From the category archives:

Energy and Change

Mountain Answers

May 18, 2012 Earth and Beyond

1. The world’s tallest mountain is a little more complicated than it sounds. Mt Everest is the official highest peak, at 8,848m above sea level. But don’t forget it gets a significant leg up by being part of the massive Himalayan range, and the mountain peak is about 4000m above its base. For the [...]

A Set of Science Songs

May 11, 2012 Earth and Beyond

We had another couple of days without internet which is why there was no quiz posted on Tuesday. Even the trusty 3G failed so no mobile devices either. It gave me an excuse for a trawl on YouTube to find some fun and interesting videos to share instead. An easy way to finish the week. [...]

Building Bridges

May 10, 2012 Activities

It’s one of the classics – give children a pile of objects, such as newspaper, straws or pipecleaners, and tell them that they have to make a bridge across a gap that will carry a certain weight. I’m not suggesting you try that with little kids, but we did have a fun time trying to [...]

Wordless Wednesday – Balancing Eggs

May 2, 2012 Energy and Change

This is actually very simple, there’s no trick. Just a little bit of salt and a steady hand. The girls tried it with other things to help too.

Kid Questions: Why does my voice sound funny in the tunnel?

April 30, 2012 Energy and Change

There is a spot in our school where the classrooms and verandahs make a little tunnel about 10m long. The kids all love the echoey sound and it’s common to see them popping in and out and giggling madly. The little girl noticed it the other day when we were walking through the school and [...]

Electric Answers

April 27, 2012 Earth and Beyond

1. The word ‘electric’ comes from the Greek elektron, amber. Rubbing amber with wool or fur produces static electricity and the amber attracts small pieces of ash or paper. The Greeks thought it was a form of magnetism in non-metals. It wasn’t until 1600 that it was recognised as different. 2. Lightning is a [...]

Bubble Painting

April 26, 2012 Activities

Some bottles of food colouring were an excellent investment of about $5.50, we’re really cutting loose with them We’ve dyed eggs, used them for normal painting, marbling and now we’ve been bubble painting. In the last few weeks I’ve actually suggested it many times to have it flatly turned down, until a few days ago I just did [...]

Quiz – The Electric Edition

April 24, 2012 Energy and Change

Electricity isn’t just that thing that makes your computer and lights work. It’s all around and inside us as well. Where did the word ‘electric’ come from? How do lightning bolts work? Why do we need transformers? How does your body use electricity? How do the critters up the top use electricity? Answers here.

Greening My Home

April 20, 2012 Babies

On Tuesday I posted about ways to save energy at home with practical tips. Today I thought I’d look at our home and make some public commitments of things I can realistically change. The house is fairly well designed – it was a pre-airconditioning house for the desert so is up on stilts with all bedrooms [...]

Things to do Right Now to Save Money and Energy in Your Home

April 17, 2012 Babies

I have an addictive new app from Science Alert, which brings the latest science research in Australasia right to my phone. I’m sure you can guess why I like it. The other day it had this study from Wendy Miller at Queensland University of Technology showing that green homes use 80% less energy. Living in the [...]