May 14

Air and Wind

I recently vacationed on Hilton Head Island and noticed these trees bent over by the wind. Use this photo, a natural phenomenon, to open a unit on air and wind (always a favorite study of mine.)

What causes wind? Watch full screen.

Where will you find the windiest places on Earth? Watch full screen.

Add these fiction picture books for your young scientists to your study. Watch full screen.

Watch full screen.

A classic:

Pre-Owned Gilberto And the Wind (Picture Puffin Books) Paperback

And a STEM non-fiction story that was also made into a movie for older scientists – Watch full screen.

Related Posts

Air Labs

Water and Air and More Water and Air

Ripples

Rotocopters

Vortex

Parachutes  and More Parachutes

Hot Air Balloons and Blimps

Airplane Lab

Hi blog family, I will be away from my laptop for a few weeks, but I will be back!

Category: Engineering, Reading, Science | LEAVE A COMMENT
March 2

Woven Leaves and Holes in Others

The patterns and designs found in nature intrigue me. Although beautiful, the designs always have a purpose. I snapped these photos while in Florida. In the first photos, the leaves and bark appear to be woven together for strength and protection. Fun examples of engineering in nature and God’s perfect designs!


The rotating pattern looks like it’s moving!

All the large leaves growing on this plant have holes. Why? Scroll down for additional information.

Light is able to reach lower leaves through the holes, especially important because of the dense foliage. During times of heavy rain and strong winds, the holes reduce the chance the leaves will tear.
Category: Engineering, Science | LEAVE A COMMENT
February 11

Wheel Design for Your Engineers

As I exited my car, I noticed the wheel rim on the car beside me which led to comparing the wheels on other cars as I walked through the parking lot. I was surprised at the differences in design and the artistry. Then I wondered if the design impacts performance. (Observation leads to questions.)




According to my research, the answer is a resounding yes. “The shape, weight, and material of a rim can have a direct impact on vehicle performance. While some designs reduce speed due to increased drag or weight, others can improve acceleration and agility.” NSF News and Tech

The Impact of Wheel Design on Aesthetics and Performance

The Science Behind Car Wheels

Task your students with creating a car wheel design. Begin by walking through a parking lot and observing wheels. Use this assignment to introduce the first phases of the Engineer Design Process – define the problem, research solutions, brainstorm possible solutions, select an approach and create a design (drawing).

Begin with a circle and fold it into fractional parts – fourths, sixths, or eighths. Use rulers, shape templates, protractors or compasses to complete the design.

This STEAM project incorporates many math skills – fractions, geometrical shapes, symmetry, and measurement.

For older engineers, there are also programs on which you can design a wheel rim.

Related Posts

Wheel and Axles

Car Fronts

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January 12

Let it Snow!

With temperatures reaching an unseasonable 70 degrees, it doesn’t feel like winter here! After a discussion about the conditions necessary for snow to fall and how a snowflake forms, my young scientists made insta-snow with a super absorbent polymer in science lab. It was a sensory experience that encouraged creativity and communication skills. The room was filled with their imaginative stories, an early literacy skill! Check out more photos on my Instagram account – pbright2.



Snowflake Bentley had a passion to capture snowflakes in the early days of photography. His story should always be included in the study of snowflakes. Watch his biography full screen.

Watch this informative video from TED Ed about how snowflakes form their hexagonal shape full screen.

Now, watch real snowflakes form full screen.

What is the difference between flurries and a blizzard? Watch full screen.

Watch this engaging animated video about anticipating snow full screen.

Related Posts

Check out the labs and lessons below for a variety of multi-disciplinary investigations. If you try any of these or have other ideas, please share in the comments.

Snowball Catapult

Snowflakes and More

Igloo

Snow Experiment

The Perfect Snow Day

Crystal Snowflakes

Art Project for Crafters of All Ages

Snow People – One of my favorites!

Snow Paint

Snow Structures

Foil Painting

Making Snow and Again and Once More

Check out some more winter-themed science activities.

Category: Art, Engineering, Math, Science, Social Studies | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 5

Enchanted Woodland Trail

The annual Enchanted Woodland Trail at the Chattahoochee Nature Center opened on December 14 and will be available to view through February. These structures are tiny architectural and engineering feats. My favorites ones below are those that were constructed with natural items or recycled materials. Which buildings will withstand the winter weather? Visit CNC to see more.




Related Posts

Enchanted Woodland Trail 2024

Enchantled Woodland trail 2023 (literature connections)

Category: Art, Engineering, Science | 1 Comment on Enchanted Woodland Trail
December 10

Holiday Compilation

Through the years, I’ve created a variety of seasonal posts. I’ve gathered them in one place for your quick reference this holiday season. There are literature, social studies, engineering, math, and art activities to share with your families or students.

Deck the Halls – Holiday Plants

Mistletoe

Using Nature to Decorate

Chestnuts Roasting

Pine Trees

An Outdoor Family Tradition

Poinsettias

Conifers and More Conifers

Evergreens and Conifers

Scientists in the Christmas Story

Holiday Labs

Ziplines and More Ziplines

Jingle Bell Mazes with Legos

Reindeer Lava Lamps

Empathy Lab

Holiday Magnets

Watch full screen.

Other Subjects

Coordinate Grids

Holiday Nouns

Category: Art, Engineering, Holiday, Math, Reading, Science, Writing | LEAVE A COMMENT
October 20

Nature as a Model

God did it first! There are so many examples of innovations modeled after plants and animals. Georgia Tech and other universities have departments that study biologically inspired design.

Notice the pattern on the bottom of the gecko’s feet that gives it the ability to cling to glass.

I found it serendipitous that the spider engineered a bridge on a bridge across the greenway.

Learn How these Animals and Plants have Influenced Scientists and Engineers

Ants

Red Footed Cannibal Fly

Isopods

Maple Seeds
Maple Seed Lab

Owls

Category: Engineering, Reading, Science | LEAVE A COMMENT
July 16

Chicken Coops

It has become fashionable to raise chickens, even in suburban areas. Chicken coops have received an upgrade from those traditionally found on family farms.

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities were always a favorite in my classroom. Let’s task students with designing a chicken coop with emphasis on the design phase of the Engineer Design Process (Define the Problem, Imagine the Possibilities, Plan, Create, Improve).

To integrate science, research the needs of chickens and how to protect them from predators. Analyze chicken coop structures using technology. Draw designs on grid paper and note measurements to apply math skills. Older students could also be given a budget. Visit a chicken coop in your community or ask someone who raises chickens to share his or her experiences with your class. If time allows, create a model of the design with recycled materials, such as boxes, plastic lids, and paper towel tubes.

Use the following video for discussion and inspiration. Do you see similar elements in the designs? Which provide the best habitat for chickens to thrive? Why are some on wheels?
Watch full screen here.

This coop is at a nature center not far from my home. It is hot in Atlanta and when I visited, the chickens were resting near the fans.

Related Posts

Hatching Chickens in my Lab

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April 21

Balance

On a visit to Maryland, we made a second visit to Glenstone. Watch full screen here.

One of the sculptures, As Long As the Sun Lasts, by Da Corte particularly caught my interest on this visit. How does it remain balanced when the wind blows?

Engineers must understand the fundamental concept of balance to grasp how structures remain stable and upright. In the related posts section below, there are a variety of activities to explore the concept of balance in engaging, hands-on ways. Children will also investigate principles of motion through these tasks as well.

Create a balance sculpture with your students or children. Watch full screen here.

Give your child (student) a lunch bag of objects, such as blocks, a plastic cup, ruler, paper towel tubes, or a pencil. Ask him/her to build something that demonstrates balance.

Related Posts

Rock Sculptures and More Sculptures

Tails

Balance Scales

More Balance Activities and Even More

Balance Birds

Block Building

Magnet Sculptures

Which Shape is the Strongest?

Category: Art, Engineering, Math, Reading, Science | 1 Comment on Balance