Exploring Heat Transfer with a MEL Science Kit

My kids were so excited to try out another MEL Science kit. In the Heat Transfer set we completed activities that taught us about heat. Through the use of a thermochromic screen included in the science kit we were able to actually see heating and cooling. 

This was a very engaging set that kept the kids busy long after the original activities were completed. Read on to learn more about our experience this physics set from MEL Science and for an exclusive promo code!

This post contains affiliate links meaning I receive a small commission from purchases made from these links at no additional cost to you. Please see disclosures for more information.

Heat Transfer Physics Kit from MEL Science

The Heat Transfer kit from MEL Science includes everything you need to complete three physics activities. We were able to make heat visible in the "heat trace" activity, explored evaporative cooling, held a thermal race. 

Directions for each activity are in the kit, and you can also follow animated step-by-step instructions on the free MEL Science app. 

This kit is intended for ages 8 and up. As I was doing the experiments with my kids, my 8-year-old and her 5-year-old sister worked easily and safely together. Although the younger one didn't grasp as much of the science, they both found these activities engaging and fun. 

Making Heat Visible

The activities in the Heat Transfer physics kit make use of a thermochromic screen. Thermochromic means a substance that changes color as it changes temperature. 

Thermochromic pigments and liquid crystals are used in familiar items such as color-changing mood rings, forehead thermometers, or if you grew up in the late 80's and early 90's like me, those popular Hypercolor shirts! (If you are looking to share a little nostalgia with your kids, you can still get heat-sensitive color changing shirts here.)

The thermochromic screen makes an excellent tool for allowing students to see heat in action. You can see how heat transfer through conduction works if you press your hand on the screen for a few seconds. You can also see how warm your breath is if you breathe on it through a straw. This particular screen changed color in a temperature range of 75-93 degrees F. 

Evaporative Cooling

Another way heat is transferred is through evaporative cooling. This is when temperature is reduced due to moisture evaporating and removing heat from a surface. When we sweat we cool down due to evaporative cooling.

We once again experimented with the color changing screen. It was neat to see the heat dissipate as the water from a paintbrush evaporated. My daughter explored painting with water on the thermochromic screen for quite a while. 

Heat Conduction: A Thermal Race

Lastly we experimented with two different metals to see which would be a better conductor of heat. It's so cool to be able to see the temperature change! 

Heat Transfer Kit

The Heat Transfer Physics Kit from MEL Science got a big thumbs up at our household. My kids also really enjoyed building a music box while studying sound waves with a MEL Science STEM Kit. You can read our review of the Sound Waves kit here. 

MEL Science also offers subscription plans and bulk prices for schools and other groups. You can learn more about school and bulk ordering here.

If you'd like to try out MEL Science kits in your home or school, use our promo code: SHAREITSCIENCE for 50% off your first box. 

Thermochromic Fun

The thermochromic screen in our kit has really been put through its paces, but I'm sure it will be played with more before it is worn out. When the time comes, we would be excited to order this heat sensitive color-changing sheet. It's bigger too, so many possibilities!

If you are looking for another heat transfer project with thermochromic pigment, try this project about ectotherms (cold-blooded) and endotherms (warm-blooded) creatures!

Summer Olympics: Science, STEM and STEAM Activities

The summer Olympic games are about to begin in Paris, France and we are so excited. The games teach us so many life lessons: perseverance, camaraderie, grit, trust, hope, sportsmanship, honesty, compassion...etc.

Olympic sports can also teach us some really cool science! In this post I've piled together some fun ideas for Olympic science, STEM and STEAM activities. Perfect for home, camp or summer school while you wait for your favorite summer Olympic sport to compete. 

Olympic Games Science Activities 

First things first, let's light the Olympic torch! Check out this cool static electricity Olympic flame experiment. 

Try this Olympic flame spin on the popular "fireworks in a jar" science activity. 

Experiment with the physics of spinning and reaction time here. 

Learn how to experiment with and build a shot put catapult here. 

You will find a ton of Olympic sports science activities and experiments from Science Sparks here. From javelin throwing to rock climbing, some super projects to keep the kids busy.

Ibex73, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

STEM Activities for the Summer Olympics

This a great article highlighting three approaches to bringing the summer Olympics into your STEM curriculum. 

You'll find a series of videos highlighting engineering in the summer Olympic sports from the National Science Foundation here. 

Here are 10 excellent summer Olympics STEM challenges here. Hours of building and experimenting fun organized for different learning levels. 

Which turf is best for playing certain sports? How does your heart rate compare to an Olympian's? Answer these questions and more with the sports STEM activities here.  

Tons of STEM challenge ideas organized by sport. 

Summer Olympic Inspired STEAM Activities

Get drawing, designing and flex that creativity with these fun and free Olympic game inspired STEAM activities. 

Build an Olympic torch with circuits! 

Use this post to help you build the Olympic rings out of LEGO, or take it a step further and create your own design for an Olympic logo out of your bricks. 

I hope you are inspired to learn while you enjoy your favorite sports! Let the games begin!

Roller Coasters and Outer Space: Gravity Activities for Kids

Some science concepts can be seem pretty big and difficult to grasp. Gravity and other forces that we cannot see can be tricky, particularly for elementary aged children. I love teaching with picture books, so the Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science® Series has always been one of my favorites. Gravity is a Mystery by Franklyn M. Branley is a great example of one of these kid-friendly science books.

In this post we'll explore Gravity is a Mystery and the concept of gravity with a hands-on science and engineering investigation: marble roller coasters. You'll also find a free printable "Weight in Outer Space" worksheet and a list of further resources for teaching and learning about gravity. This post is part of the Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science® Series hosted by My Joy-Filled Life blog.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking a product link. Please see disclosures page for more details.

Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science®: Gravity is a Mystery

If you haven't read a Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science book before, you are missing out. Written by many authors well versed in the fields of science and science for kids, they are books that are written in kid-friendly language, have engaging illustrations, and often include activity ideas and background information.

The books come in 2 stages, stage 1 stories are books about simple concepts appropriate for preschool and kindergarten, stage 2 books explore more difficult concepts for elementary aged kids.

Gravity is a Mystery is a stage 2 book. In it, a scientist and his dog explore the mysterious force of gravity. It answers interesting questions like: What would happen if you dug a hole through the center of the Earth and jumped in? How does gravity pull on you and other objects? How does gravity work? What does weight have to do with gravity? Why do we weigh different amounts on different planets?



Gravity is a Mystery is an excellent launching point for science activities about gravity. Read on to learn how to build a marble roller coaster and calculate your weight on other planets. If you are looking for even more activities about gravity and forces, check out these gravity lesson ideas.

Build a Marble Roller Coaster

Building and designing marble roller coasters is an engaging STEM activity for just about any age. I have done this activity in the classroom and during family science night programs and it is always a hit with kids and adults.

What do roller coasters have to do with gravity? Once a roller coaster is pulled up the "lift hill" by a motor and released, the rest of the ride is controlled by the force of gravity, and inertia, or the tendency of a moving object to maintain its forward velocity. Thanks to gravity and inertia, a roller coaster can stay on its tracks as it spins and flips.

You will need: 

• Marbles
• 3/8" Foam pipe insulation
• Utility knife
• Painter's tape (blue tape) 

Build the Roller Coaster

First, you'll need to prepare the foam insulation. Although you can build roller coasters out of many different types of material, I like this way best. Use the utility knife to carefully slice down the solid side of the pipe insulation.

The foam is flexible and can be used over and over again. It is already split down one side to fit around the pipe, so by simply slicing down the opposite side, you can make 2 troughs that a marble fits perfectly inside of.

Although you can use any type of tape, I suggest using painter's tape because it allows you to attach the roller coasters to most surfaces without damaging them. This way you can work across the wall, floor, tables and chairs. It also peels nicely off of the foam insulation, so you can re-use the pieces.

Start out by encouraging kids to build a simple design while they get the hang of how the marble will behave in the roller coaster. Expect to use a lot of tape during the design process!

Once they've experimented through trial and error, add some more complex elements to the coaster. Challenge them to include hills, a loop-the-loop, a spiral or some other spine-tingling roller coaster element.

Other Ways to Build a Marble Roller Coaster

If you want to continue exploring the idea of roller coasters, you can also build them with recycled materials like we did here for our Family STEAM Night event.

You also will want to check out this really neat set of marble tracks for home or the classroom. I love how it lends itself to open-ended exploration, it won a toy of the year award in 2016 and is reasonably priced. Learning through FUN is the best!


It would be super fun to have this on the refrigerator, wouldn't it? STEM and a snack!

Gravity and Weight in Space

The weight of an object is equivalent to how much the force of gravity is pulling the object towards the Earth. The strength of this force changes with mass and distance. The larger an object is, the greater the force of gravity. This is why the force of gravity from the Sun, which is enormous compared to the planets, can hold all the planets in orbit. Gravity is also stronger when the distance between the objects is smaller. This is why the planets are not pulled away from our Sun, toward another, further away massive star.

This relationship is also what would make us weigh different amounts on different planets. You've probably had some experience with this concept at a science museum or planetarium. You can calculate the weight of an object, or yourself, on a different planet. The closer the planet is in size to Earth, the closer your weight will be to your weight on Earth.

Use this free "Weight in Outer Space" printable worksheet to explore this concept with kids. It requires multiplication, so is best for upper elementary and above. Please note that I have chosen to use the weight of a pet dog rather than the student in this sheet. You certainly can also have students substitute in their own weight. I found in a middle school classroom setting some students were sensitive about their own weight, so this easily alleviated the issue.

Further Resources for Studying Gravity

Check out these lesson plan ideas and other learning resources for further study of gravity:

• Designing a Roller Coaster (PBS Learning Media) 
• What is Gravity? (NASA Space Place)  
• Gravity in Action (Teachers Try Science) 
• Pencil Balance: Center of Gravity Exploration (PBS ZoomSci)

I also recommend these children's books about gravity:

Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science® Blog Series

You won't want to miss the rest of the posts in the Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science® series. Each includes a book and activities that complement the science concept. You'll find the entire series here.

Exploring Reflections: Creating 4-Leaf Clovers With Mirrors

Mirrors and reflections are super engaging from preschoolers through adulthood! That is probably why we find some great mirror exhibits in science and children's museums! For some fun with reflections at home or school, try this low-tech and easy-prep mirror activity.

This is a great STEAM activity for around St. Patrick's Day. It requires a bit of creativity, drawing and understanding of the science of light and reflection.

This post includes affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission from purchases made from these links at no additional cost to you. See disclosures for more information.

A St. Patrick's STEAM Challenge

Can you make a four-leaf clover with just a green dot on a piece of paper and two small mirrors?

 

To try this out you'll need:

• drawing paper or index cards
• 2 small plastic mirrors
• colorful markers or crayons
• modeling clay or small cans to hold up mirrors (optional)

First, draw a green circle on an index card. By holding your two mirrors at an angle, can you turn the circle into two circles? How about four? Can you make the reflection look like a four leaf clover?

For small hands, it makes it easier to hold the mirrors in place either by creating a stand for each out of a ball of clay, or attaching them to something so that they stand up. We taped ours to two small cans to make it easy to move and adjust.

 
Keep adjusting the angle and placement of the mirrors. What is the greatest number of leaves that you can make on the clover? A fun extension for older students is to measure the different angles of the mirrors with a protractor and compare that to the number of leaves it creates on the clover. Is there a pattern?

Try this with other shapes and drawings. How about a rainbow, or symmetrical shapes or letters? The possibilities are endless.

So what is the science? Light is being reflected or "bounced" from the surface of the mirror to your eyes. In this case, you are observing the light being emitted by the green dot. The placement of the mirrors results in the light bouncing back and forth off of the smooth surfaces of the mirrors. With each "bounce" another image is visible.

Want to teach a lesson on reflection? I highly recommend the "Mirror, Mirror" lesson featured in More Picture Perfect Science Lessons: Using Children's Books to Guide Inquiry, K-4 . This lesson uses the great picture book I See Myself by Vicki Cobb

Looking for more great STEAM projects? Check out STEAM Kids!

Exploring Catapults with Groovy Lab in a Box

You've probably heard me mention the awesome STEM and STEAM activity subscription service from Groovy Lab in a Box before, but did you know that you can also purchase these fun kits by individual box as well as subscription?

This post contains affiliate links, see disclosures for more information. 

The latest single box available is "Out to Launch" and is a chance for some catapult engineering and experimenting fun. Inside the box your kiddo will find the following engineering challenge and the supplies necessary to complete it:

Engineering Design Challenge: The Maker Faire is coming to a town near you! Can you design and build the grooviest looking catapult that launches a projectile the farthest distance?

As always, the "Out to Launch" box will have a groovy Lab Notebook where your kids can read about the investigations and Engineering Design Challenge. Plus, all subscribers get access to the Beyond...in a Box web portal for additional groovy learning and STEM fun.

Single boxes from Groovy Lab in a Box sell out very quickly, so if your kids are nuts about catapults, be sure to act fast!

For even more catapult fun, check out the catapult painting activity I've included in my Family STEAM Night post!  

 

Let the Games Begin! Olympic and Sport Science

Looking for science, STEM, and STEAM activities for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games? Click here for an updated post! 

We love the Olympics! In honor of the start of the summer games, here are some ways to investigate the science of sports! Will power, perseverance and hard work make an athlete, but behind each sport and even the clothing worn to compete, there is a lot of science. Dig into these lessons and activities to experience the games at home, camp or school.

This post contains affiliate links, see disclosure for more details. 

Science Netlinks is always a great resource for excellent science activities, web resources and lesson plans. Check out the plethora of Olympic resources here: Science Netlinks- Reaching for Olympic Glory

You'll find two easy science experiments here from Home Training Tools- the science of spinning and reaction time.

NBC teamed up with the National Science Foundation to produce an excellent series of videos about Olympic sport science. I've used them in my science classes and students really enjoy them- I always learn something too! Check the videos out here.

For a few more science experiments, visit science guru Steve Spangler's website for "How Science Changed the Olympics". 

More Steve Spangler Olympic Science in this video clip:

Amazon has a collection of Olympic Science books available for various summer Olympic sports.

For a ton of other great science activities and lessons about the Olympics and Sports, follow my Sport Science board on Pinterest!

Flying and Twirling: Paper Toy Physics

No doubt you've made a paper airplane before, but have you ever made an air spinner, flipping fish or twirling triangle? What else can you make fly through the air, and what makes these things move the way they do?

This post contains affiliate links, please see disclosures for more information.

Physics for Kids: Lift

How does a plane stay in the air? You can do a simple activity to understand this physics concept. The reason airplanes and birds have lift is due to a concept called Bernoulli's principle.The air moving over an airplane's wing is moving faster than the air below it. When the air blows faster the air pressure decreases. The air pressure below the wing stays the same, therefore pushing the wing upward, or lifting it.

image: www.quest.nasa.gov

You can demonstrate this by blowing on a strip of paper. Hold the narrow end of the strip of paper just below your bottom lip. Blow across the top of it. What happens?

Try it! A strip of copy paper 8 in long and 1 in wide works well.

Explore paper airplanes with the designs and directions here. Do some experiments. Maybe you can answer these questions:

• Which airplane designs have the most lift? 
• Which airplane designs fly the furthest? 
• What happens if you use construction paper or cardstock to build your airplane? 
• What if you add some paperclips for weight?

The Science of Spin

There are all sorts of spinners and paper toys that fly that can very easily be constructed and tested. One of my favorites is this spinner (includes template). Once I made these with a group of preschoolers on a windy day and they went soaring right up and over the building! Add a paperclip on the bottom to improve your spin!

My favorite spinners!

The effect here is the same as a helicopter's propellers, which is Bernoulli's principle again. A helicopter is different than an airplane in that it has a rotating propeller instead of wings. Instead of moving quickly forward to achieve lift, it has to use another method. When the propellers begin to rotate the air speeds up. Once all this air is circulating around the propellers, the air pressure changes and the helicopter can lift off.

You can find all sorts of designs for paper spinners in the "Air, Air Everywhere" section of the book Science Play! by Jill Frankel Hauser. Although this book is designed for ages 2-6, these paper designs can be enjoyed by any age. The designs for the "flipping fish" and a "twirling triangle" I mentioned earlier can be found here. You can experiment with different sizes and paper types. What happens when you add a little weight? The possibilities are endless!



Let's look at one of the designs from Science Play! here. This is the simplest design- the spinning bar. 

Cut out a small strip of paper. Drop it, or toss it into the air. What makes it move this way? What other things move and spin as you drop them?

A maple seed comes to mind. These "helicopters" as we fondly refer to them, also called samaras, baffled scientists for years. The seeds spin when they fall through the air. They do so slowly to help them travel further away from their parent plant. How did they manage to stay airborne for so long?

In 2006 scientists discovered how a maple seed does its thing. The spinning causes a vortex, much like a tornado, that lowers the air pressure over the upper surface of the seed. Due to the shape of the seed, it is sucked upward, giving it twice as much lift as a non-swirling seed. In a sense the maple seed is using both the shape of an airplane wing and the rotation of a helicopter propeller to move. Nature, as usual, is pretty darn smart.

If you are fascinated by maple seed "helicopters" you should definitely check out Emily Morgan's book: Next Time You See a Maple Seed.



What else can you find in nature that spins in the air? We're excited to hear how your flying and twirling toy experiments go! Share in the comments or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

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