.”-The Horn Book
Isaac Newton Discovers Gravity by
Learn about the great scientist Isaac Newton as he discovered gravity. You'll read about his life, the science behind his studies, and the impact of his work on the world today.
The Ups and Downs of Gravity by
Explore the ups and downs of gravity in this introduction to physical science by a trusted nonfiction team. Explore the ups and downs of gravity in this introduction to physical science by a trusted nonfiction team. What happens to a ball when it rolls off a table? It falls to the floor. Why doesn't the ball keep rolling straight ahead or fly up off the table? The answer is gravity. From density to inertia to free fall, David A. Adler skillfully explains how this invisible, but all too real force operates and what it means for our daily lives. Notable science experiments by Sir Isaac Newton and astronaut David R. Scott are covered. Also included are activities for kids to test at home and in the classroom. Anna Raff's bright and humorous artwork helps breakdown the concepts in a kid-friendly way. A glossary concludes the work.
Explore Force and Motion! by
Everything moves! Kids run around the playground, cars drive on the road, and balls fly through the air. What causes all this motion? Physics! Forces and motion rule the way everything moves through space. In Explore Forces and Motion! With 25 Great Projects, readers ages 7 through 10 discover that the push and pull of every object on the planet and in space depends on how a force acts upon it. Things float because of a force called buoyancy, we stick to the ground because of a force called gravity, and we make footprints in sand because of a force called pressure. Physics becomes accessible and interactive through activities such as a experimenting with a water cup drop, building a bridge, and spotting magnetic field lines. Simple machines such as levers, pulleys, and wedges are used as vehicles for discovery and comprehension of the foundational concepts of physical science. Using a theme familiar to everyone--motion--this book captures the imagination and encourages young readers to push, pull, twist, turn, and spin their way to learning about forces and motion.
Ocean Activities
Summer is hot, and taking a dip in the ocean can be a great way to cool down. Whether you'll be taking a trip to the beach or learning about the sea in your own backyard, try some of these activities below:
Sink or Float?
Fill a tub with water and gather some objects from around the house. One at a time, guess if each item will sink or float in water and then place it in the water to see what happens!
Salt water has a different density than fresh water. Check out Ms. Valerie's sink or float experiment with salt water and see how it affects the ability for objects to sink or float!
Watercolor Resist Art:
Use crayons to draw an ocean scene. Paint over your scene with watercolors. The wax from the crayons blocks the paint from absorbing into that part of the paper.
Some Further Reading:
Ocean! Waves for All by 
The Ocean by 
Hidden World: Ocean by 
Ocean Animals from Head to Tail by 
My Ocean Is Blue by 
I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean! by Sun Prints
Sun prints are a fun project for a sunny day. It takes a few hours to see the finished product, but the wait is worth it!
What you need:
How does it work?
The UV light from the sun is able to break down chemical bonds and bleach colors. When you lay out a colorful piece of paper in the sun, the UV light will weaken the bonds and the paper will turn a lighter color. Any area that you cover with rocks and other objects you have will be protected from the sun's rays and stay brightly colored. The longer you leave your design in the sun, the more of a color difference you will see.
You may have seen bunnies hopping around outside this spring, but now you can see one hopping inside your house. Watch as Miss Teague shows you how to make jumping bunnies out of paper cups!
Step 1: Gather your supplies: scissors, glue, two rubber bands, two paper cups, a permanent marker, paper and google eyes.
Step 2: Set one cup aside and decorate the other however you wish! You don't even have to make a bunny if you would rather make a puppy, frog, or person.
Step 3: Cut four tiny slits on opposite sides of the cup about 1/8 inch high.
Step 4: Tie knots at the end of each rubber band.
Step 5: Slip the rubber band into the slits. The knot will help keep in in place.
Step 6: Press down and let go! Watch your bunny jump high!
DKfindout! Energy by 
Energy by 
Amazing Rubber Band Cars by 
Rubber Band Engineer by Self Watering Seed Starter
With Miss Jackie
This project will require adult supervision and assistance
For this activity you will need the following supplies:
Step 1:
Unscrew bottle cap and create hole through bottle cap with either a screwdriver and hammer, or a nail and hammer. Do this step outside, and preferably on the ground. I would advise that you have an adult, or a parental guardian complete this step.
Step 2:
Cut your 2-liter bottle at least 5” from the bottom all the way around so you get two parts. You will need a box cutter for this or scissors. I would advise that you have an adult, or a parental guardian complete this step.
Step 3:
Take your bottle cap and feed your cotton twine through the hole you have created. Tie a knot on the cotton cord on the inside of the bottle cap, so it stops from pulling all the way through. Keep a good amount of cotton cord length on other side.
Step 4:
Screw bottle cap back on. Your cap should have cotton cord coming out of the top if you did correctly.
Step 5:
Place top portion of 2-liter bottle upside down and in bottom portion of your 2-litter bottle.
Step 6:
Add soil. It should be close to the top once filled.
Step 7:
Plant seeds by gently burying them within the first layer of soil.
Step 8:
Pour water directly onto soil. Just enough to get it good and moist.
Your self-sustaining planter is complete. The water, once it falls to the bottom, should recycle itself to help your seeds grow. Once your plant has grown, you may then transfer to a regular pot.
Tip: Other recycled bottles can work too! Clear bottles are best, however.
Alternative option: Create your own Terrarium
Supplies:
Step 1: Cut 2-liter bottle in half. I would advise that you have an adult, or a parental guardian complete this step.
Step 2: Add soil in the bottom half of your 2-liter bottle.
Step 3: Add seeds, or find small plants already growing outside and plant.
Step 4: Add top of 2-liter bottle back on and use clear packing tap to seal to halves back together.
Step 5: Add a mist of water from top through bottle cap.
Let sit by a window or shaded patio and watch your terrarium flourish.
More resources on gardening:
The Best-Ever Step-by-Step Kid's First Gardening by
Winner of the Practical Gardening Book of the Year, with 120 fun projects for kids.
How Does My Garden Grow? by
Discover the wonderful world of plants in your own backyard with fun, creative activities! How Does My Garden Grow? uses gardening activities, scientific experiments, art projects, cooking, and even magic tricks to help kids learn about the structure and life cycles of plants
Wildlife Gardening by
Great for kids who think green! Wildlife Garden is a fun and informative introduction to gardening and garden wildlife. It's full of simple, step-by-step gardening activities that can be explored anywhere, from the city to the suburbs. It's ideal for any family or school that wants to help our environment from the ground up. With the right plants and some dirt and some light, kids can create a habitat for bugs, birds, bees, butterflies, and even bats-and this exciting hands-on guidebook shows them how!
The Nitty-Gritty Gardening Book by
Grow your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers! Become a gardener in any season with these fun and easy projects. You don't even need a garden space--many of these activities can be done by planting in containers to set on a porch or a patio or even in a window. Try your hand at growing potatoes and strawberries. Plant bright flowers that attract butterflies, birds, and bees. Learn how to get daffodils to bloom in the winter! You can even make your own compost. Colorful photographs and simple step-by-step drawings make each project easy to follow for gardening success. Ready to get your hands dirty and your garden growing?
Growing a Garden by
Simple text and photographs present an overview of growing a garden.
Growing a Pizza Garden by
Engage readers with a story of making a pizza from item items grown in your very own garden. Readers are introduced to planting, watering, and harvesting different ingredients that will make a pizza great. Additional features include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, an index, an introduction to the author, and sources for further research. A kid-friendly project inspires creativity and hands-on fun.
From Soil to Garden by
How does a bare patch of soil become a big, beautiful garden? Follow each step in the gardening process--from planting to watering to weeding--in this interesting book! Start to Finish titles help readers examine how things are made and teach sequential thinking skills and vocabulary.
How Does Your Garden Grow? by
Provide your children with hours of entertainment, give them a real sense of achievement and stimulate their curiosity about nature.
Garden Math by
Math is everywhere in the garden! See what's growing inside this book--and how we need math to finish the job! You'll need your math smarts to help measure a garden's perimeter and area, calculate how many flowers will fit in a plot, predict vegetable growth and harvest dates, and more. It all adds up to a lot of fun!
Let's Garden by
Whether in a big backyard or on a small city balcony, children will have a blast with this do-it-yourself book full of great gardening ideas. No need for sophisticated equipment or a large yard: Let's Garden is a true DIY book that children can easily follow to take their first steps in gardening. Inspired by their own children's fascination with everything that sprouts, Clara Lidstr#65533;m and Annakarin Nyberg teamed up to create a book that would encourage others to interact with their surroundings, whether in the countryside or the city. From planting a sunflower in a pot and feeding the birds with leftover seeds to growing your own garlic and using it to flavor homemade cream cheese, Let's Garden is full of inventive ideas. Step-by-step instructions are presented alongside whimsical illustrations and photographs, inspiring children to get their hands dirty!
Marble Mazes
Visit your local branch in April to pick up a Marble Maze craft kit, and check out
the video below to see how Miss Cari put together her maze!
More to try:
Building Marble Runs by
What does it take to make a marble run? Gather some supplies and try it out for yourself! Discover tips and ideas on how to build the best marble run around!
Junk Drawer Engineering by
There's no need for expensive, high-tech materials to test your engineering skills--you probably have all you need in your home junk drawer. Each hands-on project in this book will challenge you to come up with a unique solution to a specific design problem. Construct a Pasta Bridge strong enough to support a heavy load, using only dry linguini and glue. Build a Marble Roller Coaster from recycled cardboard tubes, in which the marble "car" jumps a track to land safely at its final destination. Or design an Egg Catch device to safely capture a free-falling egg. Test yourself or use them for friendly competitions--who can come up with the best solution? These 25 open-ended design challenges can be performed for just pennies . . . or less. Each project has a suggested materials list, step-by-step instructions with illustrations for one possible solution, and suggestions on how to adapt each challenge for different ages and skill levels. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children problem-solving skills and applied physics, all while having a lot of fun.
Zoo Adventure by
There's only one way out. Will you find it? Or will you get confused by the kangaroos? Lost by the leopards? Puzzled by the penguins? Get ready for an A-MAZE-ing Adventure through the zoo!
Watch Miss Teague show you some fun things you can do with pennies! Then read about the science behind the experiments in the links below.
Check out this article from Scientific America to learn more about oxidation and pennies!
"When oxygen binds with copper, they form a new molecule known as copper oxide. Copper oxide is brownish or sometimes black in color (depending on other things in the penny's environment). This is why most pennies you see look dirty or tarnished—it’s not actually dirt but copper oxide that makes them look so dull."
Steve Spangler describes how water droplets on a penny help demonstrate surface tension!
"The cohesion and surface tension of water becomes apparent when the drops of water you add to the penny reach the penny’s edge. Once the water has reached the edge, you begin to see a bubble or dome of water forming on top of the penny. The bubble shape is a result of the water molecules clinging to one another in an optimal shape (just like the bonds on the surface of a blown bubble)."
"Changing the shape of a material can change the way it resists forces. Although a piece of paper seems flexible and weak, it can be folded, rolled, twisted, or otherwise altered to support quite a bit of weight."
Dissolving Candy Hearts
An Experiment with Solubility
Solubility is how well something is able to dissolve in a solvent. Dissolving candy hearts is a fun and easy way to explore solubility using items you already have at home. In our experiment the solute is a candy heart and the solvents are the liquids we place them in. To try this at home all you need are candy hearts (or any other candy), some cups, and whatever liquids you can find in your kitchen. We used hot water, cold water, milk, vegetable oil, and vinegar but you can take a look around your kitchen and try different things. Ask your parents which items you can use. Once you've gathered your materials, watch the video to find out which solvent dissolved our candy hearts the best!
Learn more about solubility with this informative video.
Check out these books from www.mysapl.org for more fun experiments you can try at home:
365 Simple Science Experiments with Everyday Materials by
Science experiments are fun for every age--especially when there is a surprise in each one. 365 Simple Science Experiments with Everyday Materials includes clever and core concept building projects perfect for a year of hands-on learning. Get ready to make things fizz, bounce, ooze and surprise you, young scientist! Keeping an emphasis on learning safely, 365 Simple Science Experiments with Everyday Materials is an illustrated entertaining guide to easy-to-do projects that convey basic science concepts, terms and methods while empowering kids to explore further on their own. From making invisible ink to building a weather station, these simple experiments are designed to inspire curiosity while instilling critical thinking skills. Projects include a bubble blower, a bottle barometer, an undersea water fountain, a directional compass, rock candy, and a rainbow. Through these engaging experiments kids learn about gravity, electricity, magnification, magnetism, oxidation, and more. Whether your young STEM / STEAM genius is preparing for a school science fair or just eager to know more about the world, 365 Simple Science Experiments with Everyday Materials is a great activity book at any time.
Candy Experiments by
Brilliant use of Valentine's, Easter, Halloween, and other holiday candy! Fun, colorful, and full of surprises, Candy Experiments will have kids happily pouring their candy down the drain and learning some basic science along the way.  Candy is more than a sugary snack. With candy, you can become a scientific detective. You can test candy for secret ingredients, peel the skin off candy corn, or float an "m" from M&M's. You can spread candy dyes into rainbows, or pour rainbow layers of colored water. You'll learn how to turn candy into crystals, sink marshmallows, float taffy, or send soda spouting skyward. You can even make your own lightning. Candy Experiments teaches kids a new use for their candy. As children try eye-popping experiments, such as growing enormous gummy worms and turning cotton candy into slime, they'll also be learning science. Best of all, they'll willingly pour their candy down the drain. Candy Experiments contains 70 science experiments, 29 of which have never been previously published. Chapter themes include secret ingredients, blow it up, sink and float, squash it, and other fun experiments about color, density, and heat. The book is written for children between the ages of 7 and 10, though older and younger ages will enjoy it as well. Each experiment includes basic explanations of the relevant science, such as how cotton candy sucks up water because of capillary action, how Pixy Stix cool water because of an endothermic reaction, and how gummy worms grow enormous because of the water-entangling properties.
Candy Experiments 2 by
Seventy new science experiments in Candy Experiments 2 will have kids happily pouring their candy down the drain and learning some basic science along the way. This fun, colorful book presents a brilliant use of Valentine's, Easter, Halloween, and other holiday candy! Following the success of the first Candy Experiments, this all-new collection presents more ways to destroy store-bought candy and learn some science in the process. Candy Experiments 2 delivers fun science facts from the perspective of a real mom in the kitchen doing crazy things with brand-name store-bought candy. Marshmallows, cotton candy, Pixy Stix, Jawbreakers, Pop Rocks, gummi candy, chocolate, and even soda provide good excuses to get destructive in the kitchen. Do Peeps dissolve when you drop them into very hot water? Can you make gummi candy disappear in water? What happens to cotton candy when you dip it in oil? Candy Experiments 2 is full of new ideas for learning science through candy. Each experiment includes basic explanations of the relevant science. The book is written for children between the ages of 7 and 10, though older and younger ages will enjoy it as well.
Experiment with Liquids by
Do you like to learn by experimenting? Do you want to find out more about how scientists work? Then the Science Explorer Junior books are for you! Use thinking and observation skills as you try activities that will help you learn more about everything from rocks and soil to magnets and solar energy. Read all of the Science Explorer Junior books and become a Junior Scientist! Book jacket.
Joe-Joe the Wizard Brews up Solids, Liquids, and Gases by
Joe Joe the wizard has a problem. His spell to turn homework into chocolate bars has gone to syrup! Come along to learn how solids, liquids, and gases help Joe Joe with his sticky mess. A fun and engaging way to get young readers engaged in science concepts!
Science Experiments with Liquid by
Make science simple! This book features easy and fun Science Experiments with Liquid using household items. Young readers can assemble experiments at home from Floating on Liquid Rainbows to Cleaning up Copper. No laboratory needed! Each activity includes easy instructions with how-to photos, and short science explanations. Use fun to introduce math and science to kids. Super simple says it all. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.Super Sandcastle is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
Science Experiments You Can Eat by
Kids take the reins in the kitchen with this hands-on book of edible science experiments! With revised and updated material, a brand-new look, and hours of innovative, educational experiments, this science classic by award-winning author Vicki Cobb will be devoured by a whole new generation of readers. Combine with such books as Awesome Science Experiments for Kids to help junior scientists continue their learning, whether at home or in a classroom. With contemporary information that reflects changes in the world of processing and preserving foods, this cookbook demonstrates the scientific principles that underpin the chemical reactions we witness every day--just by cooking. And once readers have tested their theories and completed their experiments, they can eat the results! From salad dressing to mayonnaise, celery to popcorn, and muffins to meringues, this book uses food to make science accessible to a range of tastes. Also included is essential information on eating healthfully, plus additional resources for further exploration. This nonfiction guide is an excellent choice for tweens in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It's a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.
Stupendous Science by
Learn to make ice cream with salt, a smartphone projector, a lava lamp and more with this brilliant book of simple home experiments! Using basic ingredients and equipment, turn your home into a laboratory ready to perform these 70 fun science experiments - learning physics, chemistry, biology and technology as you go! Illustrated throughout and with step by step instructions, this collection of quick and achievable experiments is the perfect way to make science fun and is a must for any young scientists!
Create your own Bird Feeder!
Watch the video below for ideas!
Check out these books on bird feeders and birds:
Birdfeeders by 
Birds of Texas Field Guide by 
Top 10 Birds for Kids by Design A Snowflake
We might not see a lot of snow in Texas, but that won’t stop us from making our own snowflakes!
Snowflakes are a good example of symmetry (when one side mirrors the other side) and pattern (when part of a design repeats) because each branch of a flake is designed the same way! You can assemble different shapes together to make many unique snowflakes. Here are two ways you can design your own snowflakes:
Method 1:
Cut out different shapes to use as the building blocks of your snowflake. You’ll want a lot of each shape. Choose one shape to be the center point. Build your branches by adding one new shape at a time. Remember to follow a pattern by using the same shape in the same order on each branch.
Method 2:
Cut strips of paper that you can glue or tape into a ring. Fold the rings into triangles or squares so that you have many more shapes to work with. Choose one shape to be the center of the snowflake. Glue a new shape around the edge to start your branches. Keep adding shapes to your branches until your snowflake is as large as you want it to be.
Traditional six-sided snowflakes may be too difficult for younger kids to mimic. You can still practice symmetry by talking about if the right side of your design looks like the left side. Since no two snowflakes look alike, the possibilities for snowflake design are endless!
Learn more about snowflakes:
Snowflake Bentley by
In this Caldecott Medal-winning picture book, the true story of Wilson Bentley and his singular fascination with snowflakes is rendered in rich prose and gorgeous artwork, perfect for the holidays, snow days, and everyday. Wilson Bentley was always fascinated by snow. In childhood and adulthood, he saw each tiny crystal of a snowflake as a little miracle, and wanted to understand them. His parents supported his curiosity and saved until they could give him his own camera and microscope. At the time, his enthusiasm was misunderstood. But with patience and determination, Wilson catalogued hundreds of snowflake photographs, gave slideshows of his findings and, when he was 66, published a book of his photos. His work became the basis for all we know about beautiful, unique snowflakes today. This biographical tribute to a very special farmer is the perfect holiday gift or snow day read.
We See Snowflakes in Winter by
This Level 1 guided reader examines how snowflakes form and fall and the changes snow creates in winter. Students will develop word recognition and reading skills while learning about the uniqueness of snowflakes and the changes falling and fallen snow create that we can see.
The Story of Snow by
How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered in this visually stunning exploration of the science of snow. Perfect for reading on winter days, the book features photos of real snow crystals in their beautiful diversity. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included.
White Snow, Bright Snow by
* Caldecott Medal Winner * ALA Notable Book * The classic Caldecott Medal-winning picture book about a neighborhood transformed by a delightful snowfall, from the legendary picture book duo Alvin Tresselt and Roger Duvoisin. When the first flakes fell from the grey sky, the postman and the farmer and the policeman and his wife scurried about doing all the practical things grown-ups do when a snowstorm comes. But the children laughed and danced, and caught the lacy snowflakes on their tongues. All the wonder and delight a child feels in a snowfall is caught in the pages of this book--the frost ferns on the windowsill, the snowman in the yard and the mystery and magic of a new white world. Roger Duvoisin's pictures in soft blue half-tones with brilliant splashes of yellow and red emphasize the happiness and humor as well as the poetic quality of the text. First published in 1947, this classic picture book won the 1948 Caldecott Medal and was the first of eighteen picture book collaborations by Alvin Tresselt and Roger Duvoisin.
Snowflakes for All Seasons by
Snowflakes You Can Make is the best snowflake book ever created! Why make boring old, everyday cut-out snowflakes when you can customize them for any special situation? This craft book is perfect for kids of all ages, and will turn anyone into a snowflake pro. There are snowflake patterns for Valentines Day hearts, St. Patrick's Day shamrocks, birds and flowers for spring, the Liberty bell for Independence Day, leaves for fall, spiders and pumpkins for Halloween, pilgrims for Thanksgiving, Christmas trees, bells, and candles for Christmas, plus lots of fun "traditional" snowflakes (snowflakes that look like, well...snowflakes!) and more.
A Snowflake Fell by
Highlights: - Features writers such as Jane Yolen, Nikki Giovanni, Douglas Florian and Ted Hughes- Celebrates the environment and encourages children to appreciate the special characteristics of the winter months- Introduces award-winning Japanese artist Hatsuki Hori- A strong addition to Barefoot's growing poetry series
Craft Stick Mania by 
Awesome Craft Stick Science by 
Look What You Can Make with Craft Sticks by Forensic Science!
Have you ever wanted to find clues and solve a crime? Forensic science can help you do that. Biology, chemistry, and physics are some of the branches of science that will help a forensic scientist in their work. Try some of these experiments at home to sample some forensics work.
Fingerprinting:
Supplies: a balloon (lighter colors are best), an ink pad, your finger
Step 1: Roll your finger on the ink pad.
Step 2: Gently press your finger onto the uninflated balloon. Carefully lift your finger straight up to avoid smudging your print.
Step 3: Once the ink has dried, blow up your balloon to enlarge the print’s details.
The patterns on your fingerprint could be made up of loops, arches, or whorls. Read more about the different patterns at http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/prints/principles.html. What do you notice about your fingerprint? Compare your fingerprint to others in your family. Do you see any similarities? Any differences?
Blood Splatters:
Warning: This project can be messy! Protect against staining by laying out newspaper or an old sheet in your work area.
Supplies: fake blood (recipe follows), a pipette or eye dropper, several sheets of cardboard
Fake blood recipe: Mix ¾ cup of corn syrup with ¼ cup water. Add red food coloring until you reach a color you like. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of corn starch and let thicken for ten minutes.
Step 1: Lay a sheet of cardboard flat on the ground and hold your pipette full of fake blood 1 foot above the cardboard.
Step 2: Drip several droplets of fake blood onto the cardboard, try not to drop them in the same place so you can tell each drop apart.
Step 3: Measure the diameter of your drops to see how big they are.
Step 4: Repeat on a new sheet of cardboard with your pipette dropping blood from 2 feet. Now try from 3 feet. What do you notice about the drop splatters as the pipette gets farther away?
How would the splatter shapes change if you repeat this experiment with your cardboard tilted at a small angle? What about a large angle?
Chromatography:
Chromatography is a process that separates a mixture into its individual chemicals or molecules. Forensic scientists can use this process to find clues in the ink of a document at a crime scene and match it to the ink in a suspect’s pen. Check out the video under the chromatography tab above and try it yourself!
Books on forensic science:
Science Fair Winners: Crime Scene Science by 
Forensic Investigations of the Romans by 
Hair, Clothing, and Tire Track Evidence by 
Investigating a Crime Scene by 
Eyewitness Books - Crime and Detection by 
Bones Never Lie by 
The Case of the Mystery Meat Loaf by Grow Your Own Crystals
with Miss Jackie
Do you like crystals? Are you fascinated at all the different kinds one can find in the world? Then this DIY is for you! Creating your very own rock crystals from home is a project the whole family can enjoy.
This project is simple and inexpensive. Most items can be found at home or at your local grocery store.
Supplies:
To start, you will need a cup and/or jar, hot water, Epsom salt, measuring cup, and a spoon to stir.
NOTE: Epsom salt can usually be found at your pharmacy, or in the health/wellness area of your grocery store.
Optional supplies:
A pencil, string, something to weigh the string down at the bottom like a paper clip, and food coloring. Use what you have that is similar. Recycle an old pickle jar or the like. Use a small stick in the place of a pencil. Don’t have a paper clip? Use a bobby pin. These are optional supplies.
Instructions:
NOTE: You will use 1 part hot water and 1 part Epsom salt.
Step 1
Measure ¼ cup Epsom salt and pour into cup or jar.
Step 2
Measure ¼ a cup of hot water and pour into cup with Epsom salt already there.
Note: Water needs to be hot. Adult supervision is highly recommended. You may us very hot tap water, bowl water, or warm water up in microwave for about 45 seconds. No matter which option be careful and be sure to have a good space when working.
Step 3
Stir for 1-2 minutes.
Note: This is when you may add food coloring. Usually about 4 drops is a good amount. The more drops, the darker the color.
Step 4
Once done, add a pebble, or paper clip. I read online that this is because the crystals want something to attach too; however, with my trial and errors, I still got good results without this. See what works best for you.
I used what I had at home. I had paper clips and beads from a broken bracelet. I used them to help put things in my cups to see if this would yield more crystals.
Step 5
Place in refrigerator overnight.
Step 6
Wake up and pour out any excess water. You should have some crystals.
Photos from my Trials:
Next day! Of all the ones I did, only 2 gave the best crystals.
Pictures of crystals once I poured out the excess water.
Photo of other cups. I had crystals in all the cups. Some were just at the bottom. Some crystals were also more fragile than others.
Overall, I found this experiment to be fun, educational, and inexpensive. What I learned was that it made no difference if I had a string attached to a pencil within my cup. The crystals grew regardless. I thought adding fun objects I had would help create large crystals, and I did not get that. Some of my trials yielded more crystals than others, and I think this factored into not using hot enough water and not stirring long enough. Please keep this in mind when doing this.
I encourage everyone to have fun with the project. Try and see what you can grow by adding things into your cup. Does hot tap water work better than hot water heated on the stove? Do more crystals grow for you with adding a string or pipe cleaner? If you add pebbles from outside, do you yield more crystals? Trial and error is always the best way to discovery. Have fun!
For further reading on crystals and fun experiments:
What Are Crystals? by 
National Geographic Kids Everything Rocks and Minerals by 
Awesome Science Experiments for Kids by Building a Bug with Shapes
What you will need:
Cut out your bug pieces from construction paper in a variety of colors. You'll need small dots for eyes, spots, and antennae tops (these can be made with a hole punch). You'll need circles and semi-circles of different sizes for heads and bodies. Finally, you'll need skinny strips for legs, antennae, and mouths.
What kind of bugs can you make with your shapes?
Check out some of these books on bugs and shapes!
Eye Wonder: Bugs by 
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs by 
Bugs, Bees, and Other Buzzy Creatures by 
Shapes, Reshape! by 
So Many Shapes! by 
Go, Shapes, Go! by Chain reactions are a series of events in which each event causes the next one. Watch Miss Teague talk a little bit about chain reactions and show some examples of how chain reactions work. If you'd like to learn more about this topic, check out the videos and information below!
This is a really cool chain reaction! Notice how there are many items used, not just dominos!
Check out the link above to learn more about Rube Goldberg Machines and then go below to watch videos or check out a book to see how they work!
Rube Goldberg's Simple Normal Humdrum School Day
Ruby Goldberg's Bright Idea by 
Chemical Engineering and Chain Reactions by 
This really cool app lets you make a Rube Goldberg machine on your phone or tablet!
Make your own boat out of Lego bricks, foil, paper, or anything else you can find. How many pennies can it hold before it capsizes?
If you would like to do your own chromatography experiment, you'll need:
Coffee filters
A few different black markers
A glass of water
If you want to try your own chemical reaction, gather these items:
flat pan or tray
baking soda
vinegar
a dropper or spoon
food coloring (optional)
towel to clean up any messes you make
