Discuss the Applications and Implications of Metal Foam
What responsibility, if any, do scientists and the public have to make sure new technologies are developed for the purpose of good? Have students discuss this issue by brainstorming possible uses for a new metal foam and then deciding who should address unintended uses of that technology.
Sampling and Estimation With Bountiful ‘Beetles’
In this activity, explore the science and the math behind sampling. Use your data to make predictions about the most common color in a population of candy beetles.
Protected Pitfall Traps
In this activity from the book “Outdoor Science Lab for Kids” by Liz Heinecke, learn to make a pitfall trap to safely capture and observe arthropods.
Twitter Polling and Sample Bias: A Case Study
As part of our #TakeASample Science Club, Science Friday asked its Twitter audience a few simple survey questions, and they answered by the thousands. But do the data mean anything?
Discussing the Impacts of Social Media Algorithms
Students use an excerpt of Science Friday as a springboard to discuss and write about algorithms used in social media and their impact on the user experience. Common Core aligned discussion and writing for grades 9-12.
#TakeASample
Sample a vast or complex thing to reveal something new about it, then share your discovery with the hashtag #TakeASample
Discussing What Can Be Done About Mass Extinction
After listening to E.O. Wilson talk about mass extinction, students discuss the problem and possible solutions. They then write a response to E.O. Wilson’s ‘Half-Earth’ proposal. Common Core aligned discussion and writing for grades 9-12.
Poetry and Science: Can Our Eyes Fool Our Taste Buds?
Engage young learners in science with this poem and simple experiment from The Poetry Friday Anthology for Science for Kids by Pomelo Books.
Scientific Inquiry With Poetry
Explain and engage in scientific inquiry with this poem and investigation from The Poetry Friday Anthology for Science for Kids by Pomelo Books.
Design a Better Vortex Cannon
Build an air vortex cannon that shoots air across the room, then modify and test your design to make an air cannon that shoots even farther.