Make S'mores with the Sun?

Everyone loves S'mores- that treat with graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate! But can you use the sun's energy to cook them? That would be called Solar Energy. I ran across an experiment that allows you to make a solar oven and then try cooking the treat. Do you think it will work?
Follow this link and see one of my favorite scientists (Steve Spangler) show you how.

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=6df25d6312f9523bdbeb4465a&id=2a2a99067f&e=a6d0d1cf72

Make sure you have an adult with you if you try the experiment.

Look at the experiment and tell me what you think. There is also one making ice cream!
Happy Scientific Exploring!

What a Catch!

On my recent fishing vacation in Rockport, I pulled up a great surprise! Look at the picture, Its a stingray! He was great fun to catch because he was really heavy to pull in. But he was not so much fun to get off the hook. They can be very dangerous! What do they have for protection? You guessed it, a barbed tail with poisonous venom! I wanted to know more about this sea creature so I went to my favorite web site NAT GEO WILD. I put the link here so you can go learn about this strange fish.I included a picture of both sides of the fish too. Notice his mouth is on one side and his eyes are on the other. His tail is one form of protection but read and see what other adaptation he has(hint: It helps him hide!) Is he a carvivore , omnibore or herbivore? http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/stingray/

Trip to the Coast

Recently I took a trip to the Texas Coast. While taking a hike, I noticed some weathering and erosion going on right before my eyes so I took some pictures to share with you! . Look at the pictures and see what kind of erosion  is causing this, (wind , water or ice)?   How could we stop or slow down this erosion ? Look around you and see if you can find some erosion near your house or on your next trip !

Places to go

I hope you are having a great summer and enjoying the time to read.  Have you taken my advice and took a trip to the library yet?  Museums are a great place to go too! Did you know the Houston area has a lot of different museums and some are even free on certain days. I have included a link that shares some information about different places to go and the free times,

Remember its up to you to feel your mind with good things this summer and make your brain stronger.Exploring a museum is a great way to do this and fun too!

I just returned from a trip to the coast, I will share some things I explored soon! Perhaps you have gone somewhere. Share with me!

Library Fun

Katie Lynn got a very interesting book!

She is going to be so smart next year!

I just went to the library! Wow they have some really cool books there! Of course I like the animal books best but I also saw some exciting books on hurricanes and volcanoes! I even saw some animal riddles book! I looked at the events calendar while I was there and realized there is a lot of neat things going on during the week for you. My library- the Barbara Bush Branch may be a little far for you but there is 2 libraries within 5 miles of the school for you!
I looked at the events at these libraries and was disappointed I did not look earlier! I missed an event at both of these libraries, I would of loved to of attended. It was called Texas Snakes and More and you get to touch them. Isn't that cool! I so want to do that!
I will be looking at the calendars at the libraries around me for more fun activities. I have given you the links to the two libraries near the school. They have story times for your little brothers and sisters as well as game times and crafts for you.Check out the calendars and tell mom you want to go get a library card and take home a bunch of books! Cards are free!

Check out the websites for directions and event calendars!


http://www.hcpl.net/location/fairbanks-branch-library

http://www.houstonlibrary.org/collier-regional-library

Cool Website

I have enjoyed my first week of summer vacation and I hope you have too!  Have you tried any of the experiments yet? Remember you can go back to past posts and still try them. Today I am going to give you a website that is full of science experiments that are great fun. Be sure and check with a grown up before you try one though. This experiment is making lava in a cup. Fun and easy!

http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/lavacup.php

If you notice the sidebar on this page, it has videos and  many other experiments.
Let me know what you try! Have a great scientific week!

A Blast Off Experiment!

This is one my favorite experiments! Find a grown up and get them to help you, they will have fun too! 
Of course baking soda and vinegar always make a lot of fun.
This experiment shows you how to make a canister rocket. Its very easy! You can get the canister by asking the photo department at Walgreens or CVS if they have any you can have. They usually have a few to give you. Make sure they give you the lid also. Since the rocket will be shooting up, goggles are suggested to protect your eyes. You can usually find these at most dollar stores and is a good idea if you are going to be a scientist this summer! Let me know how it works for you!

http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/filmcanisterrocket.html

What Makes All That Noise?

Did you have a thunderstorm at your house last night? I did and it was loud! Have you ever wondered what makes all that loud thunder? First, lets think about what we know. What makes all sound? You remember! Vibrations! But where do the vibrations in the sky come from? Have you noticed thunder is always with lightning? That's because the lightning is what causes the thunder. The lightning shoots through the air, heats up the air and causes the air to vibrate and make that loud sound! Look at the link below for more information and a quick experiment to try at home,. http://www.sciencemadesimple.co.uk/page86g.html

An experiment for you!

Since all my scientists love experimenting with mixtures. I thought you might want to try this one at home. Make sure you have a grown up's permission and let them join you in the fun! Be sure and comment on how the experiement worked below. I want to know how it worked for you!
Have fun experiementing! Just click on the link below to get the experiement,

http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/colorsplash.html

1st Day of Summer Vacation