Science
Mae Jemison Featured Scientist
Meet Mae Jemison Mae Jemison is today’s featured scientist in the spotlight. Mae Jemison was born in Alabama in 1956, and grew up in Illinois. She became interested in science as a young student, and excelled in school. She started college when she was just 16 years old, and earned degrees in chemical engineering and…
Read MoreWhat Does a Wildlife Forensics Scientist Do?
There are many kinds of science in the world, and even a greater variety of scientists who practice them! Today, Maya is talking with Johnnie French, a Forensic Scientist, Collections Manager, and specialist in Morphology, at the National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory. Johnnie manages a huge collection of wildlife specimens, from rare types of…
Read MoreBuild a Diddley-Bow Stringed Musical Instrument
DIY Diddley-Bow Objective: To build a basic diddley-bow in this do it yourself activity. The diddley-bow is an instrument much older than a viol, harp, or lute- it is a modification of a stringed instrument from West Africa. Difficulty Level: Easy (8-14 year olds) Easy with help (6-8 year olds) Kids younger than 6 can…
Read MoreWhat Does an Architect Do?
What kind of jobs do scientists do? Have you thought about how your home was designed and built? One of the people who designs homes is called an architect. Maya had a chance to talk with Lissa recently. Lissa is an architect who designs homes in high-rise buildings. Watch this interview to learn what questions…
Read MoreSpace Station Docking Simulator
Launching astronauts into space is just part of a mission. One of the most important parts involves docking with the International Space Station (ISS). In celebration of the NASA SpaceX Demo-2 space mission, ScienceWorks has produced a docking simulator that lets users pilot a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and attempt to dock with the ISS in…
Read MoreSwim in a School of Fish
Have you ever wanted to swim in a school of fish? What would you have to know to be good at it? What rules could you use to stay together and what patterns can we notice when animals move together in groups? You can use this program to see what that’s like and test out…
Read MoreDIY Spectroscope
Objective: Would you like to hold a rainbow in your hand? With a spectroscope, you can! You can make this device from simple materials you have at home. Then you can use it to learn more about light emitted around you. Difficulty Level: Easy (ages 8-14)/Easy with help (ages 3-8) Safety Note: Never look directly…
Read MoreAstronauts Launch from US Tomorrow #LaunchAmerica
Astronauts have not launched from the United States since 2011, and tomorrow’s mission is the beginning of a new era of space travel. NASA and SpaceX will launch two astronauts on a mission to join the crew of the International Space Station. As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley…
Read MoreDIY Drawing Machine
DIY Drawing Machine Objective: Create a drawing machine to make complex mathematical patterns. Explore the science on how gears move. Have you ever played with a Spirograph? These drawing devices can create beautiful patterns and are fun to tinker with. If you have patience and some time, you can build your own drawing machine just…
Read MoreBubble Geometry: Why Are Bubbles Round?
Why are bubbles round? What happens if you dip a non-round object into a bucket of bubble juice? Can you blow a triangular bubble? Let’s find out! Join Toby in this fun #ScienceWorksOnline activity. The Science of Round Bubbles Bubbles can stretch and look like long worms or distorted balloons while they are being formed.…
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