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…
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!
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…
Safety series – for summer and beyond
We need to keep safety in mind while we explore: science activities, kitchen, garden, garage, car, and more. Safety in summer and beyond is a theme in this post series. I like this quote: “Safety is a continuing journey, not a final destination.” Corona virus Spring 2020 update: COVID-19 or coronavirus is spreading across the world. As all…
Freezer bag ice cream
A chemistry experiment with a treat at the end! Warm summer days call for a nice frozen treat for a snack. Ice cream has been made for many years and it is actually an example of some pretty complicated chemistry. Try this fun activity with children for hands-on work with energy concepts. Safety note: Be…
Germs, black light, and slime, oh my!
How are germs transferred among people? What are good methods to remove germs from your hands? These are the questions we will ask the children to answer during this fun, glow-in-the-dark activity. While we’ve got the black light out, let’s add another activity to teach about polymer science. The children will mix two solutions together…