The information below can be used to replicate the activities from this program and to take the exploration even further with additional experiments and more in-depth information. Some resources require an Alvin Sherman Library card for access (indicated with *).
STEM projects on a budget! Children create plant necklaces, square bubbles, and compasses -- using inexpensive materials or items easily found at home! Check out some library books to try more projects on a budget!
Free online tutorials are available to teach you how to code!
Links:
The information below can be used to replicate the activities from this program and to take the exploration even further with additional experiments and more in-depth information. Some resources require an Alvin Sherman Library card for access (indicated with *).
The Edison robot is a fun, easy way to learn about robotics. They are LEGO compatible so you can get really creative! We sumo wrestled our robots - what else could you do with and Edison?
The LEGO Mindstorm is another source for customizable robots!
Try one of these fun engineering challenges to build, create, and explore!
*parental supervision required
The information below can be used to replicate the activities from this program and to take the exploration even further with additional experiments and more in-depth information. Some resources require an Alvin Sherman Library card for access (indicated with *).
The following books illustrate properties of motion and force, including wind, static electricity, and friction. Check out a book from the library to try an experiment at home!
Children explored different scientific principles inspired by animals that are active at night.
Bat Flyers: Improve a flying design using basic materials (popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, etc.).
Bioluminescence: Determine which source of light most resembles that of a firefly's: chemiluminescence (glow sticks), fluorescence (UV beads), or phosphorescence (tonic water / highlighter in water).
Owl Prey: Dissect owl pellets and use a chart to discover what animal the owl ate.
Learn more about the properties of matter by experimenting with liquids, solids, and gases!
The information below can be used to replicate the activities from this program and to take the exploration even further with additional experiments and more in-depth information. Some resources require an Alvin Sherman Library card for access (indicated with *).
Super Absorbent Polymers and paper snowflakes may be a close as we can get to having snow here in South Florida!
The information below can be used to replicate the activities from this program and to take the exploration even further with additional experiments and more in-depth information. Some resources require and Alvin Sherman Library card for access (indicated with *).
Build a comet on a stick, create a solar system necklace to scale, and investigate phases of the moon!
Children can practice their science skills in a fun series of challenges! Examples include:
Learn more about the properties of soap, including surfactant (surface acting agent) molecules, which lower the surface tension of water-- making the water easier to move around and spread the soap. Soap also contains parts that are hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-hating). The hydrophobic parts attract lipids like oils and fats, removing them from dirty hands and dishes; and then the hydrophilic parts allow the oils and fats to be washed away when you rinse with water!
Surfactant: a surface-acting substance (such as a detergent)
Surface tension: the force that causes the molecules on the surface of a liquid to be pushed together and form a layer; the ability of a substance to stick to itself and pull itself together
Hydrophilic: water-loving; attracted to water
Hydrophobic: water-hating; repelled by water
Lipid: a substance that contains fat and is an important part of living cells
Try a milk swirl chemistry experiment to see how adding detergent affects fatty substances like the ones found in milk!