SCIENCESPLORATION® 3
Active Learning in Science
SPAGHETTI TOWERS
Did you know that the form of a structure tells you a lot about its function? Fathom how the strength and stability of a construction can be altered by adding additional materials. Investigate trusses and truss towers. Is the axle always at each vertex of a triangle? What are cables used for, anyway?
MEDLEY OF MACHINES
Did you know that man has used machines for over 100,000 years? Take on the challenge in a mechanical mission to construct a myriad of machines. Utilize gadgets and gear ratios and learn to assemble a simple transmission. Develop levers, pulleys, wheels and axles in this endeavor. What are machines, anyway?
THE HUMAN MACHINE
Life Science and Human Biology
Did you know that our bodies are constantly recreating ourselves, making a skeleton every 3 months? Work out the self–regulating functions of the human body. Unlock the secret behind blood clotting. Our joints are really quite cooperative in organizing our actions!
AN ELECTRIFYING EXPERIENCE
Physics
Did you know that one can convert edible vegetables into batteries? Examine electron flow to discover the nature of conductivity. Fashion filaments and fuses to fit our fancy. Study the schematics of switches and complete the circuit. Let electricity point to the answer.
WHAT'S BENEATH OUR FEET?
Earth Science
How do we reconstruct our history from underground clues? Build a goniometer to identify your favorite stone. From deep within the earth bubble, the chemical elements that bring us sacred stones, fossils and jewels can reveal to us the enigma of Earth’s natural history.
ANIMAL CAPERS
Did you know that there are more insects than all other animals on Earth? Examine diversity and animal behavior through studies of invertebrates. Meet the mealworm and the crayfish. What are the organs that can detect different senses to dictate the animal’s behavior?
OPTICAL ILLUSIONS
How do we “pour” light? Don’t always believe what we think we see because our mind (not our eyes) can play tricks on us! Can we light up our eyes with colored shadows? Expose the tricks behind mind and line benders. Unravel the mysteries of the illusionary masters.
DESIGNER K’NEX
Physics and Technology
Did you know that many of the attractions in playgrounds are really simple machines? Probe into the workings of a wheel and why it is like a lever. Whether we’re racing up the ladder or whooshing down the slide, simple machines can make having fun even more fun!
SORCERER’S LAB
Did you know that matter cannot be destroyed? Find out which solution is more effective at washing. Experiment with household products to see how the chemicals work. Test soap and detergent for suds making ability. From solutions and saturations, astonish yourself with chemical matters.
WINDMILLS AND WATERWHEELS
Did you know that windmills in the sky generate more power? Tinker with overshot, undershot and breast waterwheels. Explore the theories for harnessing natural resources for energy. How does the modern hydraulic turbine resemble windmills and waterwheels? We’ll need to peer into the flow of fluids to find that out!
POSTCARDS FROM SPACE
Space Science
Did you know that the relationship between planetary orbits around the sun is a measure of time? Study the combined effects of different forces acting on a body. Comprehend the characteristics of crustal materials. Why do the planets in the Solar System lie on nearly the same plane?
AQUEOUS PROBE
Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics
Did you know that water can be hard or soft? Does it take more soapy water or more plain water to make the same volume of liquid? Scrutinize the tenacity of surface tension. From solutions and saturations to density and dilution, astonish yourself with aquiform matters. You’ll need to roll up your sleeves for this one!