Solar Energy with Kids Back in 1970, thanks to the Whole Earth Catalog, I discovered Farrington Daniel’s book Direct Use Of the Sun’s Energy which was first published in1964. It not only recounted solar energy history about turn of the century hot water heaters and distillation plants, but told how to make solar ovens, cookers and hot water heaters. I was worried about the greenhouse effect so it captured my imagination. I remember running down to the thrift store to buy an umbrella in July.

One of the most rewarding activities I’ve done with young children is taking things apart. Together we have disassemble flashlights, record players, vacuum cleaners, faucets, blenders, drills, VCRS, drills and lawn mower engines--almost everything except television sets, which are quite dangerous. Little did I realize that what began as an attempt to entertain my son would evolve into teaching a “shop class” at Montessori school and woodworking for the local parks department. It was my son who f

Three Mechanical PuzzlesThe Faucet, the Lock and the Lawn Mower Engine The kids in my summer class loved to take apart VCR’s, record players and typewriters, but I didn’t want them to come away with the idea that you only took things apart. I began looking for simple mechanical devices kids could take apart, see how they worked, and then put back together. Then the obvious occurred to me: how alike puzzles and mechanical things are. Many people like puzzles but are intimidated by machinery.

Early exposure to science is critical because science knowledge is cumulative. Learning science requires a solid foundation of knowledge that can be built upon through further study and exploration. Children should be introduced to science at home as early as possible. Don't make the mistake of thinking that your child learns all the science they need to know at school. The truth is science education in school is limited and the subject is not usually a high priority for educators. As parents

by Mort Barish Oh dear, your days of peace and quiet are over. Your child will be creating a science project for the school science fair. Your kitchen will become a laboratory with messy chemicals and gooey liquids. Your living room will become a staging area for display boards, charts and graphs. Your computer area will be covered with pages and pages of research material. Is all this chaos really worth it? Yes! Even though scientists and engineers are held in high esteem, America is s

by Mort Barish It's that time of year again. Kids learn by doing, and this is the opportunity the inquisitive geniuses have been waiting for. Is second-hand smoke harmful? Do boys or girls have better study habits? Is the air more polluted at the bus station than near my home? Kids are always asking questions and science fairs afford them the opportunity to answer these questions in a scientifically valid manner. Great science fair projects begin with the teacher or the parent. Helping

by Kenneth L. Hess With the jam-packed schedules of today's families, why would either a student or a parent want to add one more major activity? Clearly, any school project assigned to a student should meet a stringent test for usefulness. Surprising to some, a science fair project is one of the best learning experiences a student can undertake. And, if it is taken seriously, it can be an excellent way to earn significant prizes, qualify for scholarships, and distinguish a college applicat

Electricity is a form of energy, a result of the existence of electrical charge. Its theory and inseparable effect is probably the most accurate and complete of all scientific theories. Because of it, invention of motors, generators, telephones, radio and television, medical gadgets, computers and nuclear-energy systems have taken place.However, the many terms and definitions of electricity make it quite hard to pick up by students. So here’s an outline that can be used by anyone who might have

Outer space and the solar system is one of the most interesting topics discussed in school because of the countless colorful heavenly bodies occupying the universe and the idea that there is actually something else outside of our world.In the few decades since space exploration began, probes have reached the far regions of the solar system. The solar system is the group of celestial bodies, including Earth that orbits around the Milky Way galaxy. Some hundred billion stars can be found in the un

by Shawn Carlson, Ph.D. First you found a killer science project idea, then you did a great science project. Now, you've got to write it all up to compete in your science fair. Your written report is the single most important part of any science fair project. A well-written report can make a pathetic project look pretty good, and a good project look exceptional. By the same token, a poorly written report is certain to sink even Nobel Prize-quality work. It's a simple equation. The winners