Search through this blog and you'll see I've written many posts detailing the science experiments and demos I've done with my kids and in my classes. Recently I had an opportunity to try out a new activity for a group of elementary kids as part of a youth enrichment program I offered. In this activity we studied different boat designs and then the students each built a boat out of foil. The goal was to build a foil boat and then see how much weight it could hold before sinking to the bottom of a kiddie pool.
Building a foil boat is easy. Building a foil boat that holds a lot of weight is more difficult. Building a foil boat with only a specific set of materials is even more challenging. For this challenge students had the following materials:
Foil
Tape
Corks
Popsicle Sticks
Straws
Each student was given an imaginary pot of money of $500 and they had to buy the above materials. Some materials, foil for example, were more expensive than others. Even tape had a cost per inch. Students had to carefully decide which materials to buy with the limited amount of money. Once the boats were built the students took turns trying to sink them. Weights were slowly added and then measured when the boat sank. We had one boat that topped 1/2 a pound. That may not seem like a lot, but given the limited materials, 1/2 a pound was pretty impressive! The kids had fun. I had fun and this is definitely an activity I will plan again with students.
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Monday, April 29, 2019
I'm Too Strong!!!
My typical weekday starts with a workout prior to the kids getting up and ready for school. It's my chance to get in a workout and catch up on my favorite TV shows. The other day while working out I learned that I've gotten too strong. My muscles have grown too big. Evidence? See below.
I'm so strong I broke this band! I suppose an alternative explanation is a spot wore down over time, weakening until it finally snapped. But clearly the first explanation is correct. I'm just too strong. LOL!
Friday, April 26, 2019
This Blog's History: What is a Planetary Nebula?
This Blog's History
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
What is a Planetary Nebula
A few weeks ago I wrote on the topic of a Planetary Nebula for the seventeenth post in this blog's What Is series. Eventually the Sun will becoming a Planetary Nebula, although life on Earth will be long gone by then.
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of years ago.
What is a Planetary Nebula?
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
What is a Planetary Nebula
A few weeks ago I wrote on the topic of a Planetary Nebula for the seventeenth post in this blog's What Is series. Eventually the Sun will becoming a Planetary Nebula, although life on Earth will be long gone by then.
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of years ago.
What is a Planetary Nebula?
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Astronaut Socks
Last December, while visiting the Museum of Science in Industry in Chicago, my wife picked up a pair of astronaut socks from the gift store.
And guess what? I'm wearing them right now!!! :-) Every once in awhile I like to geek my clothing out a bit and these astronaut socks are perfect! I have Saturn socks too, but I can't post a picture today because I'm not wearing them. The next time I'm wearing them I'll post a picture.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
What is #19: A Protostar?
The 'What Is' Series
A couple of months ago I started a new series on this blog titled "What Is". Thus far the focus is on the field of astronomy where we hear all sorts of cool science taking place in space. The goal of this series is to explain the details of different objects we hear about relatively frequently.
A Protostar
I've spent a lot of time in this series talking about different types of stars. This includes Red Giants, White Dwarfs, and Neutron Stars to name just a few. Another type of star is a Protostar. The word 'proto' means first or beginning, so a Protostar is a beginning star, or to be more clear, a star before it is officially a star. A star is defined as a large ball of gas that fuses hydrogen into helium in its core. Before a star reaches this stage, it is called a Protostar.
Stars start out as large molecular clouds of gas. A molecular cloud, or part of a molecular cloud can collapse. As the gas collapses, the temperature of the ball of gas starts to increase. If it increases to the point of emitting infrared radiation, we call it a Protostar. Some Protostars will become hot enough to be official stars fusing hydrogen. If the star doesn't reach a high enough temperature to fuse, it becomes a Brown Dwarf.
A couple of months ago I started a new series on this blog titled "What Is". Thus far the focus is on the field of astronomy where we hear all sorts of cool science taking place in space. The goal of this series is to explain the details of different objects we hear about relatively frequently.
A Protostar
I've spent a lot of time in this series talking about different types of stars. This includes Red Giants, White Dwarfs, and Neutron Stars to name just a few. Another type of star is a Protostar. The word 'proto' means first or beginning, so a Protostar is a beginning star, or to be more clear, a star before it is officially a star. A star is defined as a large ball of gas that fuses hydrogen into helium in its core. Before a star reaches this stage, it is called a Protostar.
 |
| Protostar Herbig-Haro 46/47 - NASA-JPL |
To conclude, a Protostar is a potential star before it becomes a star.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Mortal Causes (Rebus #6) - Book Review
Love of Books
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Mortal Causes (Rebus #6) by Ian Rankin
Whenever I visit a new country I make it a goal to find an author from the country to read. As a family we visited Scotland in the summer of 2017. LOVED IT! Already looking to go back. While there we visited a few book stores while walking through Edinburgh. It was in one of those book stores where I came across a detective series by Ian Rankin. Upon return to the U.S. I started reading the first book in the series and decided to continue, having just finished the sixth book. Rankin started the series in 1987 and there are now 22 books, so I have quite a ways to go.
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Mortal Causes (Rebus #6) by Ian Rankin
Whenever I visit a new country I make it a goal to find an author from the country to read. As a family we visited Scotland in the summer of 2017. LOVED IT! Already looking to go back. While there we visited a few book stores while walking through Edinburgh. It was in one of those book stores where I came across a detective series by Ian Rankin. Upon return to the U.S. I started reading the first book in the series and decided to continue, having just finished the sixth book. Rankin started the series in 1987 and there are now 22 books, so I have quite a ways to go.
The series is your typical detective/murder/thriller type of series, but is based in Scotland. Having visited various areas of Scotland I enjoy following the story line through the major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as the more rural regions. It's location that separates Rankin's books from those of James Patterson and John Sandford, for example.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Invention Podcast
Science Podcasts
I'm a big fan of science themed podcasts, as any reader of this blog knows. I'm constantly on the lookout for new science podcasts. Some I've kept on my must-listen to list for years. Others come and go as my mood changes. But as far as I'm concerned, there can never be too many science podcasts out there. I recently discovered a few, new to me, science podcasts that are great!
I'm a big fan of science themed podcasts, as any reader of this blog knows. I'm constantly on the lookout for new science podcasts. Some I've kept on my must-listen to list for years. Others come and go as my mood changes. But as far as I'm concerned, there can never be too many science podcasts out there. I recently discovered a few, new to me, science podcasts that are great!
Invention Podcast
The Invention podcast is a relatively new podcast that started in December 2018. It's part of The Stuff Network, which started about a decade ago with the Stuff You Should Know podcast. I started listening to this podcast when it launched and it has been immensely informative on a variety of topics. Podcast episodes have discussed wheels, walls, toilets, x-rays, chopsticks, toothpaste, etc. The toilet episode was particular interesting and humorous episode! I was listening with my daughters on the way to soccer practice and we learned quite a bit about toilets! It gave us many laughs! I'll share a bit more on toilets in a future post. :-) For example, I now know how much poo a person produces over a lifetime. :-)
Invention Podcast
Listen to this podcast. It's a good one!
Invention Podcast
Listen to this podcast. It's a good one!
Friday, April 19, 2019
This Blog's History: Daughter's First Science Fair Project
This Blog's History
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
Daughter's First Science Fair Project
I mentioned this in a post yesterday, but decided to share it again today for This Friday in This Blog's History. It was a bit over three years ago when my oldest daughter participated in her first science fair. She studied the growth of green beans watered with different liquids. I will never forget the strong odor that developed. Milk sitting in soil for multiple days. Hmmm!!!
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of years ago.
First Science Fair Project
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
Daughter's First Science Fair Project
I mentioned this in a post yesterday, but decided to share it again today for This Friday in This Blog's History. It was a bit over three years ago when my oldest daughter participated in her first science fair. She studied the growth of green beans watered with different liquids. I will never forget the strong odor that developed. Milk sitting in soil for multiple days. Hmmm!!!
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of years ago.
First Science Fair Project
Thursday, April 18, 2019
It's Spring! Time for Science!
Any time of the year is good for science, but since we are now in the middle of the spring season, whether it appears that way or not from your location (yes, I have a northern hemisphere bias right now!), here's a great website for some spring time science experiment ideas for your kids.
20 SPRING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS – SCIENCE
Some of these activities remind me of the science fair experiment my oldest daughter did her first year competing in a science fair. She tested the growth of green beans when 'watered' with different liquids. She had a blast that year and we learned quite a bit, including the discovery that watering green beans with milk creates quite the odor after a few days. LOL!
The weather is getting better outside, so take advantage and do some science! Those rainy spring days are great for science indoors. There are so many kitchen experiments you can do with materials you likely already have. The above website will give you some ideas as well as a list of materials to have on hand in preparation for a day filled with science!
20 SPRING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS – SCIENCE
Some of these activities remind me of the science fair experiment my oldest daughter did her first year competing in a science fair. She tested the growth of green beans when 'watered' with different liquids. She had a blast that year and we learned quite a bit, including the discovery that watering green beans with milk creates quite the odor after a few days. LOL!
The weather is getting better outside, so take advantage and do some science! Those rainy spring days are great for science indoors. There are so many kitchen experiments you can do with materials you likely already have. The above website will give you some ideas as well as a list of materials to have on hand in preparation for a day filled with science!
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Superbugs in Space
There are new, amazing discoveries made in the field of astronomy every day. We hear all about new planets, new space missions, and new technology on human-based space travel. But astronomy, and in particular space exploration, is far more than just discovering new things. Take for example, the following article I recently came across.
Superbugs have colonized the International Space Station
No, this is not the sequel to Stormship Troopers. It's a close look at protecting astronauts from bacteria that could potentially cause serious illness on a trip to the moon, Mars, or anywhere else in space. If the goal is human exploration, a trip to Mars will not have state of the art hospitals with big, bulky medical equipment doctors can use to help someone recover from an illness. You'd think bacteria would not survive a trip through space, but it does, and that's a potential problem for humans.
This doesn't always come up as a big question in astronomy, but it's a very important one! No matter where you look, there is exciting astronomy all around us, including medical astronomy.
Superbugs have colonized the International Space Station
No, this is not the sequel to Stormship Troopers. It's a close look at protecting astronauts from bacteria that could potentially cause serious illness on a trip to the moon, Mars, or anywhere else in space. If the goal is human exploration, a trip to Mars will not have state of the art hospitals with big, bulky medical equipment doctors can use to help someone recover from an illness. You'd think bacteria would not survive a trip through space, but it does, and that's a potential problem for humans.
This doesn't always come up as a big question in astronomy, but it's a very important one! No matter where you look, there is exciting astronomy all around us, including medical astronomy.
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Alice Dreger on Twitter
Science on Twitter
There are many negatives with social media but also many positives. Among those positives is the great number of amazing scientists using Twitter to share science news! Not only are there scientists, but there are telescopes and rovers with their own Twitter accounts sharing their findings. You just have to use social media in such a way the positives outweigh the negatives. Following scientists is a great way to gain those positives.
Alice Dreger
There are so many amazing people on Twitter sharing quality science that it is impossible to follow them all. One person you should definitely follow, however, is Alice Dreger. Her Twitter handle is @AliceDreger. I first became aware of Dreger when she went viral for visiting her son's sex education class and live-tweeted the horrible science and ridiculous lies the abstinence-only program was spouting. She still tweets a lot of science, but has since started an independent local journalism organization. With local news sources being shut down across the country, what she is doing for her home area is an amazing contribution that does far more than most people realize. National news organizations don't cover local news. The only way to have local, investigative news, is to have a local, investigation news organization. Dreger is doing her part to make this world a better place so you should follow her on Twitter!!!
There are many negatives with social media but also many positives. Among those positives is the great number of amazing scientists using Twitter to share science news! Not only are there scientists, but there are telescopes and rovers with their own Twitter accounts sharing their findings. You just have to use social media in such a way the positives outweigh the negatives. Following scientists is a great way to gain those positives.
Alice Dreger
There are so many amazing people on Twitter sharing quality science that it is impossible to follow them all. One person you should definitely follow, however, is Alice Dreger. Her Twitter handle is @AliceDreger. I first became aware of Dreger when she went viral for visiting her son's sex education class and live-tweeted the horrible science and ridiculous lies the abstinence-only program was spouting. She still tweets a lot of science, but has since started an independent local journalism organization. With local news sources being shut down across the country, what she is doing for her home area is an amazing contribution that does far more than most people realize. National news organizations don't cover local news. The only way to have local, investigative news, is to have a local, investigation news organization. Dreger is doing her part to make this world a better place so you should follow her on Twitter!!!
Monday, April 15, 2019
What Is #18: A Pulsar?
The 'What Is' Series
A couple of months ago I started a new series on this blog titled "What Is". Thus far the focus is on the field of astronomy where we hear all sorts of cool science taking place in space. The goal of this series is to explain the details of different objects we hear about relatively frequently.
A Neutron Star
Stars are big balls of gas that first become stars when they start fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores. After they use up their hydrogen supply in the core they can start fusing helium and potentially beyond. In the latter stages of a star's life, it goes through many, many changes, and is called many different things. Previously in this series I've discussed Red Giants, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, and many more, yet there are many types of stars I haven't discussed in this series. That includes pulsars. Pulsars are a separate subset of Neutron Stars.
To put it simply, pulsars are neutron stars. Neutron stars rotate very rapidly, up to several thousand times per second. They emit a beam of radiation in each direction and if that beam of radiation points toward the Earth at any given time, Earth telescopes detect a repetitive signal. Thus the neutron star is called a pulsar for the pulsing. If the beam is not pointed to Earth, it is simply called a neutron star.
A couple of months ago I started a new series on this blog titled "What Is". Thus far the focus is on the field of astronomy where we hear all sorts of cool science taking place in space. The goal of this series is to explain the details of different objects we hear about relatively frequently.
A Neutron Star
Stars are big balls of gas that first become stars when they start fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores. After they use up their hydrogen supply in the core they can start fusing helium and potentially beyond. In the latter stages of a star's life, it goes through many, many changes, and is called many different things. Previously in this series I've discussed Red Giants, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, and many more, yet there are many types of stars I haven't discussed in this series. That includes pulsars. Pulsars are a separate subset of Neutron Stars.
 |
| Pulsar model - Michael Kramer |
Neutron stars are very small objects. They are the left over core of a high mass star that exploded as a supernova. What is left is the core that is packed down to a size of no more than 10-15 miles, maybe less. Yet the mass is very high at around a couple of solar masses. Thus a few suns are packed into the space of just a few miles! Therefore the density is extremely high and the gravitational force on the surface is tremendous. If you could survive a trip to a neutron star, you'd need a velocity of approximately half the speed of light to escape without being pulled back to the surface! WOW!
Pulsars and neutron stars are very interesting objects. Just remember that a pulsar is a neutron star with a beam of radiation that swings past Earth.
Friday, April 12, 2019
This Blog's History: What is a Blue Dwarf?
This Blog's History
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
What is a Blue Dwarf?
The names of many astronomical objects have a color in them. That includes Blue Dwarfs. Not sure what a Blue Dwarf is? Then you should read the original post I wrote on the topic. Check the link below.
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of weeks ago.
What is a Blue Dwarf?
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
What is a Blue Dwarf?
The names of many astronomical objects have a color in them. That includes Blue Dwarfs. Not sure what a Blue Dwarf is? Then you should read the original post I wrote on the topic. Check the link below.
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of weeks ago.
What is a Blue Dwarf?
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Transfer of Power - Book Review
Love of Books
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn
A few years ago I started reading the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn. Mitch Rapp is the main character in a series of counter-terrorism thriller books by author Vince Flynn. I found myself on the edge of my seat reading the first two books in the series, but the library didn't have the third book and I sort of left the series with tentative plans to return. A couple of weeks ago my local library had the third book back so I picked it up. A few days later and I was done, and once again on the edge of my seat!
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn
A few years ago I started reading the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn. Mitch Rapp is the main character in a series of counter-terrorism thriller books by author Vince Flynn. I found myself on the edge of my seat reading the first two books in the series, but the library didn't have the third book and I sort of left the series with tentative plans to return. A couple of weeks ago my local library had the third book back so I picked it up. A few days later and I was done, and once again on the edge of my seat!
A few caveats regarding this series. Vince Flynn and I do not agree at all on politics. Or rather, I should say, didn't agree as he passed away in 2013 from a rare, aggressive form of prostate cancer. His books, however, I've really enjoyed. This is one of the cases where I've chosen to set aside an author's politics to enjoy the books, that although they touch a tiny bit on his politics if you dig really deep, are not an overwhelming characteristic of the story. This is similar to Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series, although I didn't enjoy that series as much as this one. Anyways, I plan on continuing this series. This particular book involves an attack on the White House and the attempt to rescue the President of the United States. Will the President survive? You'll have to read the book to find out. :-)
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Stuff Mom Never Told You Podcast
Science Podcasts
I'm a big fan of science themed podcasts, as any reader of this blog knows. I'm constantly on the lookout for new science podcasts. Some I've kept on my must-listen to list for years. Others come and go as my mood changes. But as far as I'm concerned, there can never be too many science podcasts out there. I recently discovered a few, new to me, science podcasts that are great!
Stuff Mom Never Told You Podcast
I'm a big fan of science themed podcasts, as any reader of this blog knows. I'm constantly on the lookout for new science podcasts. Some I've kept on my must-listen to list for years. Others come and go as my mood changes. But as far as I'm concerned, there can never be too many science podcasts out there. I recently discovered a few, new to me, science podcasts that are great!
Stuff Mom Never Told You Podcast
The Stuff Mom Never Told You podcast is another great podcast you should consider adding to your to-listen-to list. Sometimes the episodes are science themed and other times not, but they are always informative. The podcast is hosted by Bridget Todd and Anney Reese and is best described in their own words:
"Tune in to Stuff Mom Never Told You to hear co-hosts Bridget Todd & Anney Reese keep it real with a research-driven rundown of the ever-evolving challenges facing women today and throughout history, paired with smart, strategic solutions to further women’s lives, careers, and activism."
I've been listening for a couple of months and thoroughly enjoy the format and information presented on this podcast. Recent episodes have focused on "No Means No the First Time", "Women in Tabletop Gaming Development", and "Motherhood and Identity". I may not be a woman, but that doesn't mean I haven't enjoyed this podcast. I highly, highly recommend you check it out.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Jess Phoenix on Twitter
Science on Twitter
There are many negatives with social media but also many positives. Among those positives is the great number of amazing scientists using Twitter to share science news! Not only are there scientists, but there are telescopes and rovers with their own Twitter accounts sharing their findings. You just have to use social media in such a way the positives outweigh the negatives. Following scientists is a great way to gain those positives.
Jess Phoenix
Jess Phoenix (@jessphoenix2018) is someone you should definitely follow on Twitter. She's a scientist, specifically a volcanologist, which is super cool in my book! She talks about science related to her field and has a new podcast coming out soon in 2019 called CatastrophePod. I'm eagerly awaiting the first episode! She does not shy away from politics on her Twitter feed and ran for Congress in 2018. She ran as Democratic candidate in California but finished fourth in the primary. Do I need to say more? Cool science with some politics. Sounds like a great Twitter feed you should follow!
There are many negatives with social media but also many positives. Among those positives is the great number of amazing scientists using Twitter to share science news! Not only are there scientists, but there are telescopes and rovers with their own Twitter accounts sharing their findings. You just have to use social media in such a way the positives outweigh the negatives. Following scientists is a great way to gain those positives.
Jess Phoenix
Jess Phoenix (@jessphoenix2018) is someone you should definitely follow on Twitter. She's a scientist, specifically a volcanologist, which is super cool in my book! She talks about science related to her field and has a new podcast coming out soon in 2019 called CatastrophePod. I'm eagerly awaiting the first episode! She does not shy away from politics on her Twitter feed and ran for Congress in 2018. She ran as Democratic candidate in California but finished fourth in the primary. Do I need to say more? Cool science with some politics. Sounds like a great Twitter feed you should follow!
Monday, April 8, 2019
Between the World and Me - Book Review
Love of Books
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Earlier this year I made a goal of reading more African-American literature, particularly books written by black authors. Looking at my bookshelf at home and my Kindle library, I realized that I own VERY FEW books by black authors. I never sought out to avoid books by black authors, but I've also never made an active effort to seek these books out. Now I am. I recently read Becoming by Michelle Obama and more recently finished reading Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Earlier this year I made a goal of reading more African-American literature, particularly books written by black authors. Looking at my bookshelf at home and my Kindle library, I realized that I own VERY FEW books by black authors. I never sought out to avoid books by black authors, but I've also never made an active effort to seek these books out. Now I am. I recently read Becoming by Michelle Obama and more recently finished reading Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Coates is an author I was previously familiar with through his article in The Atlantic, but I hadn't read one of his books. I decided to start with Between the World and Me which is written as a letter from Coates to his son. It's a short book, at about 150 pages.. This was a deep, thought-provoking book and one I need to re-read in a year or so. I find Coates' writing style very unique. It's hard for me to describe, but I find myself analyzing individual sentences or passages for several moments before moving on. It's a beautiful style.
In the book, Coates describes to his son what it is like growing up black and the concerns Coates has for his son as he grows up. Coates talks about accomplishments, but also his own failures in life. This is not a book offering solutions to the racial divide in this country, but it brings great awareness to the issue. I found this to be an amazing book that I think everyone should read, particularly those like myself that did not grow up in a racially diverse community. We can all learn. In fact, we all NEED to learn. This book by Coates is a great start in learning the affect of race in this country.
Friday, April 5, 2019
This Blog's History: Defacating Sloths
This Blog's History
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
Defecating Sloths
I love podcasts, particularly science themed podcast. A short time ago I wrote about a cool podcast I listened to that discussed the defecating nature of sloths. :-) Yes, really! That alone makes podcasts cool!
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of years ago.
Defecating Sloths
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
Defecating Sloths
I love podcasts, particularly science themed podcast. A short time ago I wrote about a cool podcast I listened to that discussed the defecating nature of sloths. :-) Yes, really! That alone makes podcasts cool!
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of years ago.
Defecating Sloths
Thursday, April 4, 2019
What Is #17: A Planetary Nebula?
The 'What Is' Series
A couple of months ago I started a new series on this blog titled "What Is". Thus far the focus is on the field of astronomy where we hear all sorts of cool science taking place in space. The goal of this series is to explain the details of different objects we hear about relatively frequently.
Planetary Nebula
A planetary nebula must have something to do with a planet, right? Sorry...wrong! A planetary nebula has nothing do do with a planet, despite the name indicating it might. A nebula is simply a cloud of gas in space. There are different types of nebulae out there. Some are blue in color, others are red, some are dark, etc. Some are caused by new stars forming and others are caused by older stars dying.
A planetary nebula is one of the final stages of a low mass star such as the Sun. As the Sun reaches the end of its life it will expand into a red giant and eventually shed all of its outer layers of gas outward. The shedding of this gas produces a planetary nebula, with the leftover core of the star in the middle. This leftover core is a white dwarf. The shed gas layers are heated to a high temperature and emit their own light for several thousand years before cooling down and becoming no longer visible.
A couple of months ago I started a new series on this blog titled "What Is". Thus far the focus is on the field of astronomy where we hear all sorts of cool science taking place in space. The goal of this series is to explain the details of different objects we hear about relatively frequently.
Planetary Nebula
A planetary nebula must have something to do with a planet, right? Sorry...wrong! A planetary nebula has nothing do do with a planet, despite the name indicating it might. A nebula is simply a cloud of gas in space. There are different types of nebulae out there. Some are blue in color, others are red, some are dark, etc. Some are caused by new stars forming and others are caused by older stars dying.
 |
| Planetary nebula IC 4406 - ESO/J. Richard (CRAL) |
To conclude, a planetary nebula has nothing do to with a planet, but they do look very impressive in the short time they last. A few thousand years is VERY short in astronomy.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Proposed Cuts to NASA FY2020
Politics and Budgets
If you pay any attention at all to politics, regardless if it is politics at the local, state, or federal level, budgets are always a sticking point and there is always a deep debate on what should and should not be funded. Everyone has an opinion on budgets and it seems as if it is always a struggle to come to a budget agreement.
NASA's Budget
A few weeks ago I wrote a post detailing the increases to NASA's budget in the 2019 fiscal year. It wasn't long after that, however, before President Trump announced his proposed 2020 fiscal year budget, which includes an overall cut to NASA's budget of $500 million, which is very significant. The budget cut to NASA's science programs is about $600 million, or 8.7% of the science budget, which is a devastating cut that will greatly affect NASA's ability to do quality science. Note: There are some increases to other, non-science areas, of NASA, which explains why the science budget cut is greater than the overall cut.
The good news is that a president's proposed budget NEVER becomes the final budget. A president's proposed budget is a guideline of the president's policy wishes, but it is Congress that develops and determines the final budget. If you are upset about this proposed cut, get on the phone and call your U.S. House representative and two U.S. Senators. They are the ones will will develop, change, and approve a final fiscal year budget. Your calls and your letters DO sway the decisions of your lawmakers, so contact them.
If you are not sure who your reps are or who to contact them, go here:
Who Is My Representative?
Plug in your zip code and your representatives will appear with contact information to reach out to them and voice your opinion. NASA's budget is currently a very tiny fraction of the overall U.S. budget, at just 0.4% of the total government budget. There is no need to cut NASA's budget and jeopardize the U.S. as a world wide leader in science research and education.
If you pay any attention at all to politics, regardless if it is politics at the local, state, or federal level, budgets are always a sticking point and there is always a deep debate on what should and should not be funded. Everyone has an opinion on budgets and it seems as if it is always a struggle to come to a budget agreement.
NASA's Budget
A few weeks ago I wrote a post detailing the increases to NASA's budget in the 2019 fiscal year. It wasn't long after that, however, before President Trump announced his proposed 2020 fiscal year budget, which includes an overall cut to NASA's budget of $500 million, which is very significant. The budget cut to NASA's science programs is about $600 million, or 8.7% of the science budget, which is a devastating cut that will greatly affect NASA's ability to do quality science. Note: There are some increases to other, non-science areas, of NASA, which explains why the science budget cut is greater than the overall cut.
The good news is that a president's proposed budget NEVER becomes the final budget. A president's proposed budget is a guideline of the president's policy wishes, but it is Congress that develops and determines the final budget. If you are upset about this proposed cut, get on the phone and call your U.S. House representative and two U.S. Senators. They are the ones will will develop, change, and approve a final fiscal year budget. Your calls and your letters DO sway the decisions of your lawmakers, so contact them.
If you are not sure who your reps are or who to contact them, go here:
Who Is My Representative?
Plug in your zip code and your representatives will appear with contact information to reach out to them and voice your opinion. NASA's budget is currently a very tiny fraction of the overall U.S. budget, at just 0.4% of the total government budget. There is no need to cut NASA's budget and jeopardize the U.S. as a world wide leader in science research and education.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
First Contact - Book Review
Love of Books
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
First Contact by Murray Leinster
I recently finished reading First Contact by Murray Leinster, a short science fiction story. Murray Leinster is the pen name for author William Jenkins.
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
First Contact by Murray Leinster
I recently finished reading First Contact by Murray Leinster, a short science fiction story. Murray Leinster is the pen name for author William Jenkins.
This was a very interesting short story (SPOILER ALERT!!!) in which a human ship and an alien ship meet while exploring the Crab Nebula. Both desire to be friendly to the other, but both realize they can't leave the other alive for fear of what will happen if they do. If the humans leave the aliens in the ship alive, they may discover where Earth is located, bring reinforcements, and destroy Earth. The aliens come to the same conclusion regarding Earth humans.
The story then focuses on the thought process of how the humans and aliens reach an agreement that doesn't result in the destruction of one or the other. It's a really interesting look into how humans think, and presumably how aliens think (as if we really know). Written in 1945, the story still holds true today as we look for advanced civilization elsewhere in the Universe and ponder how we might react to this discovery.
Monday, April 1, 2019
Changing Views
I am closing in on the 7th anniversary of starting this blog on May 30, 2012. Over the last seven years I've shared my passion of science and how science works within my family life. Today I'm here to tell you I was completely wrong! Science is wrong! Science is boring! Science weakens us and destroys us from within! From here on out I am anti-science! NO MORE SCIENCE!!!
APRIL FOOLS! LOL! I will NEVER stop loving science!
APRIL FOOLS! LOL! I will NEVER stop loving science!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)