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Great for a day out to learn about the Circular Economy

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The National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland. A creative movement connecting people, ideas and resources to support greener low-carbon living.

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Wir verwenden Cookies, die Funktionen gewährleisten, ohne die du diese Webseite nicht wie beabsichtigt nutzen kannst. Damit wir unser Angebot für dich verbessern und optimieren können, erlaube bitte auch das Setzen von Analyse-Cookies. Weitere Informationen hierzu findest du in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.

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Wir verwenden Cookies, die Funktionen gewährleisten, ohne die du diese Webseite nicht wie beabsichtigt nutzen kannst. Damit wir unser Angebot für dich verbessern und optimieren können, erlaube bitte auch das Setzen von Analyse-Cookies. Weitere Informationen hierzu findest du in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.

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Simple Metal Detector: The other day when I was searching instructables I come across on interesting and simple circuit for metal detector. It is build with 555, coil and few other components. Instructable that inspire me to do this project was this one. Main debate was: …

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Power Words
More About Power Words

electromagnetic radiation: Energy that travels as a wave, including forms of light. Electromagnetic radiation is typically classified by its wavelength. The spectrum of electromagnetic radiation ranges from radio waves to gamma rays. It also includes microwaves and visible light.

matter: Something that occupies space and has mass. Anything on Earth with matter will have a property described as "weight."

molecule: An electrically neutral group of atoms that represents the smallest possible amount of a chemical compound. Molecules can be made of single types of atoms or of different types. For example, the oxygen in the air is made of two oxygen atoms (O ₂), but water is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H ₂ O).

particle: A minute amount of something.

photon: A particle representing the smallest possible amount of light or other type of electromagnetic radiation.

quantum: (pl. quanta) A term that refers to the smallest amount of anything, especially of energy or subatomic mass.

wave: A disturbance or variation that travels through space and matter in a regular, oscillating fashion.

X-ray: A type of radiation analogous to gamma rays, but having somewhat lower energy.

Carolyn Wilke is a former staff writer at Science News Explores. She has a Ph.D. in environmental engineering. Carolyn enjoys writing about chemistry, microbes and the environment. She also loves playing with her cat.

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This word describes light as a particle. A photon is the tiniest possible bit of electromagnetic radiation.

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About Us Inspiring kids to love Science Technology Engineering Art Maths STEAM STANDS FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS AND, MATHS. About STEAM The company is made up of a group of individuals passionate about STEAM subjects! We came together from backgrounds in industry, academia and youth education to address the serious gaps which exist in ...

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This is an absolutely sweet science experiment! Grow sugar crystals and make homemade rock candy with this simple chemistry experiment. Are your kids always in the kitchen looking for a snack? How about next time they are looking for a sweet treat, add some fun learning to their snack request! Plus, we can show you how to set up a science fair project to go along with it! Growing sugar crystals is a fun and easy science experiment for kids..

Grow Sugar Crystals Science Fair Project for Kids

Incredible Edible Science

Who doesn't love science you can eat? Grow sugar crystals for tasty chemistry, and the kids will have a blast learning all about crystals!

Crystal science has fascinated humans for thousands of years. Many of our precious gemstones are formations of crystal. Check out other crystal science projects like our and You can also make edible rock candy geodes.

This sugar crystal experiment uses the same saturation principles and makes a saturated solution to form the crystals. Growing crystals is fun to teach kids about solutions, molecular bonds, patterns, and energy. All from 2 ingredients, sugar and water!

Oh, and of course, you can incorporate it into a geology lesson too!

You can eat these crystals when you are done growing them, making it even more fun!

Sugar Crystal Experiment Information

Sugar crystals are formed as a result of a supersaturated solution. A supersaturated solution contains more sugar than could be dissolved in water under normal conditions. (We'll show you how to make a supersaturated solution of sugar and water below.)

In a saturated solution, the sugar molecules have a higher chance of bumping into one another because there is less space to move around. When this happens, the sugar molecules start sticking together.

When you give the sugar molecules something to cling too (in this case the string), they form into crystals faster. The more molecules bump into each other, the bigger the sugar crystals get. The bigger the crystals are, the more they pull other sugar molecules toward them, making even bigger crystals.

Molecules bind together following orderly and repetitive patterns, so eventually, you're left with visible sugar crystal patterns in your jar. Read on to find out exactly what you need to make sugar crystals and how to crystalize the sugar quickly.

More Science Resources

Here are a few resources to help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You'll find helpful free printables throughout.

Just because it's food or candy doesn't mean you can't apply the scientific method.

How to Grow Sugar Crystals

Why do we call chemistry experiments like this kitchen science? It is because all the needed supplies come straight out of the kitchen. Easy!

Note: You will need to set aside 8+ days to complete this sugar crystal experiment.

YOU WILL NEED:

Also check out more fun ideas for mason jar science! Once you set up your sugar crystal experiment, try a few more quick science in a jar ideas!

HOW TO MAKE SUGAR CRYSTALS

STEP 1. The day before starting your sugar crystal experiment, cut a piece of string a little longer than your jars. Tie one end of the string to a straw. Tie a knot in the other end.

Get the strings wet and coat them in sugar. Let them dry overnight.

STEP 2. Add four cups of sugar and one cup of water to a saucepan the following day and heat until boiling. Heating the water to dissolve the sugar is the key to making your supersaturated solution.

Create the sugar solution: Heat water in a saucepan until it just begins to boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add granulated sugar to the hot water, stirring continuously, until no more sugar dissolves. Keep adding sugar and stirring until you see some sugar settling at the bottom of the saucepan without dissolving further. This indicates that you have a saturated solution.

STEP 3. Pour your sugar mixture into the jars. Add edible food coloring to each jar and add some edible glitter.

STEP 4. Lower the string into the jar and place the jars in a safe place. Leave the sugar crystals to form for at least a week.

SUGAR CRYSTALS: DAY 8

Once the sugar crystals are as big as you want them, remove them from the sugar solution. Lay them on a paper towel or plate and let them dry for several hours.

Inspect the sugar crystals with a magnifying glass or microscope when they are dry. How are the crystals similar? How are they different? What can you see in the microscope or with a magnifying glass that you can't see with your eyes?

Fabulous, edible science is at your fingertips when you explore science in the kitchen with your kids!

Sugar Crystal Science Fair Projects

Science projects are an excellent tool for older kiddos to show what they know about science! Plus, they can be used in various environments, including classrooms, homeschool, clubs, and groups.

Kids can take everything they have learned about using the scientific method, stating a hypothesis, creating variables, and analyzing and presenting data.

Want to turn this sugar crystals experiment into a cool sugar crystallization science project? Check out these helpful resources below. Take a look at the science fair project outline below to get started.

Sample Science Procedure to Grow Sugar Crystals:

1. Introduction and Hypothesis:

Begin the project by explaining what crystals are and the process of crystallization. Take a look at different examples of sugar crystals to learn more.

Formulate a hypothesis. For example, "I predict that crystals will grow faster/bigger in a solution with more sugar."

2. Sugar Crystal Experiment Set up and Growing:
Prepare the different containers for growing crystals according to the steps above.

3. Variables to Explore:

Encourage kids to set up multiple containers with different variables to test.

a. Vary the sugar concentration in the solution (e.g., 1 cup sugar:1 cup water, 1 cup sugar:1/2 cup water, etc.).

b. Compare different types of sugar (granulated sugar, powdered sugar, brown sugar).

c. Test the effect of temperature by placing one container in the fridge and another in a warm place. d. Investigate the impact of time by checking the crystals' growth at regular intervals (e.g., every day for a week).

4. Observations and Measurements:
Have the kids observe the containers regularly and record them in a notebook. They should note changes in crystal size, shape, and formation patterns. Use our free science fair pack to help!

5. Conclusion:

Help the kids analyze their results and draw conclusions based on their observations.

Discuss whether their hypotheses were supported and if they noticed any unexpected findings.

6. Display:
Prepare a display board for the science fair, showcasing the experiment's steps, observations, and results.

This project provides an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about the scientific method, observation, and the fascinating world of crystal formation while enjoying some sweet treats!

More Fun Edible Experiments

See if you can turn one of these science experiments into a science fair project!

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you're looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

90+ classic science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!

Best science practices posters and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!

Be a Collector activities pack introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?

Know the Words Science vocabulary pack includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!

My science journal writing prompts explore what it means to be a scientist!!

Bonus STEAM Project Pack: Art meets science with doable projects!

Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

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Sugar Crystal Experiment - Little Bins for Little Hands

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Learn how to grow sugar crystals for edible science! Our edible rock candy science activity is perfect for kids chemistry experiments!

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How to Make a Magnetic Compass - Energizer CA

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How to Make a Magnetic Compass Science Center The Principles of Electricity How to Build a Power Pack Make a Simple Circuit Quiz Game Game to Measure Chance Steady Hand Game How to Make a Flashlight How to Make a Magnetic Compass Oersted’s Experiment How to Make an Electromagnet How to Make a Simple Telegraph […]

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I have over 30 years experience in the voluntary Youth Work and Youth Sector in Ireland.

I am currently the Volunteer Development Manager with Forόige. In this role I am responsible for key tasks such as managing, developing and supporting the involvement of thousands of Forόige volunteers in all aspects of the organisation. I also lead on the design, dissemination and implementation of best practice standards in volunteer recruitment, management and retention policies and procedures. I am a member of Foróige's child safeguarding and protection internal working group. I also was a member of the Ministerial advisory group for development of the National Volunteering Strategy, launched in late 2020, and I am currently on the communications working group for the role out of the strategy.

I believe that youth work's essential role in young people's lives has been made all the more obvious as a result of the pandemic. The restrictions caused by the need to protect vulnerable people in particular from COVID 19, were imposed on young people without them having any say in the matter. They became takes of others rules and priorities, without input or choice. This, while necessary at the time, is the exact opposite of what we want for young people. We want them to be heard, to be helped to develop their own views and values (not just absorb ours). We want them to be involved in decisions that impact on them and to feel they have an influence, with which comes connection to society and hope for the future. The National Youth Council of Ireland plays a huge role in representing the shared interests of the organisations who are its members. These organisations, large and small, bring a range of youth work approaches arising from various traditions and a focus on particular youth needs. The diversity of organisations provides choice and opportunity for young people to pursue their own interests.

This diversity presents a challenge too, in identifying and agreeing their shared interests on which NYCI can represent, advocate and influence. This calls for a president who will listen support, facilitate. It calls for an NYCI which is effective, well governed and compliant with all relevant governance and financial, management requirements.

I believe I have the necessary skills for this role from my role in Foróige and my previous experience on the board of NYCI, including a term as its vice president. I am aware of the need to represent negotiate, assert firmly but respectfully, to act together in seeking to influence government departments and politicians. I understand the need for a strong working relationship between president and CEO.

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Guide to Project Planning Framework - National Youth Council of Ireland

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Guide to Project Planning Framework - National Youth Council of Ireland

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Miko Metals is one of Irelands leading independent non ferrous stockholders serving Ireland since 1982

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Why do some young people and not others participate in informal STEM learning?

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There are widespread and long-standing inequalities in terms of who does and who does not participate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

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The Zooniverse is the world's largest and most popular platform for people-powered research.

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Our Summer 2024 camps are now open for booking. The camps are taking place in TU Dublin Grangegorman Campus.
We have camps for teenagers suitable for students who are completing 1st year to 3rd year in secondary school
We have camps for primary school children from Senior Infants up.

This year we are introducing our Junior Teen Camps. These camps are suitable for children who are completing 6th class and starting secondary school in September 2024.
Click here for more details Summer Term 2024 - Weekly Science Clubs for primary school age children

Click here for more information
Inclusivity - one of our key values
Our target is to make our events and activities are inclusive to all. We strive to make everyone welcome, included and comfortable at our events. We have a lot of experience working with people with additional needs.

Talk to us about our quiet science for anyone who works best in a quieter environment.

Hard of hearing - no problem, you will still be able to fully participate.

We worked with a school with visually impaired children and printed our Mind Reading cards in Braille.

Contact us if you would like science activities for your additional needs group.

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Our Summer 2024 camps are now open for booking. The camps are taking place in TU Dublin Grangegorman Campus.We have camps for teenagers suitable for students who are completing 1st year to 3rd year in secondary schoolWe have camps for primary school children from Senior Infants up.

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Introduction: How to Make Spider Silk Thread

During the summer months, spider webs cover every corner, and every open space of my yard. These webs are humongous, the largest ones being about 5 feet wide. The webs I encounter in my garden are webs are from several kinds of Orb spiders. None of the spiders that build the giant webs in my garden are poisonous. This is lucky for me, because I have walked into countless numbers of webs.

I have also encountered many abandoned webs, which gave me the idea of harvesting these out-of-use webs for their silk. Having walked into so many webs, I know how unbelievably strong and stretchy their threads are. Spider silk, in fact, is the strongest fiber ever discovered. Spider silk is stronger than steel, for its diameter; that is, a thread of steel would be weaker than a thread of spider silk of the same size.

Scientists have been working on how to entirely artificially duplicate spider silk in the lab for a while, but have not yet been able to make the silk entirely without spiders. I have included some websites of some recent research on the subject at the end of the instructable.

In this instructable, I will show I how I harvested abandoned webs and turned them into threads that I could use to sew.

Step 1: Understand Which Species Make the Right Webs

Where I live, in southern North Carolina in the USA, there are about four types of spiders that make good webs for collecting:
1) golden orb spider,
2) black and yellow orb spider,
3) crab orb spider,
4)orchard spider
All of these build large, regular orb shaped webs, with strong fibers. None of these spiders are dangerous, but I recommend avoiding their bites anyway, because it could be painful, and there may be those who are allergic to their bites. I have never heard of anyone being allergic to orb spiders, but it's not impossible. Also, if you got close enough to one of these spiders to actually get bit by it, you were probably seriously annoying it (I have actually poked a giant golden orb spider once to show my uncle that it was harmless).

Before collecting webs from any spider, please make sure you know what kind of spider it is. There are poisonous spiders in the USA. Outside the USA, I cannot speak with authority about the kinds of spiders, so you should do you own research about spiders before collecting their webs. Especially in Australia (home of the most poisonous spider in the world)! In the USA there are two web building spiders that have a deadly venom, and should be avoided at all costs:
1) The black widow (and brown widow) spider
2)The brown recluse
I have not seen these in my yard, but I have avoided their habitats on purpose. The picture I have of them are not mine, because I did not want to stick my face in them to take their pictures. Luckily, these spider's webs look completely different than the four spiders I mentioned earlier. While the four spiders I mentioned all build webs in the open, above ground, and in regular orb shapes,the poisonous spiders build irregular webs in piles of wood, rocks, bricks, and other things. These spiders are often found in garages, for instance, or firewood piles. I will say it again that these spiders are very dangerous! If you are bit by one ever, go to the emergency room!

I have included pictures of the spiders I mentioned, and their webs.

Step 2: Find Abandoned Webs

Step 3: Collect Webs

Step 4: Clean and Untangle the Silk

Step 5: Combine Fibers

Step 6: Twist Thread

Step 7: Wind Onto Spool

Step 8: Others Who Have Used Spider Silk, and Some of the Research Done on It

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How to Make Spider Silk Thread: During the summer months, spider webs cover every corner, and every open space of my yard. These webs are humongous, the largest ones being about 5 feet wide. The webs I encounter in my garden are webs are from several kinds of Orb spiders.

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Bring learning to life for every grade and every subject with Tinkercad.

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Educator Guide: On Target | NASA/JPL Edu

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Students modify a paper cup so it can zip down a line and drop a marble onto a target

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Key ask in Budget 2025

NYCI (National Youth Council of Ireland) is calling for increased investment in youth work in 2025 of €15million .

This figure is broken down by:

A €9.6m increase in current funding.

13.5% increase for both UBU and YSGS funding

Funding for youth information services

and funding and €5.4m increase in Capital funding.

Why?

Supporting young people

There is increasing concern amongst government, youth work services and the wider population around the rise of divisive and hateful narratives. Youth work is a place that offers belonging and support for young people who may fall victim to these narratives but is also a space where there is push back and support for young people at risk of repeating and believing these dangerous narratives. Youth work needs investment to continue this critical work.

Issues like food poverty, deprivation and homelessness are also at the door of youth work. Services need adequate investment to continue to meet the needs of young people.

Addressing issues within the sector

In 2024, the state of youth work services can be summed up by 'doing more with less'. Rising costs, severe recruitment and retention issues and rising demands are resulting in services stretching well beyond capacity. Additional investment is needed to assist services to continue to provide current levels before they can begin to expand to meet growth of demand.

Strategic investment now to deliver into the future

By the time Budget 2025 is announced, there will be a New National Strategy for Youth Work and 'Young Ireland', the national policy for children and young people will be in its second year. The sector needs investment to be a partner in the delivery of these policies, along with other key government policies such as the National Action Plan Against Racism.

Providing the youth work that young people need

NYCI is calling for UBU funding to be increased by 13.5% on 2024 levels. This is to support those young people furthest behind and assist with increasing levels of deprivation that are presenting to youth work services.

NYCI is calling for Youth Services Grant Scheme to be increased by 13.5% on 2024 levels. This would support the sectoral Vision for Youth Work by investing in expanding access to best practice youth work for all young people.

Finally, NYCI is calling for Youth Information services to be funded in Budget 2025, to ensure continued and expanded pivotal support to young people in accessing trusted information within a context of the threat of mis and disinformation.

Delivering youth work places and spaces

The Joint Oireachtas Committee Report on the Future of Youth Work recognises the necessity in funding for spaces and places for youth work. In a recent survey of NYCI members organisations, 90% of respondents had some need for capital funding. Needs identified ranged from IT infrastructure to structural work on buildings such leaking roofs or insulation costs. capital funding must be provided in Budget 2025 to address these needs, and to assist the sector to recover from the lack of capital funding in Budget 2024.

Actions for politician to take following the meeting:

Ask them if they can raise the issue of youth work funding through:

Writing to Minister O'Gorman, Minister Chambers and Minister Donohoe outlining their support for NYCI's pre-budget ask

Raising the issue with their party spokesperson on youth, or at parliamentary party meetings

Raising the importance of funding youth work in their constituency in the Dáil or Seanad

Submitting Parliamentary Questions

Key findings of NYCI members survey 2024

Issues with funding raised: Stress of applications, complexity of funding, delays, lack of multi-annual funding and the need to restore lost posts

Just under 90% have a need for capital funding

Get your local representatives' contact details now

Template email to copy and customise

Please personalise if you have an existing relationship with a TD/Senator, and include an attachment of the NYCI Pre-Budget Submission 2025.

"Dear Minister/Deputy/Senator (delete as appropriate),
I am writing to you on behalf of (insert organisation name), which operates in your constituency, to ask for your support for increased investment in young people and youth work, ahead of Budget 2025. I'd be very grateful of a meeting to discuss this (indicate preference for online or in-person meeting and suggested dates/times) in the coming weeks. Young people from our organisation will also be present to share with you their views on why youth work matters to them. (Insert some detail on your organisation and work you do -if not already known to TD/Senator - such as where you are based, type of group/project, number of young people involved etc.)
Organisations like ours are reliant on funding from the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Increases in demand for our services, coupled with rising costs, means that we are in significant need for increased funding in Budget 2025.
As our local TD/Senator (delete as appropriate), we want you to be a champion for youth work in the run up to Budget 2025 to ensure youth work organisations, and the young people and communities we support, receive the sustainable investment we need.
As part of the National Youth Council of Ireland's (NYCI) #Youthworkchangeslives campaign, we are calling an additional €15m investment in 2025. You can find details of within the Pre-Budget Submission here: (link to pre-budget submission) Once again, I would be most appreciative if you could take the time to meet with me to discuss this further, and you can respond by return e-mail, or by calling 08X XXXXXXX. Many thanks for your support,

Thanks - and let us know how you get on

NYCI Pre-Budget Submission 2025

In this Pre-Budget Submission we are calling on Government to adopt our targeted plan for investment across youth work, the cost of living and youth homelessness to make an impact where it is most needed.

If put in place, this will provide immediate relief to many young people who are struggling with crippling costs, will address long-standing inequalities and, ensure that the youth work sector can deliver both now and into the future so young people can reach their full potential.

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Budget25: Members' Toolkit - National Youth Council of Ireland

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Budget25: Members' Toolkit - National Youth Council of Ireland

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Fantastic DNA in a box is a classroom kit, complete with both materials and resources, that allows pupils/students in your class to extract DNA from a banana individually. You can either run this activity yourself in your classroom, guided by our downloadable resources, or you also have the option of inviting 1-2 Cell EXPLORERS scientists to remotely facilitate the experimental steps through a secure Zoom connection on the day of the experiment.

What's in the box?

Watch the short video below to find out more about this new activity!

what's in the box?

The box also contains a teacher pack with extra information and Achievement Certificates for the students. Support materials to run the session is also provided to teachers in the

It includes real laboratory small equipment, including tubes, foldable cardboard tube racks, dropper pipettes and plastic loops, and reagents for 36 participants to practice the experiment individually. Better yet- the cardboard racks, dropper pipettes, plastic loops and plastic tubes can all be re-used - opening opportunities for future science activities!

The box is packed in a manner that allows the session to be set up with ease and in a timely fashion, including pre-packed children's bags containing all of the consumables needed for one person.

Teacher Zone section.

This session provides children and young people with the opportunity to engage in hands-on modern biology . C hildren will gain a basic understanding of the role and structure of cells and DNA, the building blocks of life, and practice the DNA extraction experiment individually.

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Suitable for: Primary school pupils (5th to 6th class) or post-primary school students (1st year to 3rd year).

We distribute a limited quantity of kits around Sciennce week through Science festivals. Interested teachers/schools can also contact us directly.

As the demand might exceed our capacity to produce the kits or deliver sessions, interested teachers who have requested a kit will be put on a waiting list until we have kits available.

To request the Fantastic DNA in a box kit, please email cellexplorers@universityofgalway.ie or the team closest to your location, using "Fantastic DNA in a box kit request" in the subject of your email . Include your school roll number and your mobile number to facilitate the communication.

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If you contact cellexplorers@universityofgalway.ie, we might identify the team closest to your location. Delivery/collection methods differ according to Cell EXPLORERS teams and your proximity to a given team location. Your chosen CE team will be in contact.

Important note: you will need to consult the Health & Safety notice and Risk Assessment for the activities before receiving/collecting the box. When you collect the box you will be requested to confirm via signature that you have read and understood the Health & Safety measures that relate to the session.

If you have already requested a box, you can access the pdf of our step-by-step guide to see how to get ready for your Fantastic DNA in a Box session!

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You can also just have a look before requesting a box, to learn more what is involved!

Access the PDF of our step by step guide to Fantastic DNA in a box here .

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Cell EXPLORERS | Science Outreach Programme | Galway, Ireland

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'Fantastic DNA is a box' is a Cell Explorers Science kit that allow teachers to run the DNA Extraction experiment in their classroom. Teachers can benefit from the support of Cell Explorers through a live online connection during the experiment.

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Cell EXPLORERS | Science Outreach Programme | Galway, Ireland

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Cell EXPLORERS is a science outreach and public engagement programme based in the School of Natural Sciences in the National University of Ireland, Galway.

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W5 is an award-winning Science & Discovery Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Part of the Odyssey Complex, W5 is a perfect day out for the whole family.

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What's on

Riverdance

Gaiety Theatre

Riverdance returns to the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin from 5 June to 8 September, following sell out summer seasons in 2023 and 2022 and hugely successful tours in North America, the UK, Europe and Dubai. This is Riverdance completely reimagined! A powerful and stirring reinvention of the global phenomenon, celebrated for its Grammy Award-winning score and the extraordinary energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking

What's on

The Island

Mill Theatre

Set in the Autumn of 2022, when four successful South Dublin school friends, gather round a kitchen island to finally celebrate a win over a rival rugby school, 45 years later. Inspired by ongoing historic revelations of abuse by pupils who attended Ireland's most prestigious, private schools. Presented and written by Tina Noonan Directed by Seamus Moran Performed by Owen O'Gorman, Conor Donelan, Laurence Lowry, Padraig Murray and Patrick Loftus. Suitable for age 14+

What's on

Shine

National Concert Hall

The Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride Festival in collaboration with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents a performance to celebrate, commemorate, support and applaud the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland and beyond, promoting human rights, resilience to overcoming obstacles, and what we now know as diversity and inclusivity. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, with Dublin Pride Festival, are proud to mark this important 50th anniversary of the first Dublin Pride March; on June 27th, 1974, the Sexual Liberation Movement, a Dublin-based organisation that was founded in Trinity College Dublin in 1973, organised the first

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Your ultimate LEGO® experience awaits. A leaping orca, towering rocket and glowing DeLorean take you to the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of

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Explorium - Ireland National Sports and Science Centre.

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Irelands National Sports and Science Centre. The home of sports, science, technology and adventure, where no two visits are the same.

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Why teach about I-LOFAR?

With AstroLands I-LOFAR is bringing astronomy back to the midlands and is the perfect tool for teaching science in schools.

Ireland's Rich Heritage in Astronomy:

Ireland, especially the midlands, has a rich and often forgotten history of Astronomy that stretches from the megalithic builders of astronomically aligned monuments such as Newgrange, to the ground-breaking Victorian engineering of the astronomical Earls of Birr Castle, to now the construction of I-LOFAR.

Astronomy as a Gateway to Science

Astronomy has the ability to engage and inspire people from all backgrounds as our wonder of the night sky transcends differences in age, education and social background. I-LOFAR has the ability to draw people into a conversation about history, culture and technology and can be used as a tool to drive scientific education in schools not normally exposed to astronomy or STEM subjects.

I-LOFAR is an ideal opportunity to connect schools, especially those in rural areas, to Universities in all the main cities throughout Ireland. I-LOFAR exposes local students to the potentially unexplored areas of further training and education. I-LOFAR also serves as an international connection to other communities all over Europe where the other LOFAR stations are located.

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Inquiry-based Learning

Use the Curious Minds and ESERO Framework to help you plan and teach topics from the SESE curriculum.

Learn more about Inquiry-based Learning

Inclusive Teaching

Know how to promote inclusion as part of your school's STEM teaching process.

Learn more about Inclusive Teaching

Informal STEM Learning

Curious Minds outside the classroom

Learn more about Informal STEM Learning

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At SFI we believe in the ability of science, technology, engineering & maths to effect positive change in the world and drive a sustainable international economy. https://www.sfi.ie/engagement/curious-minds/teacher-resources/

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Web pages come and go, but we try to keep the following list up to date. If you find a link that doesn't work, please let us know.

Contents

Basic Information

David Blatner, author of The Joy of Pi, wrote a short article about pi for the BBC in England.

The Many Digits of Pi

If you want to download digits of pi, check out these sites:

"The story of pi reflects the most seminal, the most serious and sometimes the silliest aspects of mathematics." So say Lennart Berggren, Jonathan Borwein and Peter Borwein in their new book, Pi : A Source Book. Their Web site offers comprehensive pi links and meat for the mathematically minded.

Come celebrate National Pi Day (March 14, of course) at the Exploratorium. Find out how to participate on what is also Einstein's birthday! John Tierney also wrote a nice piece about pi day at The New York Times.

A NASA/JPL scientist explains why even astrophysicists need only 15 digits of pi.

The Web companion to Darren Aronofsky's fascinating film "Pi". You can also find information and links about the stock market, Kabbalah, migranes, and a number of other topics relating to the movie. You can also read a short article about this movie written by Joy of Pi author, David Blatner, published in The Seattle Weekly.

Along with pi fun and facts, you'll also find the binary decimal expansion of pi. From the binary coding you can also see and hear pi -- a great twist!

Find out what pi approximation day is, and how to celebrate it!

Did you know that 3 + 4/28 - 1/(790 + 5/6) is ia pretty good approximation of pi? Not only that, but it uses all the digits between zero and nine! Check out more cool approximations and submit your own to the contest!

Michael Hartl thinks we should use tau (2pi) instead of pi. Interesting points. He refers also to this article called " Pi is Wrong!"

Articles about Pi Day and Pi

Sasha Volokh of Emory Law School includes fun poems (or piems or pi-ems) for Pi Day.

A fun article about pi day in the Washington Post (focusing on the 2015 "pi day of the century" celebration, but with lots of other good stuff, too).

PBS has a fun review of pi day, with the subtitle: "For the Love of Pi and the Tao of Tau". They added another article with great pi (and pie) images here

Time interviewed Joy of Pi author David Blatner in this short Q&A from 2011

Here's all kinds of fun information compiled by CNN.

A fun article for kids from TIME magazine, including a photo of the author.

History

How did the theory of pi evolve? Who devoted their lives to calculating digits of pi? From the Bible to Buffon, this site explores human exploration of the number pi.

The story is told in some depth in The Joy of Pi, but here's some more on Indiana's attempts to round up pi.

A short history by Lazarus Mudehwe, with links to the Albany Pi Fan Club

Calculating Pi and Digits of Pi

Here is the formula that allowed David Bailey, Peter Borwein and Simon Plouffe to compute the ten billioneth digit in the hexadecimal expansion of pi. If you are "non-technical" there's an explanation for you too!

Want to test your computer's strength? Check here if you want to know more about computing pi. Look for the section entitled, "Special Numbers and Functions" and click on the section for computing pi. A little further down, under "Human Interest" is a section on the Indiana legislatin of pi. More on how to compute here.

Pi explorers and authors Bailey and the Borwein brothers offer up an article "Ramanujan, Modular Equations, and Approximations to Pi or How to Compute One Billion Digits of Pi" in an effort to follow up on part of Ramanujan's work.

A great description of how to calculate pi based on the Fibonnaci numbers. Background information and explanations are available.

Pi and Mathematics

A discussion of the Bailey, Borwein Plouffe Algorithm written by Victor Adamchik and Stan Wagon.

This is a great place to see what questions about pi Dr. Math has fielded in the past, and to ask any questions about pi that you might have. A great resource for anyone who wants to know more about pi. You can also check out the Pi FAQ organized http://forum.swarthmore.edu/dr.math/faq/faq.pi.html

Pi, from Wolfram.

A good look at this classic probability problem and its relationship to pi.

Ilan Vardi asks an interesting question: How can we prove that pi (as a constant) actually exists?

Kevin Knudson explains a fascinating connection between pi, the Wallis formula, and physics (specifically the energy states of the hydrogen atom).

Memorizing Pi

Olle offers up a variety of pi tatoos.

A list of record-holders in the "pi memorization sport."

Antreas P. Hatzipolakis has collected Pi mnemonics from all over the world and Web (ie. sentences to memorize the first digits of pi) and poems related to pi. A great place for those who want to join clubs with pi memorization requirements!

As a "loyal member of the Ancient and Honorable Society of Pi Watchers" Ivars Peterson has written many account of this intrepid number. Here he discusses ways of memorizing pi.

Fun and weird!

Pi Mysteries

Charles Lucy describes LucyTuning and how pi relates to 'the natural scale of music,' including references to John "Longitude" Harrison's work on the subject.

Check here to find out how the ancients may have encoded the numeric mysteries of the pi in the Bible.

Pi and Music

A wonderful composition played on the violin based on mapping the first 200 digits of pi, by Steven Rochen. Watch and listen at youtube.

Lars Erickson's orchestral symphony based on the number pi (some of this was also used in The Joy of Pi audio book, published by Random House Audio, available at audible.com).

Felix Jung has created a delightful way to convert the first 10,000 digits of pi into music using a Flash-based animation.

More Pi Songs at YouTube

There are, of course, many pi tributes on YouTube, including this pi song, this short " pi is exactly three!" excerpt from The Simpsons, this keyboard pi movie, and this awesome rap. And more! Here's Mathematical Pi (sung to American Pie). Another brilliant pi rap.

The inimitable Kate Bush includes a song about pi on her new album Aerial, in which she actually sings 100 or so digits of pi. And it's a good song!

Bill Crozier writes: "As an experiment, I tried in 1980 to get pi to 50 places stuck in my head by writing a song about it. It worked. I can still recite it now, 20 years later, by singing the song."

Fun with Pi

A very funny spoof on the movies "Pi" and "American Pie." Caution: some adult themes. Of course, it's not funny unless you've also seen those movies.

Sound out the depths of your pi knowledge with Eve Andersson's great trivia game.

Do you spend sleepless nights wondering where in pi your birthday or phone number show up? Wonder no more! Just type in the number sequence and voila! you'll know.

Several people have created pi-inspired images. Here's one link with 3-D imagery, including the cowpi graphic.

Pi Greeting Cards

Send an Internet greeting card for Pi Day (3/14) from 123greetings.com

Buy pi day greeting cards from Greeting Card Universe

For "proof" that pi is rational...a fun, alternative pi resource.

Mike Keith has put together several great literary adventures related to pi, you can find them here. Plus, Mike shows how to decode pi to see a picture. Check out his cool book here!

Wacky Pi Stuff

Can you imagine 5,942,157 digits of pi on a single poster? You need a magnifying glass to see the numbers, but it's quite amazing.

In case you need a pi T-shirt or a pi hat or a pi mug... Here's some cool pi stuff for sale!

You know you want a silk tie with a pi pattern on it!

Two artists take pi and turn it into art!

Here's a low-tech but high-fun pi ruler that lets you find the circumference or diameter of round objects.

It turns out that pi is critical when making rocking chairs (if you don't want them to fall over)

Pi Fan Clubs

Dedicated to all things pi, this is a wonderful site of links and fun pi stuff. Similarly, check out the German site, too.

Pi Link Pages

Things to do on Pi Day in School

On pi day (3/14, or March 14), Google changed its site logo. Awesome!

Pi Pages in Other Languages

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Web pages come and go, but we try to keep the following list up to date. If you find a link that doesn't work, please let us know. David Blatner, author of The Joy of Pi , wrote a short article about pi for the BBC in England.

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#EngineerGirlShow

This video series highlights amazing women in engineering to inspire the next generation. This series was produced by George Retelas with his digital art students at SAE Institute. Here are just a few...

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The EngineerGirl website is designed to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women.

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Key Question How can we use math to entertain our family and friends with card tricks they think are magic? Learning Objectives Children will be curious about... learn the steps for performing two different self-working ...

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Games for STEM - STEMAZing Systems Thinking

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STEMAZing games develop spatial reasoning, strategy, problem solving, collaboration, communication skills and more. Looking for something specific? Type keywords into the search bar to locate resources you could use.

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STEM Resource Finder | Concord Consortium

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The STEM Resource Finder is a collection of the Concord Consortium's best resources for science, math, and engineering education. Our curated collections offer lesson plans and units for your class based on these resources. All for free!"

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Cruinniú na nÓg - A day of free creativity for children and young people

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Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme's Creative Youth plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people.

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#STEM on the Cheap - The STEMAZing Project

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Looking for something specific? Type keywords into the search bar to locate resources you could use. STEM does not have to be expensive. In fact, #STEMontheCheap solutions require more imagination, creativity, innovation, and invention than the shiny, expensive STEM things out there. This page highlights our favorite #STEMontheCheap resources from specific lessons to websites with...

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How a desert beetle made self-filling water bottles possible. Biomimicry Jigsaw article

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Gravity Well in a Bowl or Bucket - STEMAZing Systems Thinking

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Mesmerizing marbles orbit around a gravity well just as Einstein imagined! From a small bowl gravity well to one that fits into a bucket, prepare to spend time rapt in orbital therapy. #STEMAZingVideo below shows gravity wells in action. Add a PVC pipe guide for the marbles to experiment even further.

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Girls in STEM - STEMAZing Systems Thinking

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Looking for something specific? Type keywords into the search bar to locate resources you could use.

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Experience the freedom of invention with Makey Makey GO. Transform everyday objects into touchpads and unleash your creativity on the go. Compact and portable, Makey Makey GO inspires STEM projects wherever you are. Start innovating today!

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Miko Metals is one of Irelands leading independent non ferrous stockholders serving Ireland since 1982

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ElecFreaks Micro:bit Smart Agricultural Kit

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Transform agriculture with the ElecFreaks Micro:bit Smart Agricultural Kit. Explore sensor-based monitoring, automation, and data-driven farming solutions. Empower your coding skills and contribute to sustainable agriculture with this comprehensive kit designed for innovation.

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Mother Earth News - The Original Guide To Living Wisely

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Anyone - not just textile artists - can learn the fairly straightforward nettle fiber processing of extracting fiber from the humble stinging nettle.
Hidden in a weedy patch in your backyard, or on the forest edge, lies a humble plant that is most famous for its burning sting. But did you know that stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) can also be used for making textiles? Inside the plant's stalks are long, strong, fine fibers. Surprisingly, nettle is anything but harsh when woven into fabric: nettle cloth is lustrous and smooth, similar to linen but even stronger.

Nettles have been used for textiles at least since medieval times. Along with flax and hemp, nettle was the most important plant-based textile material in Europe because, unlike cotton, it grows even in northern climates. Commercial nettle fiber farming started in the nineteenth century. During the First World War, with sanctions imposed on cotton, the German army used nettle fabric for their soldiers' uniforms.

Now we see a resurgence of interest in nettle-based textiles within the sustainable fashion industry. Nettle fiber is a promising alternative for sustainable fashion for many reasons:

Nettles grow vigorously everywhere, without intensive inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, or irrigation. Nettles will even thrive in poor soil that's unsuitable for other crops.

Unlike cotton, nettle grows in cooler climates, making it a good candidate for local or regional production and processing.

Nettle fibers are hollow, making the fiber cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Nettle fiber has built-in fire-retardant properties.

Nettle is also valued as a food, medicinal, and dye plant.

New spinning technologies, plant cross-breeding, and growing concerns over the environmental costs of conventional cotton-growing make nettle a viable alternative for eco-textile companies.

But it's also possible to grow, harvest and process your own nettle fiber on a home scale. Given how common stinging nettle is in temperate climates, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding the nearest nettle patch - or growing your own, as I have done.

I first learned harvesting and processing nettle fiber when visiting my family in Finland. The stinging nettle in Finland is the same Urtica dioica, European nettle, that also grows in most of North America. My great-grandparents grew flax for clothing on our family farm. Now the flax fields are gone, but stands of stinging nettle are still abundant. I had used nettles as food, medicine, and dye, but once I learned about their potential for flax-like fiber plants, I had to give it a try.

I did the entire process by hand, as it's traditionally done. It takes patience, and some experience working with fibers helps, but anyone can do it following the step-by-step instructions below.

Nettle Fiber Processing

The steps for processing nettle for textiles are similar to processing flax. The key is softening the nettle's woody stalks in order to be able to extract the fibers within.

1. Collect nettles and remove the leaves

2. Soak the nettle stalks (a process called retting) for at least one week to break down the cellulose surrounding the fibers so the fibers can be extracted

3. Dry the nettles out in the sun, in a greenhouse or a sauna

4. Break the dried-up stalks by hand to separate the fine fibers from the woody pith

5. Scutch and hackle to further soften the fibers

6. Spin the fibers into yarn

The only stings I got in this process were during the initial harvesting. Once the nettle stalks have been soaked and dried, the stinging hairs are gone. The fibers themselves are beautiful - light linen-colored, and very soft and strong.

Harvesting Nettles

Harvest from August onwards, when the plants have reached their optimal height but have not yet begun to die down. Cut the stalks near the ground with pruning shears and remove the leaves. For this stage, you do want to wear gloves and long sleeves! The leaves make excellent compost.

Retting Nettles

Retting the nettle stalks can be done in a few different ways. As with flax or hemp, nettle stalks could simply be laid on the ground for a couple of weeks. The morning dew and the soil microbes will break down the woody plant matter and dissolve the pectin and the lignin that make the fibers stiff and bind them to the stalk.

The process can be expedited by soaking the nettles in any large enough vessel such as a wheelbarrow, a kiddie pool, or livestock water tank. I soaked mine the way flax is traditionally retted in Finland: in a lake, weighed down by pieces of wood and held in place by the tall sedges.

When the plant matter starts to have that earthy smell of plant matter breaking down, i.e. rotting, it is time to remove them. This will take about a week.

Dry the Nettle Stalks

The next step is to dry the stalks completely. This can be done in the sun, in a greenhouse, or in a sauna if you have access to one.

Break the Dried-Up Nettle Stalks

At this point, the dried-up stalks will snap easily, and you should be able to extract the fibers from the woody stem. After some experimenting, you'll discover the best way to separate the fibers from the pith. If you squeeze the stalk flat until it splits, you can then run a thumb nail to lengthen the crack all the way to the end. Then it's easy to break a piece of the pith off and pull it away, extracting the fibers.

If working on a large scale, it would make sense to try the traditional equipment for processing flax, such as a scutching knife and a hackling board.

Carding or Hackling Nettle to Further Soften the Fibers

At the end of the extraction process, you'll have a bundle of wispy fibers. Some green plant matter (cellulose) from the nettle stalks will probably still adhere to some of the fibers. Again, traditionally a hackling board was used to soften the fibers. I used my hand carders for wool, combing the silvery green mass until the remaining chaff was removed.

Spinning Nettle Fiber

The final step is spinning the nettle fibers into thread. You don't need a spinning wheel; a drop spindle works fine as well.

The actual spinning of the nettle fibers is comparable to spinning flax: the fiber lacks the crimp of wool and is somewhat slippery as a result. However, nettle fiber can easily be blended with other natural fibers to make it easier.

Holding in your hands your first fibers harvested from the wild, from a plant that does not need any human input to thrive, is an empowering experience. If you're a spinner or a weaver, there's no end to the unique pieces you could create. Some people even say that the medicinal qualities of nettle are transferred to textiles created from them: a shawl woven out of nettle fiber, for example, will soothe aching necks and shoulders.

Rebecca Burgess, Fibershed: Growing a Movement of Farmers, Fashion Activists, and Makers for a New Textile Economy (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2019)

Mari Stuart lives in Asheville, N.C., where she stewards an urban homestead with her husband and daughter. She is a Certified Permaculture Designer and Teacher and a Certified Ecological Landscaper, who cofounded Project Grounded, an initiative that connects urban consumers to the regenerative agriculture movement through their daily choices. She is currently working to develop a pioneering community-supported carbon farming program in Western North Carolina.

All MOTHER EARTH NEWS community bloggers have agreed to follow our Blogging Guidelines, and they are responsible for the accuracy of their posts.
Resources

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Nettle Fiber Processing - Mother Earth News

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Anyone can learn the fairly straightforward nettle fiber processing of extracting fiber from the humble stinging nettle.

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Transform how students engage with coding and robotics while tackling climate change challenges. This all-in-one Climate Action Kit, powered by micro:bit, brings hands-on, standards-aligned learning to Irish classrooms. Perfect for students from primary to secondary levels, this kit provides everything needed to inspire the next generation of innovators.

The Climate Action Kit redefines coding and robotics education. It offers an engaging platform for students to delve into computer science and address real-world climate issues. The kit includes hardware, software, and a thoughtfully crafted curriculum, fostering STEM education under educator guidance. Microsoft's MakeCode provides a web-based coding interface, making it easy to switch between block-based and text-based programming.

Aligned with educational standards like NGSS, Common Core, and CSTA, the curriculum introduces climate change topics and their technological solutions, guiding students in coding and prototype development. The micro:bit device is central to this educational journey, ensuring hands-on learning experiences.

The Climate Action Kit is beginner-friendly and purpose-driven, engaging students and teachers alike. It supports continuous learning across multiple subjects and class levels, aligning with real United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to inspire students as future changemakers.

With the Climate Action Kit, students can embark on various projects, such as:

Building a windmill for renewable energy.

Creating a recycling sorter for waste management.
Forward Education, the developer behind the kit, offers customized classroom solutions, including professional development, technical support, and curriculum adjustments to fit the diverse needs of educators and students. Note: Each kit requires at least one micro:bit, available separately.

Intuitive Components: Building blocks, smart elements, and reversible connecting wires.

User-Friendly Programming: Block-based coding with micro:bit, accessible via Microsoft's MakeCode, supporting both Python and JavaScript.

Inclusive Design: Suitable for beginners and advanced learners, ensuring a low entry barrier with high learning potential.

Ready-to-Use Lessons: Standards-aligned, turnkey lessons designed for completion in a single session.

Comprehensive Kit: Combines components from smart vehicle, smart farming, and wind turbine kits.

Robotic Components:
1 Breakout board with battery

1 Moisture sensor

1 Touch sensor

1 Solar sensor

1 Sonar sensor

1 Infrared sensor with ball and caster

1 Rotary dial

1 LED light

2 Continuous servo motors

1 Positional servo motor

1 Water pump and tubing

Building Blocks:
1 Base plate

4 Long frames

6 Medium frames

4 Small frames

4 Thin frames

2 Circles

4 Cube connectors

4 Corner connectors

4 Back-to-back connectors

8 Component backing connectors

Additional Parts:
2 Long cable connectors

5 Short cable connectors

2 Cable extenders

2 Wheels

1 USB cable

1 Building block removal tool

1 Package of butterfly clips

1 Screwdriver

Getting started guide

The kit also includes online access to project-based lessons and educator curriculum courses.

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Empower your students to become climate champions! Download the Forward Education Climate Action Kit for engaging lessons, activities, and resources.

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Home - Wild Mushroom Foraging and Medicine with Courtney Tyler

"Offering experiences that grow your curiosity & connection with the wild through woodland walks. Come explore the alchemy of wild food, fungi & medicine."-Courtney

Hips and Haws Wildcrafts - Exploring the Alchemy of: Foraging. Fungi. Wild Food. Medicinal Mushrooms. Herbal Medicine. Fermentation. Safe mushroom ID skills.

Courtney lives in the stunning County Wicklow, Ireland, happiest surrounded by trees and observing the changing seasons. A keen forager, she spends much time wandering the hedgerows and forests for wild local food to preserve as food or medicine. Processing and transforming wild plants, roots, berries and fungi into herbal extracts, teas, salves, ferments and delicious food to share with her community.

Courtney delights in sharing her hard-won knowledge and experience that she has acquired, but more than anything prides herself in the ability to teach others about the magic of the natural world and how to feed and nourish our bodies and souls with these wild foods and in particular wild fungi.
The passion and enthusiasm with which Courtney shares this knowledge is infectious and clearly communicated, breaking down complex and often dry mycological or complex terminology into snippets of interesting facts and hands-on learning experiences.

A proud member of the Association of Foragers. Courtney can teach you to identify many edible, medicinal, toxic or deadly fungi and show you how to increase your knowledge and confidence step-by-step.

Ireland has an abundance of wild fungi that you can safely learn to identify and enjoy for its culinary properties, medicinal qualities or just to learn new skills or to deepen your connection to nature. You will learn how begin to safely identify mushrooms species and also discuss the medicinal qualities of mushrooms. The emphasis on her events is from a foraging perspective- however your interests may lie in many areas: from nature photography, nature connection, mycology, natural sciences, forestry, food, medicine- you will be most welcome. Courtney's workshops are inclusive and accessible.

Courtney shares her knowledge, skills and experience in foraging walks, workshops and events throughout Ireland and invited as a speaker in various seminars such as: The Radical Mycology Convergence 2022, Herb Feast 2019/ 2023, Fumbally Stables EAT:ITH, festivals etc.

"Courtney's passion, knowledge and her ability to clearly explain and share the excitement and to re-kindle the reconnection to the wild around and within us is what you can expect if you join her on one of her events."

You can book into events at this link: Read the reviews from past participants here: You can hear her interview on Welcome to Mushroom Hour Podcast here: https://hipsandhawswildcrafts.clr.events/

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Hips and Haws Wildcrafts - Mushroom Foraging, Wild Food, Medicinal Mushrooms - Wild Food Alchemy and Herbal Medicine

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Courtney Tyler of Hips and Haws Wildcrafts offers workshops and events in Mushroom Foraging, Wild Food, Medicinal Mushrooms and teaches people about how to use traditional skills to transform their health, spirits and souls with the alchemy of wild food as medicine.

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This glow salt circuit project is a fun STEAM activity that involves electrical circuits, the science of glow and art. Three of our pillars of STEAM! Excellent for elementary and middle grade students, this project is a HUGE hit with kids.

Simple Circuit Activity for Kids

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My kids love building circuits. There is something incredibly satisfying about building a creation that actually lights up. It always results in squeals of delight and a great sense of accomplishment.

This project is also just challenging enough to really get kids using their critical thinking skills and problem solving skills to get their circuit to work. And the glow? That is just a really awesome bonus!

Last time we did this project, we created a rainbow salt circuit. It was absolutely beautiful and inspired by the amazing book STEAM, Play, Learn. This time we wanted a bit more of a spooky and eerie feel.

Glow Salt Circuit Supplies

1 large sheet of paper, tray or some type of protective covering for the table
1 sheet coloured construction paper
Table salt
2 Paperclips
Alligator clips
Double AA battery pack (or we linked two singles because that is what we had on hand)
LED bulbs
Elmers Glow in the Dark Glue
Scissors
Markers (optional)
Elmer's Glow-in-the-Dark Liquid Glue, Great For Making Slime, Washable, Assorted Colors, 5 Ounces Each, 4 Count SE TL10 10-Piece Test Lead Set with Alligator Clips GFORTUN 2PCS Black Plastic 2 x 1.5V AA Battery Box Case Cell Holder Spring Clip Wire Leads DiCUNO 450pcs(5 Colors x 90pcs) 5mm LED Light Emitting Diode Round Assorted Color White/Red/Yellow/Green/Blue Kit Box
Check out this Step-By-Step Video

Sometimes it is easier to see the process for making these circuits. So we have put together a quick visual of the process. See the write up below for details on each step. If you can't see our video, please ensure your adblockers are turned off, as they also block our video feed.

Building a Glow-In-The-Dark Salt Circuit

Start by preparing your surface by covering it with a sheet of paper, tray or plastic sheet. Things are going to get a little messy!

Now test your LED and make sure it works. These little LED bulbs are known for being flaky, so always check before you start to ensure your bulb is working. Do this by hooking up the light bulb to your battery pack.

Take a sheet of construction paper and cut it in half. Place it down with about 2 cm between the sheets.

You can draw your design first or just free hand it with the glue bottle. The choice is yours. We went with a pumpkin design and I added eyes and a mouth in the middle with a marker. Next time I would probably add glue here so it all glows when I turn off the lights.

The design must start at the bottom middle and end at the top middle. At all four end points make the glue a little extra thick. Don't worry about making the lines too thick at this point, but you do need a nice solid line.

Place the two paperclips on both of the bottom middle end points. Make sure it settles nicely into the glue.

Now attach your battery pack using alligator clips. This is a great time to talk about the positive and negative terminals. See if your child can keep track of the positives and negatives to ensure they are always linking opposites (we explored this concept in our battery building projects with a potato battery and a pumpkin battery). For this activity you don't want to link positive to positive or negative to negative. If your circuit doesn't work, it is likely that you have reversed one of these connections.

Pro Tip! The longer leg on your LED bulb is the positive.

The next step is to place your LED light bulb. Stretch the pin legs out so it is doing "the splits" then gently place it so it crosses the top middle end points and each leg is nicely set in the glue.

Now to power up our circuit! Sprinkle the glue liberally with salt. If it doesn't immediately light the bulb, no worries. Take your glue bottle and add another layer of glue to thicken up your glue lines. Then sprinkle with salt again. Your bulb will light up!

Pro Tip! The bulb is not really bright. Under my studio lights it was very hard to tell that it was even turning on. I had to turn off my lights to see that it was working.

Turn off all the lights and see your circuit glowing and light bulbs turned on!

We tested our circuit by adding extra light bulbs. We had 3 lights lit up!

What To Do If Your Salt Circuit Doesn't Work

As you can see, this is a very simple and easy circuit activity. That doesn't mean it will work without applying some problem solving and critical thinking skills. Inquiry based learning is one of the most important parts of any STEM project. Remember, mistakes are how we learn!

If your light is not turning on, try these steps to problem solve your circuit:

Did you confirm your light bulb and batteries work before you started?

Add more glue and salt to the whole line of your circuit. Repeat a few times and ensure there are no thin spots.

Check to make sure your alligator clips are on properly.

Check your LED pin legs and paperclips, ensure they are fully submersed in the glue.

Is your circuit built correctly? Remember we need positive to negatives. Is your bulb in backwards?

Is your glue drying? Make sure your glue is nice and wet!

Is the room too bright and you simply didn't notice your bulb is actually on? (I made this mistake, oops!)

Learn more about Glow in the Dark with all of our amazing Glow in the Dark Activities.
The Science Behind Glow Salt Circuits

We have two types of science at work here, the science behind the glow and the science behind the electrical circuit.

The Elmers Glow In The Dark Glue glows thanks to a process called luminescence which is caused by chemicals called luminescent phosphors in the glue. For this glow to work it needs to charge in the light. You will have the brightest glow when you first turn off the lights, then it will fade. You can "recharge" the glow simply by turning on the lights again for a minute.

The science behind the salt electrical circuit is quite fascinating. Salt and water is very conductive. You need to add salt to your glue (which has water in it) so the electrical current can travel from your battery pack, along your circuit, eventually turning on your LED light. The current travels from salt molecule to salt molecule, and works best if the salt is quite wet. This is why I like to place a line of glue, then add salt, then cover the salty line with another layer of glue with a bit more salt. It all helps move that current along to it's destination - the LED!

Have fun building circuits and exploring this fascinating STEM project.

MORE STEM ACTIVITIES

Glow Salt Circuit - STEM Activity

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Glow Salt Circuit - Light Up Learning With Glow in the Dark Circuits

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This glow salt circuit project is a fun STEAM activity that involves electrical circuits, the science of glow and art. Three of our pillars of STEAM! Excellent for elementary and middle grade students, this project is a HUGE hit with kids. Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links.

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This glow salt circuit project is a fun STEAM activity that involves electrical circuits, the science of glow and art. Three of our pillars of STEAM! Excellent for elementary and middle grade students, this project is a HUGE hit with kids.

Simple Circuit Activity for Kids

Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Not seeing our videos? Turn off any adblockers to ensure our video feed can be seen. Or visit our YouTube channel to see if the video has been uploaded there. We are slowly uploading our archives. Thanks!

My kids love building circuits. There is something incredibly satisfying about building a creation that actually lights up. It always results in squeals of delight and a great sense of accomplishment.

This project is also just challenging enough to really get kids using their critical thinking skills and problem solving skills to get their circuit to work. And the glow? That is just a really awesome bonus!

Last time we did this project, we created a rainbow salt circuit. It was absolutely beautiful and inspired by the amazing book STEAM, Play, Learn. This time we wanted a bit more of a spooky and eerie feel.

Glow Salt Circuit Supplies

1 large sheet of paper, tray or some type of protective covering for the table
1 sheet coloured construction paper
Table salt
2 Paperclips
Alligator clips
Double AA battery pack (or we linked two singles because that is what we had on hand)
LED bulbs
Elmers Glow in the Dark Glue
Scissors
Markers (optional)
Elmer's Glow-in-the-Dark Liquid Glue, Great For Making Slime, Washable, Assorted Colors, 5 Ounces Each, 4 Count SE TL10 10-Piece Test Lead Set with Alligator Clips GFORTUN 2PCS Black Plastic 2 x 1.5V AA Battery Box Case Cell Holder Spring Clip Wire Leads DiCUNO 450pcs(5 Colors x 90pcs) 5mm LED Light Emitting Diode Round Assorted Color White/Red/Yellow/Green/Blue Kit Box
Check out this Step-By-Step Video

Sometimes it is easier to see the process for making these circuits. So we have put together a quick visual of the process. See the write up below for details on each step. If you can't see our video, please ensure your adblockers are turned off, as they also block our video feed.

Building a Glow-In-The-Dark Salt Circuit

Start by preparing your surface by covering it with a sheet of paper, tray or plastic sheet. Things are going to get a little messy!

Now test your LED and make sure it works. These little LED bulbs are known for being flaky, so always check before you start to ensure your bulb is working. Do this by hooking up the light bulb to your battery pack.

Take a sheet of construction paper and cut it in half. Place it down with about 2 cm between the sheets.

You can draw your design first or just free hand it with the glue bottle. The choice is yours. We went with a pumpkin design and I added eyes and a mouth in the middle with a marker. Next time I would probably add glue here so it all glows when I turn off the lights.

The design must start at the bottom middle and end at the top middle. At all four end points make the glue a little extra thick. Don't worry about making the lines too thick at this point, but you do need a nice solid line.

Place the two paperclips on both of the bottom middle end points. Make sure it settles nicely into the glue.

Now attach your battery pack using alligator clips. This is a great time to talk about the positive and negative terminals. See if your child can keep track of the positives and negatives to ensure they are always linking opposites (we explored this concept in our battery building projects with a potato battery and a pumpkin battery). For this activity you don't want to link positive to positive or negative to negative. If your circuit doesn't work, it is likely that you have reversed one of these connections.

Pro Tip! The longer leg on your LED bulb is the positive.

The next step is to place your LED light bulb. Stretch the pin legs out so it is doing "the splits" then gently place it so it crosses the top middle end points and each leg is nicely set in the glue.

Now to power up our circuit! Sprinkle the glue liberally with salt. If it doesn't immediately light the bulb, no worries. Take your glue bottle and add another layer of glue to thicken up your glue lines. Then sprinkle with salt again. Your bulb will light up!

Pro Tip! The bulb is not really bright. Under my studio lights it was very hard to tell that it was even turning on. I had to turn off my lights to see that it was working.

Turn off all the lights and see your circuit glowing and light bulbs turned on!

We tested our circuit by adding extra light bulbs. We had 3 lights lit up!

What To Do If Your Salt Circuit Doesn't Work

As you can see, this is a very simple and easy circuit activity. That doesn't mean it will work without applying some problem solving and critical thinking skills. Inquiry based learning is one of the most important parts of any STEM project. Remember, mistakes are how we learn!

If your light is not turning on, try these steps to problem solve your circuit:

Did you confirm your light bulb and batteries work before you started?

Add more glue and salt to the whole line of your circuit. Repeat a few times and ensure there are no thin spots.

Check to make sure your alligator clips are on properly.

Check your LED pin legs and paperclips, ensure they are fully submersed in the glue.

Is your circuit built correctly? Remember we need positive to negatives. Is your bulb in backwards?

Is your glue drying? Make sure your glue is nice and wet!

Is the room too bright and you simply didn't notice your bulb is actually on? (I made this mistake, oops!)

Learn more about Glow in the Dark with all of our amazing Glow in the Dark Activities.
The Science Behind Glow Salt Circuits

We have two types of science at work here, the science behind the glow and the science behind the electrical circuit.

The Elmers Glow In The Dark Glue glows thanks to a process called luminescence which is caused by chemicals called luminescent phosphors in the glue. For this glow to work it needs to charge in the light. You will have the brightest glow when you first turn off the lights, then it will fade. You can "recharge" the glow simply by turning on the lights again for a minute.

The science behind the salt electrical circuit is quite fascinating. Salt and water is very conductive. You need to add salt to your glue (which has water in it) so the electrical current can travel from your battery pack, along your circuit, eventually turning on your LED light. The current travels from salt molecule to salt molecule, and works best if the salt is quite wet. This is why I like to place a line of glue, then add salt, then cover the salty line with another layer of glue with a bit more salt. It all helps move that current along to it's destination - the LED!

Have fun building circuits and exploring this fascinating STEM project.

MORE STEM ACTIVITIES

Glow Salt Circuit - STEM Activity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Glow Salt Circuit - Light Up Learning With Glow in the Dark Circuits

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This glow salt circuit project is a fun STEAM activity that involves electrical circuits, the science of glow and art. Three of our pillars of STEAM! Excellent for elementary and middle grade students, this project is a HUGE hit with kids. Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This glow salt circuit project is a fun STEAM activity that involves electrical circuits, the science of glow and art. Three of our pillars of STEAM! Excellent for elementary and middle grade students, this project is a HUGE hit with kids.

Simple Circuit Activity for Kids

Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Not seeing our videos? Turn off any adblockers to ensure our video feed can be seen. Or visit our YouTube channel to see if the video has been uploaded there. We are slowly uploading our archives. Thanks!

My kids love building circuits. There is something incredibly satisfying about building a creation that actually lights up. It always results in squeals of delight and a great sense of accomplishment.

This project is also just challenging enough to really get kids using their critical thinking skills and problem solving skills to get their circuit to work. And the glow? That is just a really awesome bonus!

Last time we did this project, we created a rainbow salt circuit. It was absolutely beautiful and inspired by the amazing book STEAM, Play, Learn. This time we wanted a bit more of a spooky and eerie feel.

Glow Salt Circuit Supplies

1 large sheet of paper, tray or some type of protective covering for the table
1 sheet coloured construction paper
Table salt
2 Paperclips
Alligator clips
Double AA battery pack (or we linked two singles because that is what we had on hand)
LED bulbs
Elmers Glow in the Dark Glue
Scissors
Markers (optional)
Elmer's Glow-in-the-Dark Liquid Glue, Great For Making Slime, Washable, Assorted Colors, 5 Ounces Each, 4 Count SE TL10 10-Piece Test Lead Set with Alligator Clips GFORTUN 2PCS Black Plastic 2 x 1.5V AA Battery Box Case Cell Holder Spring Clip Wire Leads DiCUNO 450pcs(5 Colors x 90pcs) 5mm LED Light Emitting Diode Round Assorted Color White/Red/Yellow/Green/Blue Kit Box
Check out this Step-By-Step Video

Sometimes it is easier to see the process for making these circuits. So we have put together a quick visual of the process. See the write up below for details on each step. If you can't see our video, please ensure your adblockers are turned off, as they also block our video feed.

Building a Glow-In-The-Dark Salt Circuit

Start by preparing your surface by covering it with a sheet of paper, tray or plastic sheet. Things are going to get a little messy!

Now test your LED and make sure it works. These little LED bulbs are known for being flaky, so always check before you start to ensure your bulb is working. Do this by hooking up the light bulb to your battery pack.

Take a sheet of construction paper and cut it in half. Place it down with about 2 cm between the sheets.

You can draw your design first or just free hand it with the glue bottle. The choice is yours. We went with a pumpkin design and I added eyes and a mouth in the middle with a marker. Next time I would probably add glue here so it all glows when I turn off the lights.

The design must start at the bottom middle and end at the top middle. At all four end points make the glue a little extra thick. Don't worry about making the lines too thick at this point, but you do need a nice solid line.

Place the two paperclips on both of the bottom middle end points. Make sure it settles nicely into the glue.

Now attach your battery pack using alligator clips. This is a great time to talk about the positive and negative terminals. See if your child can keep track of the positives and negatives to ensure they are always linking opposites (we explored this concept in our battery building projects with a potato battery and a pumpkin battery). For this activity you don't want to link positive to positive or negative to negative. If your circuit doesn't work, it is likely that you have reversed one of these connections.

Pro Tip! The longer leg on your LED bulb is the positive.

The next step is to place your LED light bulb. Stretch the pin legs out so it is doing "the splits" then gently place it so it crosses the top middle end points and each leg is nicely set in the glue.

Now to power up our circuit! Sprinkle the glue liberally with salt. If it doesn't immediately light the bulb, no worries. Take your glue bottle and add another layer of glue to thicken up your glue lines. Then sprinkle with salt again. Your bulb will light up!

Pro Tip! The bulb is not really bright. Under my studio lights it was very hard to tell that it was even turning on. I had to turn off my lights to see that it was working.

Turn off all the lights and see your circuit glowing and light bulbs turned on!

We tested our circuit by adding extra light bulbs. We had 3 lights lit up!

What To Do If Your Salt Circuit Doesn't Work

As you can see, this is a very simple and easy circuit activity. That doesn't mean it will work without applying some problem solving and critical thinking skills. Inquiry based learning is one of the most important parts of any STEM project. Remember, mistakes are how we learn!

If your light is not turning on, try these steps to problem solve your circuit:

Did you confirm your light bulb and batteries work before you started?

Add more glue and salt to the whole line of your circuit. Repeat a few times and ensure there are no thin spots.

Check to make sure your alligator clips are on properly.

Check your LED pin legs and paperclips, ensure they are fully submersed in the glue.

Is your circuit built correctly? Remember we need positive to negatives. Is your bulb in backwards?

Is your glue drying? Make sure your glue is nice and wet!

Is the room too bright and you simply didn't notice your bulb is actually on? (I made this mistake, oops!)

Learn more about Glow in the Dark with all of our amazing Glow in the Dark Activities.
The Science Behind Glow Salt Circuits

We have two types of science at work here, the science behind the glow and the science behind the electrical circuit.

The Elmers Glow In The Dark Glue glows thanks to a process called luminescence which is caused by chemicals called luminescent phosphors in the glue. For this glow to work it needs to charge in the light. You will have the brightest glow when you first turn off the lights, then it will fade. You can "recharge" the glow simply by turning on the lights again for a minute.

The science behind the salt electrical circuit is quite fascinating. Salt and water is very conductive. You need to add salt to your glue (which has water in it) so the electrical current can travel from your battery pack, along your circuit, eventually turning on your LED light. The current travels from salt molecule to salt molecule, and works best if the salt is quite wet. This is why I like to place a line of glue, then add salt, then cover the salty line with another layer of glue with a bit more salt. It all helps move that current along to it's destination - the LED!

Have fun building circuits and exploring this fascinating STEM project.

MORE STEM ACTIVITIES

Glow Salt Circuit - STEM Activity

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Glow Salt Circuit - Light Up Learning With Glow in the Dark Circuits

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This glow salt circuit project is a fun STEAM activity that involves electrical circuits, the science of glow and art. Three of our pillars of STEAM! Excellent for elementary and middle grade students, this project is a HUGE hit with kids. Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links.

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Easy Thaumatrope Ideas for Kids - An Optical Illusions Project

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Learn how to make a Thaumatrope with our easy Thaumatrope ideas and free templates. Students learn about engineering, science, art and more.

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Earth Day is coming up on April 22, but all year round we love to celebrate planet Earth. In this STEM project we challenge students to apply some creativity and technology skills, to create informative stop motion animation videos about Earth Day and planet Earth. This is a fun and innovative way to have students demonstrate their knowledge of the Earth, but also show off their STEM and technology skills in a creative way.

Earth Day Stop Motion Animation Project

Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases.
Not seeing our videos? Turn off any adblockers to ensure our video feed can be seen. Or visit our YouTube channel to see if the video has been uploaded there. We are slowly uploading our archives. Thanks!

Earth Day STEM Activity

Every April 22nd since 1970 we come together to celebrate this amazing planet where we get to live. Earth day is a chance for us to raise awareness about how we can help keep the earth healthy. From recycling to replanting, there are a lot of different ways that we can make sure that our planet lasts long after we have gone.

One sure way to ensure the planet's safety is to teach our children about the earth and encourage them to make the effort to keep working each day to do their part. Sometimes the best way to make a lasting impression is to incorporate learning with a fun earth day activity.

STEM projects are always a hit, so for Earth Day we decided to use Stop Motion Animation to educate and challenge the kids. Stop motion animation is incredibly engaging and fosters creativity because animation encourages you to tell a story. In this activity we challenge kids to make a video to illustrate their understanding about Earth Day.

Stop Motion STEM Project

Stop motion animation is really cool! It uses a series of still pictures with slight changes between each photo frame. When these pictures are strung together and played quickly they give the illusion of movement.

There are several types of stop motion that you may have seen and that are simple for kids:

Claymation which is making the animations with clay models and scenery.

Object motion which like it sounds makes animations from moving objects ranging from toy trucks to lego figures. You can also use special figures designed for stop motion.

Cut out animation where you use flat cutouts to make an animation.

Digital stop motion, where you use digital images to create animation videos.

Earth Day Stop Motion Ideas for Kids

In this Stop Motion STEM project we are focusing on the theme of Earth Day. Some ideas for Stop Motion projects could be:

Challenge students to create an Earth Day PSA (public service announcement) encouraging people to make smart choices when caring for the Earth,

Make a layers of the earth science explanation

Demonstrate how a seed grows into a plant.

Make an animated model of the water cycle.

Create an informative animation about the Greenhouse Effect.

Whatever inspires your student and makes them passionate about caring for the Earth! The possibilities are endless.

Stop Motion Technology

There are super simple stop motion tools that can be found on the web or app stores:

Personally, I like to introduce the concepts and methods of stop motion on Google Slides. You can use the Google Slides App on IOS or Android, or the Google Slides desktop version.

For this activity we used Google Slides on desktop. It's a very simple and straightforward program that is web-based, saves your work as you go, and lets you flip through frames easily to see your progress.

So how can you make a stop motion video?

Start simple - to understand the way that stop motion works start by making it with just a shape that you can move and manipulate. You can do this digitally by making small changes. If you are using figures, toys, paper or clay/playdough, ensure you are making small adjustments before taking each picture. You will end up with a LOT of pictures. But the more pictures you have, with small changes in each picture, the smoother your final project will be.

As you prepare to create each image, make sure you duplicate or copy each slide or frame and then make tiny movements or changes to capture the next image. The changes you make to your pictures need to be small in each slide to make the animation fluid.

How to Make Stop Motion with Google Slides

Note: To access Google Slides you will need a google account. You can sign up free at slides.google.com and click create account.
Watch this video to see a screen capture showing all the steps. If you can't see the video, ensure your adblockers are disabled.
STEP 1:

Once in Google Slides click BLANK

STEP 2:

On slide one you wil see title and subtitle boxes, click CTRL+A to select all and DELETE to clear the slide so it's blank.

STEP 3:

In the tools menu click SHAPE TOOL and choose a shape to make your animation.

Click anywhere in your open space and drag down to make the shape the size that you want. You can use the fill tool if you want to change the color of your shape. To fill you must choose the shape by clicking on it, when it's ready it will have blue tool bars like the ones below.

STEP 4:

Next step, you need to duplicate slide. In the tool menu click SLIDE>Duplicate Slide, this action will make an exact copy for you. On the second slide you can either resize or move the object or both.

STEP 5:

Repeat Step 4 for as many times as you would like to complete your animation. The more slides you have the longer your animation will be. You can test to see how your animation is coming along is by clicking the slide previews on the left and using the up and down arrows on your keyboard to flip quickly through the slides and get an idea of how it is coming.

STEP 6:

When you're done. Click the file menu on the left and scroll down to PUBLISH TO THE WEB. In the window that pops up change the AUTO ADVANCE SLIDES to every second, check the two boxes below to start automatically and restart slideshow after it's done so it will play in a loop. Next, click into the box with the animation link and use CTRL+C to copy it.

STEP 7:

Click into a new internet tab and paste that link. At the end of that link is the number 3000, click at the end of the link and backspace over the last zero. Then press ENTER and watch it go!

How to Make A Stop Motion Animation with App

If you would like to try one of the apps like Stop Motion there are a couple of steps you should take to ensure that your animation is nice and smooth.

One is to find something to hold your camera very still. Keeping the camera in one position will keep the animation steady and smooth. You can use a tripod or something similar but you don't need anything fancy, you can set it on top of a stack of books if you're shooting down toward a table, prop it up against something if you're shooting straight ahead, or you can make part of the project engineering a stand that will be able to hold the device in place while you create your animation.

You will also want to think about your background, if you're shooting clay figures or toys or legos you will want to set up or draw a background that will make your animation look more realistic.

Once you're ready the animation process is similar.

STEP 1:

Open the app (I am going to use Stop Motion) and choose NEW MOVIE. The app will give you examples and videos to give you hints and tricks along the way.

STEP 2:

Click the plus sign on the left side to add photos and get started. Take your first photo.

STEP 3:

Move your objects. Remember, the smaller the movements the better.

STEP 4:

Repeat until you're done with your movie - the more slides, the longer the movie. You can use the onion skin slider on the left hand side of the screen to see the transition from frame to frame or press play to see the animation so far!

That's it - you can make your movie as simple or as complicated as you want. Once the kids have the hang of how it works their imaginations go wild! Go and have fun exploring all of the possibilities that stop motion offers!

MORE STEM PROJECT IDEAS FOR KIDS

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Celebrate Earth Day with a Stop Motion Animation project for students. Kids share their love of Earth and tech skills in this STEM Project.

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Innovative and Inclusive Teaching Approaches in STEM subjects in Post-Primary Schools

Partners
The Gaiety School of Acting Trinity Access (TCD, Ireland ) St Joseph's post-primary school in Rush County Dublin DIAK the Applied Science University Helsinki Varsztatovnia, an arts advocacy organisation in Warsaw Piter Jelles Leeuwarder Lyceum in Holland Jezioranski Liceum in Warsaw
Duration
"At the moment, Europe faces a shortfall in science-knowledgeable people at all levels of society and the economy. Over the last decades, there has been an increase in the numbers of students leaving formal education with science qualifications. But, there has not been a parallel rise in the numbers interested in pursuing science related careers nor have we witnessed enhanced science-based innovation or any increase in entrepreneurship. Science education research, innovation and practices must become more responsive to the needs and ambitions of society and reflect its values. They should reflect the science that citizens and society need and support people of all ages and talents in developing positive attitudes to science. "(REPORT EU COMMISSION 2015)
The I-Stem project is created to combat early drop-outs and social exclusion. Through innovative approaches, students and teachers will have the opportunity to explore and experience a programme that can advance the innovation of teaching STEM and modernise STEM education in post-primary schools . The performing arts technique of playful thinking allows one to step outside the box of logical thinking and create alternative logic that can assist in creativity. This teaching mechanism provides students with the opportunity to engage the mind and body into a collaborative expression. The project will allow students to discover their own voices, grow in confidence, and develop curiosity and ethical insight into the contradictions and paradoxes of the human condition (science identity).

I-STEM is based on the professional collaboration between universities, science experts, performing arts industry professionals, post-primary school teachers and young people. This project will offer innovative ways to make education in these subjects more engaging to students of post-primary schools. It will develop novel concepts to actively integrate young students in science education using a contest -based approach, creating self-produced digital animations, from young people for young people. The educational approaches will contribute to fostering students' motivation towards science learning and strengthen the transversal competences they will need for STEM and other careers. They will also reflect on their own roles in the interaction between science and society, and the values embedded in Responsible Research and Innovation. For teachers the I-STEM project will offer a range of teaching techniques, tools and tips on how to support inclusive teaching in STEM Disciplines.

The overall aim of the Outputs is to provide appropriate tools to science teachers that will allow them to develop cross-disciplinary skills such as communication and engagement skills, team working, and a more holistic and interdisciplinary understanding of research, including Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) values and social inclusion.

Objectives

1. To develop an E-Book which will offer an overview of aspects identified as innovative and creative in improving Inclusive Teaching in STEM Disciplines

2. To create Byte- Size Masterclasses for teachers on improving communication skills in teaching STEM subjects - The statistics show a historical problem with the way STEM subjects have been taught with 52% of students agreeing that the way the subjects were taught was off-putting to them. The aim is to transform both the teachers' and learners' experiences with STEM and to create an inclusive atmosphere in the classroom. The humorous-discourse techniques will equip teachers with innovative teaching approaches.

To design and develop teaching scenarios on how to implement the "I-STEM" educational programme. The handbook will provide step-by-step guidelines on how to use improvisation techniques and techniques to support the learning of STEM subjects. The core aim for scenarios will be to promote:

Gender equality (LGBTQI+)

Collaboration

Inclusion

Civic competences (active citizenship)

Combating early school dropouts

Boosting skills and employability

Modernising education

The digital element (animation) will represent a form of celebration and self-promotion for students. It will promote the importance of collaboration and inclusion in schools.The project will offer mobility for partnering schools to collaborate on creating these student animations.

Sharing Knowledge will combine all the research and evaluations of all the Outputs developed. It will serve as the platform for teachers/educators/researchers for accessing evaluation tools developed specifically to measure the products of these cross-disciplinary projects developed for the purpose of modernising education.

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ISTEM Innovative and Inclusive Teaching Approaches in STEM subjects in Post-Primary Schools Partners The Gaiety School of Acting Trinity Access (TCD, Ireland ) St Joseph's post-primary school in Rush County Dublin DIAK the Applied Science University Helsinki Varsztatovnia, an arts advocacy organisation in Warsaw Piter Jelles Leeuwarder Lyceum in Holland Jezioranski Liceum in Warsaw [...]

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Dublin based studio specialising in Projection Mapping, Motion Graphics, Immersive and Interactive design.

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a dedicated device designed to play back your MadMapper setups

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a dedicated device designed to play back your MadMapper setups

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dublin electronics parts accessories workshop supplies tools supplier

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Gleanntronics.ie based on IdoSell - the best online selling solutions for your e-store (www.idosell.com/shop).

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Gleanntronics.ie - Your Electronics Supplier - All Irish Stock!

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Main page - Your Electronics Supplier - All Irish Stock!

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Discover Velleman and Kitronik Electronic Equipment, Designed for Your Needs

We are authorised Irish Distributors for Velleman and Kitronik products. If you need larger quantities than we have in stock of Kitronik or Velleman products, please email us your requirements.

Take a look at Kitronik's and Velleman's websites and, if you see something there that we do not stock, please feel free to email us for prices and delivery times.

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Quality Electronic Products | Kits & Tools | Irish Electronics

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Whether looking for electronic components or kits, we have the electronic products to suit you in our online store. We even stock Velleman & Kitronik products.

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STEM Lessons for Educators – NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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Explore standards-aligned lessons from NASA-JPL in science, technology, engineering and math for students for grades K-12. Engage students in NASA missions exploring Earth and space.

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Welcome to the SG Education online store

SG Education specialises in rapid delivery of a huge range of school and educational supplies, despatched countrywide from our warehouse in Sligo. We are leading suppliers in the following subjects: Design and Communication Graphics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Art & Crafts. We are the exclusive Irish Agents for Daydream Education, the no.1 educational wallchart manufacturer in the UK.SG Education are the Irish distributors for VEX Robotics and many other premium brands, as well as having our own SG Education branded range of products. We are leading the way in STEAM education products including our new innovative SG Makerspace furniture.

School or Business account? Please login to My Account above, or contact us for your login details.
We look forward to hearing from you.Call us on 071 9153810

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SG Education | Arts, Crafts & Educational Supplier | Shop Online or in-Store. SG Education | Arts, Crafts & Educational Supplier | Shop Online or in-Store

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April 2024 Editor's Pick

Students reinforce their knowledge that DNA is the genetic material for all living things by modeling it using toothpicks and gumdrops that represent the four biochemicals (adenine, thiamine, guanine, and cytosine) that pair with each other in a specific pattern, making ...

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Ignite STEM learning in K-12 - TeachEngineering

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Free, K-12, NGSS standards-aligned STEM lessons and hands-on activities for teaching elementary, middle and high school science, engineering design and math. Search by concepts or specific Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to Ignite STEM learning in K-12.

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Simple machines are basic devices that help accomplish physical tasks with few or no moving parts. The six most common simple machines - inclined plane, wedge, screw, lever, pulley and wheel-and-axle - are designed to change the magnitude/direction of the force (remember, work = force x distance), ultimately making the task easier to perform.

The six most common simple machines

Pulley

A grooved circular disk (or disks) that guide a rope or cable pulled around its perimeter. With a single pulley engineers can change the direction of an applied force, such as pulling a rope down to lift a weight up. However, using a combination of pulleys in a pulley system can change both the amount and direction of the applied effort. Engineers design large machines, like cranes, bulldozers and elevators, with a system of pulleys to manipulate huge loads with a little force supplied by a relatively small motor.

Screw

An inclined plane that is wrapped around a cylinder. Engineers use screws in a variety of ways, including fasteners that are used to attach wood or metal; lifting screws that are used to lift heavy objects and dig holes; and bolts that are used with nuts to keep things together.

Lever

A long beam that rests on a point or support called a fulcrum. By positioning the fulcrum close to a heavy object and applying an effort from far away, levers can be used to lift enormous loads with ease. The object being moved by the lever is often called the load, or output force, while the force applied to the lever is called the effort, or input force. Crowbars are a commonly-used lever that help workers and carpenters easily extract nails from wood.

Wedge

An object that tapers to a thin edge and forces a substance apart. It can be used to split things apart, such as an ax, or to hold things, such as a doorstop. Engineers design modern cars and jets using the principle of a wedge to help them cut through the air by including a pointed wedge at the front.

Wheel & Axle

Composed of a circular wheel directly connected to a circular shaft or axle, this device rotates around the common axis and has the ability to increase a rotational force instead of a linear force. Engineers commonly refer to a rotational force as torque and use this simple machine to design and create the steering wheel, jet engine, mechanical gears, and even doorknobs.

Inclined Plane

A flat, sloping surface that is used for raising or moving heavy objects from one place to another. Inclined planes are used to lift loads that would otherwise be too heavy to lift straight up. The angle or the steepness of the inclined plane determines how much effort is required to move an object. The steeper the angle, the more effort is required. We see inclined planes used in ramps and switchback roads.

The simple machines used by ancient engineers to construct the pyramids in Egypt and the Colosseum in Rome are the same ones used by engineers today to build roller-coasters, skyscrapers and bridges in our modern world. We encounter simple machines in our everyday lives in devices like crowbars, wheelbarrows and highway ramps.

These simple machines leverage the unique phenomenon of mechanical advantage of the design and then engineers combine multiple simple machines to create more advanced tools like cars, bicycles, medical devices and 3D printers.

Check out the resources below filled with various sensemaking tasks grounded in exploring everyday phenomena through the use of simple machines!

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Popular Topics: Simple Machines - Check out the resources below filled with various sensemaking tasks grounded in exploring everyday phenomena through the use of simple machines!

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Science Fair Project Ideas, Answers, & Tools

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Free Topic Selection Wizard, science fair project ideas, step by step how to do a science fair project, Ask an Expert discussion board, and science fair tips for success.

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Make Create Innovate | STEAM Education | Makerspaces

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Make Create Innovate | STEAM Education | Makerspaces

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We are experts in STEAM education and maker education practices. Our workshops are hands-on, working with creative technologies to explore learning. At the heart of our work is our commitment to designing innovative education programmes that promote creativity, engagement and learning diversity. We

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KinderuniWienOnline - Kinderbüro Universität Wien gGmbH

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kinderuni.online bietet Videos, Podcasts, Artikel und Infografiken von Wissenschafter*innen für Kinder - kombiniert mit Rätselspaß! Das Angebot ist kostenlos, ganzjährig verfügbar und für nach einem Login für alle zugänglich und offen.

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In today's rapidly evolving world, advances in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) play a crucial role in shaping our future. Every time you turn on the news, there is inevitably some new STEM advancement being talked about. From developing groundbreaking technologies to addressing global challenges like climate change to medical advances in healthcare, STEM is at the heart of innovation and progress. So let's take a moment today to recognize the incredible contributions of women who have shaped these fields. Celebrating their achievements not only honors their legacy but also inspires the next generation of women to pursue careers in STEM.

My Journey as a Woman in STEM

Many moons ago, I started on my own education and career in the STEM field. I started in computer sciences (I LOVED programming and computers!), before deciding I wanted to focus instead on Environmental Sciences. Back then, the environment was not something many people were talking about (this was 30 years ago!), but it was something I was very passionate about! I wanted to work on preserving habitats and protecting wildlife. So I went to University to get a degree in Environmental Sciences.

What I found interesting, is that in both of those fields of study, environmental sciences and computer sciences, I was surrounded by men. There were very, very few women in my classes. But I didn't let it dissuade me! When I set my mind to something nothing was going to stop me... until something did.

Due to some major health issues, I was advised that I needed to change career paths. The field work that would have been required to complete my Environmental Sciences degree was simply not going to be safe for me. So I moved into the field of research psychology, eventually graduating with a BSc Psychology Specialization degree. What was interesting? There were a lot more women in psychology, including my mentor.

Although it wasn't something I focused on, I definitely noticed the gender gaps.

That is just a brief snapshot of my early years as a woman in different STEM education fields. I feel passionately about supporting all students to explore STEM fields, hence why I started STEAM Powered Family, but in particular women and other minorities. We want all of these incredible minds working on the problems tackled by these fields of study. So let's dive in and learn more about women in STEM.

What is STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Instead of working silos, STEM brings these fields together, because in the real world they work together to drive advancements that improve our quality of life and expand our understanding of the universe. STEM education encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, skills that are vital in today's societies.
Learn more about STEM and STEAM in this deep dive resource we developed.
Why Study Women in STEM?

Today we are taking a moment to highlight the work of just a few women who have significantly contributed to the world of STEM. Why do we want to do this? There are a few different reasons.

Women are underrepresented in STEM Fields, despite significant progress over the years, but especially since I was in university. As I discovered first hand, the numbers vary across disciplines and around the world, but there is still a major gender gap.

We want to inspire and encourage unique minds and perspectives in these fields. By highlighting the achievements of women in STEM, we can provide role models for young girls, showing them that they too can excel in these fields.

Diversity and uniqueness helps to drive creativity and innovation. That is why we need to encourage people from all walks of life to explore their aptitudes in these fields. That way we can get truly the brightest and the best to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to drive innovation and problem-solving in STEM.

If we know more we can do more. Promoting women in STEM helps address the gender disparity in these fields, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.

The number one reason we want to educate students on the role women play in STEM is so we can empower future generations to break barriers and continue the legacy of scientific and technological advancement started by some incredible women.

Statistics

Let's get into some of the numbers. If you want to check out some great resources I used to help research these statistics, visit Women STEM or visit Women in Tech.

Globally, women constitute about 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For engineers this number is much lower at about 15%. However, computer sciences and physics have approximately 20% women. Then, in life sciences, we see even better numbers with 48% of the workforce being women.

However there is still disparity in leadership positions. Why does this happen? Women in STEM careers often face higher attrition rates compared to men, leading to fewer women in mid-career and senior-level positions because they are leaving the workforce or their fields of study before reaching senior levels. Or taking long leaves of absence from the workforce, which can impact their ability for advancement. This is caused by many factors such as workplace culture, lack of mentorship, and work-life balance challenges.

Women in STEM Printable

Let's take a look at a few inspiring women in STEM. Make sure to grab our free Women in STEM printable to use with your students. It highlights the achievements of some incredible women, plus has a research page for students to learn even more.

Pioneering Women in STEM

Marie Curie (1867-1934)

A trailblazer in the field of chemistry and physics, Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields-Physics and Chemistry. Her pioneering research on radioactivity (a term she coined) laid the foundation for advancements in medical treatments and our understanding of atomic physics.

Ada Lovelace (1815-1852)

Often considered the world's first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace worked on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. Her visionary insights into the machine's potential went beyond simple calculation, foreseeing its ability to process complex algorithms, which laid the groundwork for modern computing.

Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958)

Rosalind Franklin was a brilliant chemist whose work was crucial to understanding the molecular structures of DNA, RNA, viruses, coal, and graphite. Her X-ray diffraction images of DNA led to the discovery of the DNA double helix, a groundbreaking revelation that has profoundly impacted genetics and biotechnology.

Katherine Johnson (1918-2020)

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of the first U.S. crewed spaceflights. Her work at NASA helped put John Glenn safely into orbit and ensured the success of the Apollo moon landing missions.

Supplement studies of Katherine Johnson with Space STEM Activities.

Grace Hopper (1906-1992)

A computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral, Grace Hopper was a pioneer in developing computer programming languages. She created the first compiler for a computer programming language and was instrumental in the development of COBOL, one of the first high-level programming languages.

Supplement studies of Grace Hopper with introduction to coding activities.

Jane Goodall (1934-)

One of the STEMists that inspired my interest in Environmental Sciences was Jane Goodall. A renowned primatologist and anthropologist, Jane Goodall's groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior has provided amazing insights into primate behavior and evolution. Her work has also emphasized the importance of conservation and animal welfare.

Mae Jemison (1956-)

An engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut, Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Her career is marked by a dedication to science education and advocacy for diversity in STEM fields.

Supplement studies of Mae Jemison with Space STEM Activities.

Sally Ride (1951-2012)

The first American woman to travel into space, Sally Ride was also a physicist and an advocate for science education. Her work with NASA and her later efforts in science education have inspired countless young women to pursue careers in STEM.

Supplement studies of Sally Ride with Space STEM Activities.

Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000)

Although better known as a Hollywood actress, Hedy Lamarr was also an inventor whose work on frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology laid the groundwork for modern wireless communication technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Embracing the stories and contributions of these remarkable women not only honors their legacies but also paves the way for a more inclusive and innovative future. Let's continue to celebrate and support women in STEM, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the world's greatest challenges and discoveries.

Want more resources? Check out our Famous Scientists printable pack.

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Famous Women in STEM Printable for the Classroom

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Discover the major impacts women have had in STEM fields with your students, plus use our Women in STEM printable in your classroom lessons.

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Kitronic can not ship to Ireland anymore. However, irish electronics are very good at sourcing items if requested.

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We specialise in electronic project kits and also stock the microbit and a range of accessories, plywood, e-textiles, Perspex, clocks and much more.

We aim to inspire & engage people of all abilities to further their knowledge of Electronics, Coding & Design by offering a well designed, well manufactured, innovative product range and free resources. All backed by detailed product descriptions, knowledgeable staff and fast delivery.

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Electronic education & hobby project kits, tools & resources

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We specialise in electronic project kits and also stock the microbit and a range of accessories, plywood, e-textiles, Perspex, clocks and much more. We aim to inspire & engage people of all abilities to further their knowledge of Electronics, Coding & Design by offering a well designed, well manufactured, innovative product range and free resources.

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STEAM Powered Family: STEM Resources for Curious Kids

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Welcome to STEAM Powered Family! STEM projects, science experiments, and positive children’s mental health practices.

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Train a computer to recognize your own images, sounds, & poses. A fast, easy way to create machine learning models for your sites, apps, and more - no expertise or coding required.

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Making Bath bombs - #ChemistryInYourCupboard

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Summary

Introduction

Have you ever cooked something outside, like for a BBQ or while camping? It can be a lot of fun to be outdoors and enjoy eating the fruits - or burgers - of your cooking labors. Did you know that you can directly use solar power to cook food? This can be done using a solar oven, which is a low-cost, ecologically-friendly technology that seems to have everything going for it. In this science activity, you will build your very own simple solar oven out of a pizza box to gather the sun's rays and cook a tasty treat for you!

This activity is not recommended for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.

Materials

Pizza box. The larger the box, the better the oven should work.

Shipping tape or black electrical tape

A wooden skewer or pencil

To do some cooking with your solar oven, you will need sunlight and fairly warm outside temperatures (above 75 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended, and the hotter it is the better). It should also not be windy.

If you want to cook some s'mores in your solar oven, you will also need graham crackers, marshmallows, and a chocolate bar. You can use an aluminum pie pan or a small piece of aluminum foil as a tray. Optionally, you can try melting a small piece of butter to make sure your oven is working before cooking your s'mores.

Prep Work

1. If needed, clean out the pizza box so it is ready to become a solar oven. Remove any cardboard liner that the box came with.

2. Adult assistance is recommended for using the utility knife. Use caution when cooking with the solar oven as it can get quite hot!

Instructions

1. Line the inside of the cardboard flap with aluminum foil. Fold the edges of the foil over the flap to help hold the foil in place and glue the foil onto the flap. Keep the foil as smooth as possible.

What do you think the purpose of this foil is?

2. Line the inside of the box with aluminum foil so that when you shut the box, the entire interior is coated with foil. It is easiest to do this by covering the bottom of the box with foil, and then the covering the inside part of the lid (going around the plastic-covered opening) with foil too. Glue the foil in place. Why do you think you should coat the inside of the box with foil like this?

3. Glue or tape a sheet of black paper to the bottom of the box, centered there. This will act as your solar oven's heat sink.

How do you think it will help cook your food?

4. If you want to cook a s'more, break a graham cracker in half and place a marshmallow and small piece of chocolate between the cracker halves. Place the prepared s'more on a small square of aluminum foil (slightly larger than the s'more - this will serve as a tray) and put it in your solar oven, on top of the black sheet of paper. Put the solar oven outside where it will get full, direct sunlight for at least 30 minutes, and keep the oven turned so that the flap faces the sun. When the marshmallow is soft, your s'more should be ready to eat and enjoy!

How long does it take to cook the s'more in your solar oven? Does the oven get very warm?

What Happened?

In this activity, you built a simple box-type solar oven that should have been able to cook a s'more in sunny, warm conditions. In some trials using this type of solar oven, at about 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit on a sunny afternoon it took about 30 to 35 minutes for the marshmallow to get warm enough to become soft and melt some of the chocolate, and make a tasty, solar-powered treat! In ideal conditions, this solar oven can easily heat up to about 160 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Using full, direct sunlight is important for heating this solar oven.

Digging Deeper

Solar ovens use solar energy - light and heat emitted from the sun - to cook food, pasteurize water, or even sterilize instruments. How does a solar oven work? The simple answer is that it is designed to absorb more heat than it releases.

The solar oven you build in this activity is a relatively simple one made out of a pizza box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and a sheet of black paper. You cut a flap out of the pizza box's lid and line this flap with aluminum foil so that sunlight can be reflected off of the foil and into the box. You also seal the opening with plastic wrap to create a plastic "window" that works like a greenhouse roof, allowing (direct and reflected) sunlight to pass into the box, while also retaining heat. At the bottom of the box, you placed black paper to create a "heat sink." This heat sink works by absorbing direct and reflected sunlight to become warm so that it can then heat up food placed on top of it.

Ask an Expert

For Further Exploration

There are a lot of variables that you can try to tweak in your solar oven design to make it even better. Can you make your solar oven be more efficient by changing the angle of the reflector flap, using different materials to insulate the oven, or changing the shape or size of your oven?

One way to quantify how efficient your solar oven is is to use a thermometer to measure the temperature inside of your solar oven over time. How hot can your solar oven get? How does this compare to a real oven?

The weather outside can significantly affect how well a solar oven performs. How well does your solar oven cook on a warm day versus a very hot day? What about a sunny day versus an overcast day?

In this activity you made a very simple box-type solar oven, but you could build another solar oven using a more efficient design to make your solar oven get even hotter! Do some research online to find other solar oven designs. How efficient can you make a solar oven be?

Project Ideas

Science Fair Project Idea

Here is a project that uses direct solar power, gathering the sun's rays for heating/sterilizing water or cooking. It is a low-cost technology that seems to have everything going for it. Does it work? Can you find ways to improve it? Find out with this project. Read more

Links

Careers

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Build a Pizza Box Solar Oven | STEM Activity

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Build a simple box-type solar oven and use it to cook s'mores.

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Molecules and Light - Molecules | Photons | Absorption - PhET Interactive Simulations (colorado.edu)

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Molecules and Light - Molecules | Photons | Absorption - PhET Interactive Simulations (colorado.edu)

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Bending Light - Snell's Law | Refraction | Reflection - PhET Interactive Simulations (colorado.edu)

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Bending Light - Snell's Law | Refraction | Reflection - PhET Interactive Simulations (colorado.edu)

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Invented by Sir John Herschel in 1841, this simple process produces a continuous tone image of Prussian Blue using a sensitizing solution of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide.

These iron salts, when exposed to natural or artificial ultraviolet light, are reduced to their ferrous state, producing a high contrast blue image when oxidised. Oxidation is hastened by immersion in running water, which also washes away the unused iron salts.

The process was eminently suited to its traditional role in reproducing technical drawings, its most common use in engineering and architecture until the advent of modern photocopiers. However, it was a versatile process, and was used throughout the 19th century from Anna Atkins' photograms of plants and seaweed for her books on botany (1843-55) to Henri LeSecq's still life studies of the 1850s. Photographers at the end of the century used cyanotype paper for proofing negatives.

The process

Solution A: 6.5 grams ferric ammonium citrate (green) in distilled water to make 25ml total

Solution B: 2.3 grams potassium ferricyanide in distilled water to make 25ml total

Note: Today, distilled water is known as 'purified water'. Store separately in brown glass bottles, away from light. Filter before use, and mix in equal proportions A to B.

Paper

Suitable for many types of art papers. Try a good quality printmaking/drawing paper like Fabriano 5. Coat in subdued tungsten light, and dry away from light and heat. Print by contact (in a printing frame with a full-sized negative) in sunlight or by a mercury vapour lamp until the shadows look bronzed. Exposure should be at least one stop more than required. Develop by immersing in running water, and wash until the chartreuse stain of the ferric ammonium citrate has completely disappeared. Overwashing will erode the image. A 3% bath of hydrogen peroxide will speed up oxidation. A few drops of bichromate added to wash water will increase contrast and can appear to intensify the printed image. Avoid hydrochloric acid 'intensifier'-the acid can combine with the cyanotype solution to produce cyanide gas.

Working with the cyanotype process

Setting up (preparation)
Working area
1. Lighting for working: avoid daylight and fluorescent lighting, use low level tungsten light and limit total exposure. Working surfaces: clean, and covered: newspapers, paper towels

Sensitising
Mixing chemical solutions
2. Measuring: clean dry paper for weighing dry chemicals, clean containers for measuring liquids

3. Labelling: identify, give proportions, date
Coating chemical solutions
4. Tape down paper

5. Brushes: Buckle's brush for smooth dense paper, soft hair brush for rough, porous paper or cloth; Glass rod: for smooth, even coatings; Roller: foam for cloth

6&7. Coating with a brush-use horizontal and vertical brush strokes

8&9. Coating with a glass rod: use syringe to distribute solution; draw solution top to bottom

Drying

10. Drying: line and clothes pegs, boards or Perspex. Floor surface: protect with newspapers

Storage

11. Protect from light, heat, damp. Limit duration of storage before exposure-the coating will oxidise, and highlights will degrade

Exposure

12. Printing frames: traditional, home-made with bull clips, perspex, bubble wrap, melamine

13. Negative: beware chemical build-up on negative-protect with mylar sheet or cling film

14. Step wedge for timing. Basic guide: 125 watt uv lamp at 18" = 30 min. Timing variations: humidity, build up of heat

16. Exposed print

Development

17. In photographic tray, cold running water

Fix

18. Oxidation 'fixes' the print

Drying

19. Hang on line or flatten against tilted, waterproof surface. To coat paper, try one of the following:

A soft, broad brush (separate brushes for different processes)

A 'Buckle's brush': cotton wool tied with string-the string is pulled through a glass or plastic tube so that the cotton wad forms a tuft at one end. This avoids the problem of contamination, as the cotton wool is discarded after each sensitisation.

A glass rod-use a dropper or syringe to draw a line of sensitiser along the top of the rod. Hop the rod over the line and slowly draw down the paper to the bottom. Hop, then gently push to the top.

Repeat until coated. Always tape the paper down to the table surface before coating.

Toning

Gallic-iron
Purple/lilac

Bleach print in 5% solution of ammonium hydroxide

Wash thoroughly and let dry to allow ammonia to evaporate

Tone in saturated solution of 1% gallic acid or 20% tannic acid

Wash, and dry quickly

For a violet tinge, immerse in cold solution of borax

Brown/black

Bleach 10ml of 18% solution ammonium hydroxide 100ml distilled water

Toning: 10g tannic acid

500ml distilled water

Avoid use of sulphuric acid for greenish prints-combination with cyanotype solution may result in formation of cyanide gas.

Useful resources

Anna Atkins in the Science Museum Group Collection

Louis Philippe Clerc, Photography: Theory and Practice, edited by Andor Kraszna-Krausz (London: Focal Press, 1954)

William Crawford, The Keepers of Light: A History and Working Guide to Early Photographic Processes (New York: Morgan & Morgan, 1979)

Nancy Howell-Koehler, Photo-Art Processes (Worcester, Massachusetts: Davis Publishers, 1980)

Bernard E. Jones, The Cyclopedia of Photography (London: Cassell Ltd, 1911)

C. B. Neblette, Photography, Its Materials and Processes (New York: D. Van Nostrand Co., 1953)

Catharine Reeve and Marilyn Sward, The New Photography: A Guide to Images, Processes and Display Techniques for Photographers, (Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall Inc., 1984)

Larry Schaaf, 'Anna Atkins' Cyanotypes: An Experiment in Photographic Publishing', History of Photography 6 (1982)

Larry Schaaf, Sun Gardens: Victorian Photographs by Anna Atkins (New York: Aperture Books, 1985)

John Towler, The Silver Sunbeam: A Practical and Theoretical Textbook on Sun Drawing and Photographic Printing (1879) (Whitefish, Massachusetts: Kessinger, 2010)

E J Wall and Franklin I Jordan, Photographic Facts and Formulas (Boston: Amphoto, 1947)

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Invented by Sir John Herschel in 1841, this simple process produces a continuous tone image of Prussian Blue using a sensitizing solution of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide.

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‪Circuit Construction Kit: DC - Virtual Lab‬

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Circuit Construction Kit: DC - Virtual Lab is an interactive sim. It changes as you play with it. It has a Play Area and a Control Area.

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An interactive, extendable Fractal Visualizer to demonstrate the artistic side of math.

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I have over 30 years experience in the voluntary Youth Work and Youth Sector in Ireland.

I am currently the Volunteer Development Manager with Forόige. In this role I am responsible for key tasks such as managing, developing and supporting the involvement of thousands of Forόige volunteers in all aspects of the organisation. I also lead on the design, dissemination and implementation of best practice standards in volunteer recruitment, management and retention policies and procedures. I am a member of Foróige's child safeguarding and protection internal working group. I also was a member of the Ministerial advisory group for development of the National Volunteering Strategy, launched in late 2020, and I am currently on the communications working group for the role out of the strategy.

I believe that youth work's essential role in young people's lives has been made all the more obvious as a result of the pandemic. The restrictions caused by the need to protect vulnerable people in particular from COVID 19, were imposed on young people without them having any say in the matter. They became takes of others rules and priorities, without input or choice. This, while necessary at the time, is the exact opposite of what we want for young people. We want them to be heard, to be helped to develop their own views and values (not just absorb ours). We want them to be involved in decisions that impact on them and to feel they have an influence, with which comes connection to society and hope for the future. The National Youth Council of Ireland plays a huge role in representing the shared interests of the organisations who are its members. These organisations, large and small, bring a range of youth work approaches arising from various traditions and a focus on particular youth needs. The diversity of organisations provides choice and opportunity for young people to pursue their own interests.

This diversity presents a challenge too, in identifying and agreeing their shared interests on which NYCI can represent, advocate and influence. This calls for a president who will listen support, facilitate. It calls for an NYCI which is effective, well governed and compliant with all relevant governance and financial, management requirements.

I believe I have the necessary skills for this role from my role in Foróige and my previous experience on the board of NYCI, including a term as its vice president. I am aware of the need to represent negotiate, assert firmly but respectfully, to act together in seeking to influence government departments and politicians. I understand the need for a strong working relationship between president and CEO.

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Games in Youth Work Handbook - National Youth Council of Ireland

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This practical toolkit is packed full of ideas, guidance, tips, templates and resources for youth workers who want to: Include gamification in their regular youth work Use existing [...]

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Generation Glas is an initiative that draws talented young people from diverse backgrounds across Ireland and supports them in becoming ambassadors for sustainability through an extended course. It gives them access to researchers, policymakers and other experts, educates them in the scientific and political contexts and trains them to become confident, creative communicators who can engage and represent their communities.

Generation Glas is a partnership between Foróige, BiOrbic, Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre and various other stakeholder groups.

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Generation Glas is an initiative that draws talented young people from diverse backgrounds across Ireland and supports them in becoming ambassadors for sustainability through an extended course. It gives them access to researchers, policymakers and other experts, educates them in the scientific and political contexts and trains them to become confident, creative communicators who can engage and represent their communities.

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The Irish Tree Explorers Network (ITEN) project is Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded, running from 2023 to 2025. ITEN will create a national network of living tree collections (e.g. arboreta, forest parks, urban parks, historic sites, etc.) which will engage the general public with important STEM topics. The ITEN approach will include:

the development of digital STEM engagement tools that can be accessed across the network of sites by visitors, tour leaders, parents, teachers, etc. to explore STEM through the medium of a tree collection.

the development of a mobile exhibition which can be deployed at partner sites, schools and other high-profile events to provide a hands-on level of engagement.

This tandem approach will ensure a high level of engagement with the project and the tools developed as well as allowing for some of the interactions and engagement to be at a deeper level. ITEN will use an interdisciplinary approach to engage participants with STEM topics. The project combines plant science and horticulture with the environmental humanities to maximise 'entry points' via which prospective participants can be encouraged to engage. This interdisciplinary approach is important as we grapple with era-defining global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and food insecurity. These challenges require us to recognise important links between disciplines that can push forward the dialogue around climate justice, climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The project team and national-level project partners will co-create ITEN activities and materials. These resources will promote STEM through living collections and encourage the public to consider their response to global challenges.
The ITEN website is currently under development and will be ready for use in the next few months. Watch this space!

Project partners

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Irish Tree Explorers Network Project | University College Cork

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Learn, Study and Research in UCC, Ireland's first 5 star university. Our tradition of independent thinking will prepare you for the world and the workplace in a vibrant, modern, green campus.

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What is Dublin Maker?

Dublin Maker is a free to attend, community run event, which will be held in Richmond Barracks, on Saturday 2nd of September 2023 from 10 am - 6 pm.

Dublin Maker takes the form of a "show and tell" experience where inventors/makers sourced through an open call, will have an opportunity to showcase their creations in a carnival atmosphere. It is a family friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the maker movement. It's a place where people show what they are making and share what they are learning.
Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, science clubs, students, authors and commercial exhibitors. They are of all ages and backgrounds, coming from all over Ireland and beyond. Dublin Maker's mission is to entertain, inform and connect the makers of Ireland, while inspiring the next generation of Ireland's makers and inventors.

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Dublin Maker is a free to attend, community run event, which will be held in Richmond Barracks, on Saturday 2nd of September 2023 from 10 am - 6 pm. Dublin Maker takes the form of a "show and tell" experience where inventors/makers sourced through an open call, will have an opportunity to showcase their creations in a carnival atmosphere.

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Coolest Projects Ireland is a free in-person event for young tech creators based in the Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland only.

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By Amy Cowen on July 8, 2021 10:00 AM
Use these free STEM lessons and activities to teach about electromagnetism.
Independently, electricity and magnetism are both powerful concepts in physics. Electromagnetism is the study of how electricity and magnetism can work together, and electromagnetism is one approach to generating electricity.

Teaching students about electromagnetism helps them synthesize what they know about magnets and electricity to see how they can work together. The resources below enable hands-on exploration of electromagnetism, electric motors, and electric generators. These experiments are closely related to experiments that teach about electricity, but in these activities, magnetic fields play an important role in converting electrical energy into mechanical energy or generating electric current.

The free STEM lessons and activities below cover permanent and temporary magnets, electromagnets, ferromagnetic materials, magnetic fields, and alternating and direct current. In these activities, students will learn about the Lorentz force, Faraday's law of magnetic induction, the parts of a motor or a generator, Newton's third law of motion, homopolar motors, and the role open and closed circuits play in electromagnetic devices.

The resources below to teach about electromagnetism have been grouped as follows:

Note: Science Buddies Lesson Plans contain materials to support educators leading hands-on STEM learning with students. Lesson Plans offer NGSS alignment, contain background materials to boost teacher confidence, even in areas that may be new to them, and include supplemental resources like worksheets, videos, discussion questions, and assessment materials. Activities are simplified explorations that can be used in the classroom or in informal learning environments. Student projects that appear below contain experiments that can be effectively adapted for use by educators for teaching about the topic.

Lesson Plans and Activities to Teach About Electromagnetism

Electromagnets and Electromagnetic Fields

1. Note: The convenient Strength of an Electromagnet Kit can be used to demonstrate this lesson.

2. In the Build a Paper Speaker activity, students make a speaker using paper, magnets, and a coil of wire as part of a circuit that plugs into an audio (or mobile) device. The audio device sends electrical signals to the coil of wire, which turns it into a temporary magnet that pushes on the permanent neodymium magnets and causes the speaker to vibrate. This vibration generates sound waves that travel through the air to our ears. Constructing the stack of magnets surrounded by the coil of wire that doesn't touch the magnets gives students a good visual look at how the magnetic field works to create the electromagnet in the speaker. As an extension to this experiment, students can explore the paper speaker further in the Measure the Frequency Response of a Paper Speaker project. Question: Will adding more permanent magnets make the sound from the speaker louder?

Electric Motors

In the How to Make a Homopolar Motor activity, students make a simple homopolar motor using a battery, a magnet, and a piece of wire. This creates a closed circuit when the wire touches both the battery and the magnet (that is touching the bottom of the battery). The electrical current that flows through the wire interacts with the magnet's magnetic field, resulting in a force that pushes on the wire and causes it to spin around the battery. This force is called the Lorentz force. The spinning of this simple electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Know the terms! The motor is described as "homopolar" because the polarity of the electrical current and magnetic field does not change. Questions: What about a magnet allows it to push and pull on other magnets or metal objects without touching them? Why does the motor not work if the wire touches only the battery and not also the magnet?

Electric Generators

An electric generator reverses the process used by an electric motor and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. (A motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.) These experiments involve making and testing an electric generator.

1. Note: This experiment has been developed for use with the Shaking Up Some Energy Kit.

2. Note: Both of these projects are designed for use with the Electric Motor Generator Kit.

Teaching About Electromagnetism in K-12

Exploring electromagnetism with students often centers around building and testing simple electromagnets, simple electric motors, and electric generators. These explorations involve both permanent and temporary magnets and help students see how magnetic fields can be used to create electric current.

Electric motors use a magnet's ability to attract and repel to create motion. Simple electromagnetic motors help students visualize the relationship between a magnet, its invisible magnetic field, and the objects it interacts with. A simple motor also reinforces the importance of closed circuits. After exploring simple motors, students can learn what happens when an electric motor runs in reverse as a generator.

Electrical current generates a magnetic field and creates an electromagnet, but a moving magnet can also generate electrical current in a closed loop of conducting wire. This effect, discovered by Michael Faraday and Joseph Henry, is called magnetic induction and is central to how electric generators work.

Note: There is crossover between teaching about electricity, circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetism. You can view teaching materials, experiments, and lessons for these topics in the following collections:

Magnetism Tutorial

The Electricity, Magnetism, & Electromagnetism Tutorial resource is a good place to start when introducing electromagnetism to students. For older students, the resource can be a helpful refresher. The video above offers an overview of magnets and electromagnets. ( Tip! Google Classroom teachers can use the Google Classroom button to assign this resource to students.)

Vocabulary

The following word bank contains words that may be covered when teaching about electromagnetism using the lessons and activities in this resource.

Alternating current (AC)

Ampere

Coil

Coulombs

Current

Direct current (DC)

DC voltage

Electric motor

Electrical current

Electrical energy

Electricity

Electromagnet

Electromagnetic induction

Electromagnetic spectrum

Electron

Faraday's law of magnetic induction

Ferromagnetic

Frequency

Generator

Hertz (Hz)

Homopolar

Kinetic energy

Lorentz force

Magnetic field

Magnetic domain

Magnetic induction

Magnetism

Neodymium magnet

Newtons

Newton's third law

Permanent magnet

Polarity

Reed switch

Right-hand rule

Solenoid

Tachometer

Temporary magnet

Teslas

Voltage (volt)

Thematic Collections

Collections like this help educators find themed activities in a specific subject area or discover activities and lessons that meet a curriculum need. We hope these collections make it convenient for teachers to browse related lessons and activities. For other collections, see the Teaching Science Units and Thematic Collections lists. We encourage you to browse the complete STEM Activities for Kids and Lesson Plans areas, too. Filters are available to help you narrow your search.

Development of this resource to support educators teaching K-12 STEM curriculum topics was made possible by generous support from the Donaldson Foundation.

You Might Also Enjoy These Related Posts:

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8 Experiments to Teach Electromagnetism | Science Buddies Blog

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By Amy Cowen on July 8, 2021 10:00 AM Use these free STEM lessons and activities to teach about electromagnetism. Independently, electricity and magnetism are both powerful concepts in physics. Electromagnetism is the study of how electricity and magnetism can work together, and electromagnetism is one approach to generating electricity.

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Science Project Instructions

The Strength of an Electromagnet Kit (SB-ELMAGST) kit can be used with the Science Fair Project Ideas listed below. Click on any project below to see the full information. Using the tabs on the project, you can view background information and the steps of the experimental procedure.

Science Fair Project Idea

You may be familiar with permanent magnets-the kind that hang on a refrigerator. But did you know that other magnets, called electromagnets, can be turned on and off? When turned on, electromagnets act just like permanent magnets, but if you turn them off, their magnetic properties disappear. Electromagnets are an important part of many electronic devices, like motors, loudspeakers, and hard drives. You can create an electromagnet with a simple coil of wire and a battery. In this project,... Read more

Science Fair Project Idea

Have you ever noticed how magnets appear to have no effect on each other when they are far apart? Then, when you slowly move them closer together, you will start to feel a gentle pull until they suddenly snap together? How exactly does the strength of a magnet change with distance, and how would you measure it if you wanted to find out? In this project you will build a circuit that can measure the strength of a magnetic field and see how the field strength changes with distance. Read more

Lesson Plan Instructions

The Strength of an Electromagnet Kit (SB-ELMAGST) kit can be used with the Lesson Plans listed below. Click on any lesson plan below to see the full information.

Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-8th

Making an electromagnet from a battery, nail, and wire is a classic science demonstration. But instead of just demonstrating this for your students, let them explore it themselves! In this lesson they will discover how different variables affect the strength of an electromagnet. Read more

Help

Each Science Fair Project Idea has a help tab within the project instructions, please look there first for a list of answers to frequently asked questions. If you have additional customer service inquiries, please e-mail help@sciencebuddies.org.

Explore Our Science Videos

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Strength of an Electromagnet Kit Instructions

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The Strength of an Electromagnet Kit (SB-ELMAGST) kit can be used with the Science Fair Project Ideas listed below. Click on any project below to see the full information. Using the tabs on the project, you can view background information and the steps of the experimental procedure.

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How to Turn a Potato Into a Battery | Science Project

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How to make batteries out of potatoes using zinc and copper electrodes, connect them in series and in parallel, and use them to power a buzzer and LED.

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ellen macarthur foundation circular economy - Bing

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Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.

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ESB Science Blast is a free, non-competitive educational programme for primary schools (3rd to 6th Class/Key Stage 2), involving the whole class investigating the science behind a simple question. Showcase your project at Dublin, Limerick, or Belfast.

Register now

Over 12,000 primary school children took part in ESB Science Blast in 2019.

It's easy to get involved! All you need is a simple question that the whole class can investigate the science behind, with three FREE national events to showcase their work at. It's a brilliant way to cover the science curriculum, but it has so much more offer. Each investigation will ensure that every stduent in your class gets to grips with the 4 Cs of STEM education: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communications.

Whole Class
Science Blast works by the whole class investigating a question together. It equips them with fundamental science skills: critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration. Fundamental skills for science, but also fundamental skills for life. The classes work on their investigation in the school before presenting their findings at a national event alongside over other primary schools from all over the country.

Shows
There are also brilliant science-themed shows for all participants to enjoy which are specifically designed for 8-12 year old audience. Each venue is a safe enclosed space, meaning an easy time for all teachers and support staff on the day.

Research
Independent research has shown that there are many benefits to involvement: science and maths skills benefit greatly as you might anticipate, but so too do oral and literacy skills. Overall confidence is also given a significant boost - the students are questioned about their findings by judges (who don't evaluate as the event is non-competitive, but they do award each class with a trophy at the end of the day). By giving each student a positive experience at this young age, no matter what the education expectations of each student, their family, or the wider community, we try to ensure that each one of them realises that STEM subjects, careers and interests can be for them. Bring your class and have a blast!

About

Why take part in ESB Science Blast?

Science is a huge and vital part of our daily lives. Why not build your classes' confidence in maths and science through an amazing hands-on experience from the safety of your own classroom. ESB Science Blast encourages children's natural curiosity, asking them to investigate the science behind a simple question using essential 21st Century skills.
Find out more

Get Involved

Just start with a question. The best questions are often the simplest! Have you ever wondered how boats stay afloat? When you look in a spoon, why are you upside down? Why do our fingers go wrinkly in water? Does music affect how we feel? Have your class pick a question on a topic that they are interested in and follow our guidelines all the way to your findings.
Find out more

Dublin 2024

4th - 7th March

Submission Deadline
15th December 2023

Limerick 2024

21st - 23rd May

Submission Deadline
15th March 2024

Belfast 2024

4th June

Submission Deadline
15th March 2024

Ready to blast off?

Register and get involved today!

Register now

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An education programme delivered by the RDS, ESB Science Blast is based on best academic practice and is a proven way to help foster vital life skills such as creativity and critical thinking.

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Searching for an attractive activity? Look no further! The Electromagnet Crane 2.0 Activity Pack has aspiring engineers learning the low-down on magnetism and linkages as they create and operate their very own electromagnet crane!

Power up the battery magnet and hoist, grab, sort, then build it all over again to complete new challenges. The TeacherGeek build system makes it easy and fun to construct new crane designs, meaning kids will be more excited than ever to get back to the drawing board!

Each Electromagnet Crane 2.0 Activity Pack comes with a Go Guide to help students get started, culminating in a challenge that'll put their designs to the test. TeacherGeek even offers free downloadable science labs and engineering challenges sure to get students amped to take their cranes to the next level!

Click here to go to the original Electromagnet Crane page! (You're in the wrong place.)

You're in the right place! Scroll down to find documents and videos.

Customize this activity for the highlighted ages with tons of free labs and challenges!

This is an educational product and not a toy. Adult supervision is required.

Go Guide:

Give it to your students and go! This is the essential document to get students started with constructing your Electromagnet Crane 2.0, culminating in the Space Mining Challenge.

Labs:

Challenges:

Space Mining Challenge:

This challenge is embedded right in the Go Guide! You don't need to download any extra documents.

Available at two different learning levels, TeacherGeek Engineering Notebooks are designed to help students cycle through the Design & Engineering Process and help them innovate and invent new designs. Use an Engineering Notebook page for each iteration of design. We recommend keeping extra copies of this on-hand for kids during activities.

Other Resources:

Available at two different learning levels, TeacherGeek Engineering Notebooks are designed to help students cycle through the Design & Engineering Process and help them innovate and invent new designs. Use an Engineering Notebook page for each iteration of design. We recommend keeping extra copies of this on-hand for kids during activities.

TeacherGeek Tools

Drive screws into holes.

Other Supplies

AA Battery (To power your electromagnet)

Bowl

Aluminum Foil (optional)

Any two of: rice, beans, small candies, crumpled paper

Tape

Recycling Bin Materials (optional - to incorporate into your design)

You will need to pre-cut the dowels for this activity, or your kids can cut them (with adult supervision).
TeacherGeek Tools

Drive screws into holes.

Other Supplies

Aluminum Wire Roll (if you purchased your Maker Cart before summer 2021)

AA Battery (To power your electromagnet)

Bowl

Aluminum Foil (optional)

Any two of: rice, beans, small candies, crumpled paper

Tape

Recycling Bin Materials (optional - to incorporate into your design)

Make sure you have the right components - check the Go Guide (see above). You will need to pre-cut the dowels for this activity, or your kids can cut them (with adult supervision).
TeacherGeek Tools

Drive screws into holes.

Other Supplies

AA Battery (To power your electromagnet)

Bowl

Aluminum Foil (optional)

Any two of: rice, beans, small candies, crumpled paper

Tape

Recycling Bin Materials (optional - to incorporate into your design)

What comes with the Electromagnet Crane 2.0?

The table shows what comes in each single kit. To see what comes in a 10-pack, just multiply by 10.

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Searching for an attractive activity? Look no further! Kids design and build their very own Electromagnet Crane, experimenting with the magnet coil, crane linkages, and more as they refine their designs and compete in free optional challenges and labs. Designed by real teachers and aligned to educational standards.

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1. Wrap some masking tape or paper on the bolts where you want to wind the wire.

2. Number the bolts from 1 to 3

3. Leave about 2 feet from the beginning of the wire and start winding 100 turns of wire on the bolt number 1, then leave another 2 feet and cut the wire.

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1. Wrap some masking tape or paper on the bolts where you want to wind the wire. 2. Number the bolts from 1 to 3 3. Leave about 2 feet from the beginning of the wire and start winding 100 turns of wire on the bolt number 1, then leave another 2 feet and cut the wire.

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AI-Powered Map Generation

Ever felt uninspired, technically challenged or just bored when creating your game maps?

We're happy to introduce you to Dungeon Alchemist, an AI-powered map-making application that enables you to make high-quality content fast!

Feel free to hop on over to the Dungeon Alchemist page and wishlist.
Every click is vital to a successful release and really means a lot to us!

Dungeon Alchemist will release on Steam in March 2022

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If you subscribe to our mailing list, so we'll keep you updated on everything about us.

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Dungeon Alchemist | AI Fantasy Game Mapmaking Software

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AI-Powered Map Generation Ever felt uninspired, technically challenged or just bored when creating your game maps? We're happy to introduce you to Dungeon Alchemist, an AI-powered map-making application that enables you to make high-quality content fast! Feel free to hop on over to the Dungeon Alchemist page and wishlist.

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Valentine's Day 2024 Doodle - Google Doodles

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Learn more about the creation of Valentine's Day 2024 Doodle and discover the story behind the unique artwork.

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In the 1940s, a group of avant-garde French composers created a new style of music using found sounds. They called it musique concrète (concrete music).

Pierre Schaeffer's composition Etudes aux chemins de fer is constructed entirely from sounds found at a train station.

The piece is like a musical collage, featuring train whistles and the sound of steam engines clattering along a track.

During this time, sounds could only be recorded onto physical magnetic tape.

To edit the recordings, composers would cut out the sounds they wanted with scissors and stick them together.

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In the 1940s, a group of avant-garde French composers created a new style of music using found sounds. They called it musique concrète (concrete music). Pierre Schaeffer's composition Etudes aux chemins de fer is constructed entirely from sounds found at a train station.

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A melodious science project from Science Buddies

By Science Buddies

Introduction
Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time of year, with friends and family getting together. The table is full of delicious food-a big feast-and there might even be some fancy dishes and glassware on the table to make the celebration even more special. But did you know that you can make wine glasses sing? Perhaps you have done this many times before, but have you ever wondered why the wine glass makes this sound? Do this activity, and you will not only make wine glasses sing, but you will also learn how to generate different notes; you might even get inspired to play a little song.

Background
Glasses have been used for making music since the Middle Ages. The first musical instrument made of upright wine glasses was called the glass harp and was invented around 1750. About 10 years later, Benjamin Franklin-one of the founding fathers of the United States-invented a mechanical version of the glass harp, called the glass harmonica. Both of these instruments are based on the principle of generating musical tones by means of friction. What does that mean?

When you rub your moistened finger along the rim of the glass, your finger will stick to the glass as it encounters resistance, or friction, when it moves over the glass surface. The water on your finger, however, will allow your finger to slip, as it forms a cushion that reduces friction. When the pressure and amount of moisture are just right, this so-called stick-slip motion (the slight friction between your finger and the rim of the glass) will cause vibrations in the sides of the glass. The sides of the glass transmit the vibration to the surrounding air, creating a sound wave with a specific frequency. The frequency specifies the rate at which a vibration occurs and is usually measured per second or Hertz (Hz). There is a particular frequency, called the resonant frequency, at which the sides of the glass will vibrate most easily. The resonant frequency of wine glasses is typically within the range of human hearing (20-20,000 Hz), and this is why you hear the resulting resonant vibration as a tone. Now let's make some music and you can play your very own wine glass instrument.
Materials

Wine glasses and permission to use them carefully (optional: different size and shapes)

Water

Graduated liquid measuring cup

Metal spoon

Ping pong ball (optional)

Chromatic tuner (optional, available as free phone app)

Piano or keyboard for comparing notes (optional)

Preparation

Find a working area that can tolerate some water spills.

Carefully gather your wine glass(es) and your measuring cup, as well as some water.

Wash your hands with dish soap and rinse your hands thoroughly.

Procedure

Take an empty wine glass and put it in front of you on the table.

Hold down the base of the glass with your non-dominant hand.

Rub your dry finger around the rim of the glass while pressing down gently. Observe how it feels. Does your finger stick to the glass or is it gliding smoothly along the rim? Do you hear a sound?

Wet the index finger of your dominant hand with water.

Rub your finger around the rim of the glass again while pressing down gently. Does it feel different than with a dry finger? How much resistance do you feel this time? Does the glass start to sing? Tip: If you hear no sound, try changing the speed and applying more or less pressure to the rim.

While you hear the glass sing, stop rubbing your finger along the rim and take it away from the glass. Does the glass continue to sing or does it stop?

Now make the glass sing again and stop rubbing your finger along the rim but this time leave your finger on the rim on the glass. What happens to the sound this time?

Take a metal spoon and very gently tap the glass on the side. Does this generate a different sound or note compared to when you used your finger to make the glass sing?

If you are using a chromatic tuner, use it to determine the note the glass makes when rubbing it with your finger or hitting it with the metal spoon. You can also compare the note frequency with notes sounded on a piano or keyboard. What note did the glass generate? Can you sing the same note?

Now fill one-third of the glass with water and repeat the procedure. What note does the glass make now? Is it a higher or lower pitch?

Watch the water surface in the glass carefully while you are generating the sound. Does the water surface stay calm or do you see any disturbances?

Take the metal spoon again and very gently tap the glass on the side. Do you get the same note again or is it different?

Again, you can use the reading from the chromatic tuner to determine the note the glass makes when rubbing it with your finger or hitting it with the metal spoon. You can also compare the note frequency with notes sounded on a piano or keyboard. What note did the glass generate this time? Is it different from the previous one? How?

Add more water to the glass so that two-thirds of the glass is filled with water. Rub the rim of the glass again with your damp finger. How does the pitch of the sound change with the different water level? Did the sound become higher or lower?

Take the metal spoon for the last time and very gently tap the glass on the side. What note do you generate?

Compare the three notes that you generated with each water level (empty, one-third full and two-thirds full). Can you find a relationship between the water level in the glass and the resulting pitch of the note?

If you are using a chromatic tuner, use it again to determine the note the glass makes when rubbing it with your finger or hitting it with the metal spoon. You can also compare the note frequency with notes sounded on a piano or keyboard.

Extra: Try the activity with wine glasses of different sizes and/or shapes. How does the size or shape of the glass change how it sounds? Can you draw any conclusions about the relationship between the size/shape of the glass and its resonance frequency?

Extra: Put one glass close to another wine glass and let it sing. Now hold it so the sound stops. Does the second glass sing instead?

Extra: Take an empty wine glass and put a lightweight object in it, such as a ping pong ball. Rub your damp finger around the rim of the glass, and once the glass starts making a sound, tilt the glass on its side. Be careful not to drop the ping pong ball on the floor. Continue rubbing the glass to make it sing and observe the ball inside. What happens to the ball? Does it sit still on the walls of the glass or does it move?

[break]
Observations and results
Could you make the wine glass sing with your dry finger? Probably not, as there was too much friction between your finger and the glass rim. To create a stick-slip motion, the finger has to be a little wet. But once the conditions were right, the glass should have generated a clear and beautiful sound. By rubbing along the glass rim with your finger, you made the walls of the glass vibrate; you might even have felt the vibrations in your finger. When you take your finger away from the glass, the glass walls continue to vibrate, thus, still producing a musical note. However, if you stop rubbing the rim and leave your finger touching the glass, your finger will stop the vibrations and the sound stops as well. In a wine glass filled with water, you actually should have been able to see the generated vibrations in the form of a little wave pattern that develops, especially around the glass walls. If you did the extra activity with the ping pong ball, you also probably made the vibrations visible. The ball should dance inside the glass as it gets pushed around by the vibrations of the walls each time it comes in contact with the glass edges.

In each case when you tapped the glass with the metal spoon, you should have heard the same note as when you used your finger. Using the metal spoon is just another method to get the glass walls to vibrate, and the generated sound waves of the glass thus stay the same. Sometimes, even vibrations of one glass can make another glass vibrate and sing if you put them very close together. However, when adding different amounts of water to the glass, you should have noticed that the pitch of the sound changed depending on the water level; the more water you add to the glass, the lower the pitch of the sound you hear. This is due to the fact that the water volume inside the glass makes it much heavier and therefore, it is more difficult for the glass walls to vibrate. That means that the sound wave generated by the vibrations is much slower or has a lower frequency. As the frequency of a note is correlated to its pitch, the pitch produced by the glass goes down as you add more water. If you can use more than one glass, you can play around with different water levels or glass shapes and sizes; each one will have a different resonance frequency and will produce a different note. Try to find different glasses and change water levels to generate each note of the musical scale. Can you play a simple song with your glass harp?

More to explore
Why do glass cups make a ringing noise, from SeattlePi
Singing Wine Glasses, from Science Buddies
Harry Potter theme on glass harp, at YouTube
Sonorous Science: Making Music with Bottles, from Scientific American
Science Activity for All Ages!, from Science Buddies
This activity brought to you in partnership with Science Buddies

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A melodious science project from Science Buddies

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How Does It Work

This is actually a 2-for-1 experiment-you're learning about the science of motion and sound. To understand how and why it works, you have to look at the forces that are acting on the hex nut. The shape of the balloon makes the hex nut move in a circular path. Otherwise, the hex nut would want to continue to move in a straight line. Another force to consider is friction. There's very little friction between the edge of the hex nut and the balloon. More friction would cause the hex nut to slow down and stop.

The real force in action here is a centripetal, or center-seeking, force. Centripetal force is the inward force on a body that causes it to move in a circular path. The old concept of "centrifugal force," an outward or center-fleeing force, has been largely replaced by a more modernistic understanding of centripetal force.

A hex nut has six sides, and these flat edges cause the hex nut to bounce or vibrate inside the balloon. The screaming sound is made by the sides of the hex nut vibrating against the inside wall of the balloon.

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This is actually a 2-for-1 experiment-you're learning about the science of motion and sound. To understand how and why it works, you have to look at the forces that are acting on the hex nut. The shape of the balloon makes the hex nut move in a circular path.

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Create and collaborate with your bandmates, friends, or other musicians in real-time through video and chat, directly in the studio. Leave comments on your shared projects and let auto-save keep you in the creative flow.

Mix and master for a chart-ready sound

Finalize your song with our mixing and mastering tools, suitable for beginners and pros alike. From auto-mixing to EQs, compressors, and more - access all the tools you need to take your song to the top 50!

More features

Vocal tuning

Achieve pro-sounding vocals from every take with our pitch correction software.

Automation

Tweak the volume, pan, and use the filter sweep effect with this powerful audio editing tool.

Patterns beatmaker

Make your own beats with ease. Sequencing a unique beat for your next track has never been easier.

Plug and play

Connect your own microphone, guitar, or any other instrument.

*Access to Vocal tuning and Automation available on the Music Makers and Complete plans.

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Make music together online. Free instruments, loops, drum kits, and vocal tuner in one studio. Record, edit, mix, and master your audio, no downloads - sign up for free.

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Explore the fundamentals of music via Ableton's interactive website. Experiment with beats, melody, harmony, basslines, and song structure in your web browser.