The drinking bird is a happy little party toy that has been around since the 1920s. The cute bird has a glass body, a felt head, and a top hat. The mysterious ability to drink water from a cup over and over again has an explanation using chemistry and physics! Safety note: Be sure to…
Education
Why can’t school be more like summer camp?By approaching lessons and units with the perspective of camp counselors, you can inject the wonder and motivation that so often disappears in our testing-crazy times. Tutu is a name for a grandparent in Hawaii. When our grandsons come to spend time with us, we say they are at Camp Tutu! Welcome to Camp Tutu, my way of energizing science lessons!
Nitinol memory wire experiment for kids
Nitinol memory wire is metal that remembers its original shape when heated (alloy of nickel & titanium). Experimenting with nitinol memory wire is fun like a magic trick, but it demonstrates physical principles of thermal energy and elasticity. Safety note: Be sure to explain safety precautions to children. This experiment uses hot water. Eye and skin…
Learn to solder – build a circuit kit – STEM skills
Learn to solder to be able to build electric circuit projects. With adult supervision, this project can be successfully done by sixth graders and up. Modern electronics involve printed circuit boards and components such as LEDs, resistors, and capacitors. Solder is a soft metal alloy that is melted to make joints to connect metal pieces….
Glue batik and semiconductors
Modern engineering includes semiconductors in electronics, microprocessors, LEDs, solar panels, and more. How they work and how they are made can be difficult to teach to children. This glue batik activity uses a fun art project to give children a hands-on experience to help them learn the concepts. When people are working with circuits (such…
College planning series
I’ve counseled young folks in middle and high school through the maze of applying for college. I’m sharing my advice for them with this college planning series. These college planning posts are for middle and high school students and their families. Be sure to download the free college planning checklist, cost calculation, and career interest…