When you think about it, many of the educational hobbies out there involve science, math, and reading. It’s a natural progression that your science fair projects could be in the realm of something you already enjoy, something you’ve taken for granted as “just a hobby.” Not to minimize hobbies, just the opposite. I think they should be second nature for the whole family! But when they are, we may not think about the science fair opportunities that may be just under the surface.
What Science Fair Projects Involve Educational Hobbies?
Here’s a handful to get you thinking:
- Remote Control Helicopters: How much weight can they carry and how far? What batteries power up longer? What makes one helicopter faster than another?
- Philately: What is the best method for removing a stamp? How do you remove the paper from the back, and what do you need to know to preserve them properly?
- Robotic Boats: What does the length of the boat have to do with its ability to navigate a circumference accurately? Does the weight have anything to do with it? What engine goes faster, gas or electric?
- Modeling Clay: How long does it take polymer clay to dry as opposed to modeling clay? Which colors take better? Can one do more than the other?
- Cooking: What happens when you mix baking soda with vinegar? Why? Why does chocolate pudding get thick when you cook it?
- Pinewood Derby: C’mon, the whole thing is science! How far can you make it go? What contributed to the speed? What are the differences between two competing cars?
So get your hypothesis ready, ask a question that you may already know something about, but may not have thought about why you’re getting the results you’re getting. Maybe one of these hobbies already interested you, but you’ve never pursued it. A science fair project is a good reason to get started! What hobbies have you used as a basis for a science fair project?
Get Your Whole Family Into Science Fairs
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If your local science fair hasn’t happened yet, it’s likely to be right around the corner. More and more schools are making participation mandatory, and giving a test grade for the project. I think requiring participation is a great idea, causing many who would never compete, to at least start to understand the process of discovery.
Every science fair project has to follow a particular process; the first is always a hypothesis. With such a large name, your younger kids will no doubt wrinkle their noses, but basically it’s just a fore running thought about what they expect to happen and why during their experiment. Asking these kinds of questions ultimately causes a child to start thinking ahead with a part of their brain that’s not finished developing until their early twenties. That’s one reason science fair projects should involve the whole family on some level.
I’m not suggesting that the whole family do one project; instead I’m suggesting that every age sibling be exposed to the line of reasoning used for each child’s separate project. Different ages and different thought processes cause each to see something in the other’s projects they may not have otherwise gathered.
Science Fair Project Choices
There are so many choices out there! Inevitably your child will either look online for some kit to purchase, or work on something that they already have an interest in. They may decide to do what their brother or sister did last year, and that’s okay. Do some looking, too, but make sure your ideas aren’t running the show. Here’s where it’s nice to have sibling involvement. You can better manage from afar, with the majority of the conclusions being discovered independently. Of course, depending on the risk factors, they may need you to be more involved! Don’t let them get hurt, by any means (this means you, daredevil dads!).
Affordable Science Fair Project Ideas
Making science interesting for your family is just good sense. Science projects don’t have to cost much if you’re creative. To name a few:
- The fastest paper airplane. This should include different weight distribution like paper clips or Popsicle sticks. Dig deep, you’ll enjoy it!
- Sugar crystals, my personal favorite. When kids work in the kitchen they learn science, math, and reading, so I really encourage something in the kitchen for students of every age. This project has to do with food coloring, length of time cooked, and temperature used to make a chemical reaction. This is pretty frequently suggested in the info packs from school.
- Strongest nail color. No kidding, my daughter did this by hot gluing fake fingernails to Popsicle sticks, painting each with a different brand of nail polish, and then subjecting them to daily tasks! Completely her idea in the 6th grade, and she really learned a lot. It interested her friends, and her little sister!
Many educational hobbies are discovered when you begin to research what topics to test.
Check back often because I’m going into more detail in future posts. Let me know what creative things you’ve been trying!
Pinewood Derby Held at the First Pack Meeting of 2009
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Pics by Katie H
Pack 871 in Richardson, Texas held their Pinewood Derby last Tuesday night at Dartmouth Elementary School. For the first Pack meeting of the year, the turnout was pretty good! Making a showing were Tiger Den 3, Wolf Den 4, Bear Den 6, Webelos Den 7, and the Flaming Eagle Patrol. Hats off to Cub Pack Master Jeremy Wanamaker and the volunteers of Pack 871, pulling it all together for a fine race. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Symbols’.
Three boys stood out in the competition this year, Beckett Wanamaker, Ryan S., and Lucas H., all placing in each race. Beckett and Lucas prevailed in the end. This was Ryan’s first year, so next year—watch out!
When asked how long it took to finish the cars, Beckett and Lucas claimed it only took them two days from start to finish. I imagine it took the whole two days! Beckett, Cub Master Wanamaker’s son, has been at it awhile. This was his fourth competition. By now, he’s learned a few things. “Yeah, I sanded it myself,” he said proudly.
The Specifics from the Boys
When asked where each of them decided to put the weight on the car, the each had different answers. Beckett said, “I put mine on the bottom.” Ryan, on the other hand, “drilled into the back.”
Beckett was also asked what was done differently with his car. “Mine had a stop sign and yield sign painted on it because the theme was ‘signs’,” he said. Signs, symbols…we know what he meant! Ryan was proud of his blue stripe right down the top of the car.
The Pinewood Derby continues to represent friendly competition and sportsmanship. These boys will never
Pic by Katie H
forget the time they spent with their parents learning all about these cars. Very likely these boys will grow up to know the hobby and compete outside of the Boy Scout arena, but there’s also a chance they may decide to run for office one day! Boy Scouts of America turns out more than it’s fair share of tomorrow’s leaders.
What do they plan to do with the cars now that they’ve raced them? “I’ll lock it up somewhere!” said Ryan. Said Beckett, “I’ll keep mine as a souvenir, I have a whole shelf of them.”
Entertain and Educate Your Family Through Stargazing
By · CommentsI don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy looking at the night sky for enjoyment and relaxation, but have you thought about the educational value?
Astronomy Has Deep Roots In History
We have been watching the skies at night for as long as history has been recorded. People could often find their way to and from distant places by knowing what stars to follow. The North Star, for instance, was used by the Underground Railroad before slavery was outlawed. African slaves were pointed in the right direction at night by using the North Star to find freedom from the southern states before the Civil War. They had to move at night for fear of being discovered.
Ships used the stars for directions, and the first calendars measured time by the size of the moon. Constellations told stories, and eclipses marked dooms days back in the earlier days of our ancestry. The stories are rich, and inspiring to share with your children.
Stargazing Is Free
It doesn’t cost a thing to look up in the sky at night, or on the computer, and learn to recognize the constellations. The Milky Way, meteors, meteor showers, satellites, and the Andromeda Galaxy cost nothing to observe with the naked eye.
You can also enjoy a binocular view of the universe. Many people don’t consider using them for much more than football plays or bird watching. Dust them off and see for yourself. This educational hobby will create memories for generations!
Astronomy is an Educational Hobby
By · CommentsAs Educational Hobbies Go, Astronomy Is One Of The Least Expensive To Start.
All it takes to learn a little stargazing is a country road and a few minutes on your hands. O.K., that’s not always very easy, but the stars are definitely easier to see the farther out of town you get. Why not take the family for a little ride one night, find a place to park, and take a look?
You can climb up on the roof of your van or house, or throw a blanket in the backyard, too. It only takes a little know-how to figure out your constellations. You can print off some diagrams or find them in your encyclopedias. Getting the kids involved in the resource digging is good experience for them.
Some pretty good conversations come out of watching a satellite enter and exit your viewing area. It takes concentration to see them at all, let alone follow their path. One of our fondest memories visiting my husband’s parent’s house in the country is looking up in amazement at the vivid night sky.
It’s fun to watch the kids draw what they’ve seen, too; a good practice for retention skills.
Ask Questions
The education for your kids doesn’t stop there. Most astronomers are asking questions, like “What are the stars made up of?”, or “How do they create light?” These are excellent questions to pose to your kids.
Some things to look for up there might be:
- Planets
- Galaxies
- Eclipses
- Moons
- Novas
Discuss what this study originated for, and what astronomy has been used for in years past. The cycles of the universe have kept the seas navigated, the time marked, and the seasons predicted. Now you can even name your own stars!
Don’t miss out on astronomy, its an educational hobby that lasts a lifetime!
Spark Her Interest in Science with Educational Hobbies
By · CommentsWhat do educational hobbies offer your daughter?
She’s into Barbies and mermaids and everything pink right now, and that’s great, but one of these days you’ll look at her and wonder if she’s thinking outside of herself enough. Educational hobbies, not just toys, spark the ingenuity she’s going to need to succeed in her generation. She will learn how to master a craft.
Lindberg's Transparent Horse is a precisely detailed kit featuring a complete horse skeleton that is anatomically accurate with soft internal organs. An instruction manual helps horse lovers learn about equine anatomy.
If she’s introduced to a hobby that includes science, and she learns to love it, she’s much more likely to get into a good college with some great opportunities that might finance her career. Her generation, now more than ever, is going to need strong, intelligent leadership in not only the female community, but in the world in general. We are in desperate need of people who know “how.” I think hobbies are a catalyst for that.
While I think that argument stands alone, I will say that those moments spent together are so worthwhile. I truly love the times I get to spend with my kids working on something together.
A hobby is something that you enjoy doing over time, that you add to or make, that interests you enough to stick with it and find out more. One thing I’ve noticed about hobbyists is that they learn how to be an expert at a thing. That’s important.
Educational hobbies for kids
Consider how engaging in one of these hobbies might enrich your child’s life. Maybe there’s something on this list you already do, think about handing it down through the generations. These can be some rewarding opportunities.
- Rocketry
- Stamp collecting
- Gardening
- Remote control cars
- Bug collecting
- Painting, drawing
- Astronomy
There’s many more out there. Isn’t it time that you learned more about educational hobbies?
Rocket Launching 101 – A Mom’s Guide
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Fun with a Stomp Rocket
by Nabeel H on flickr
If you’re into educational hobbies and practice the fine art of promoting your kids’ educational awareness, then I’m sure at some point your kids have wondered how to make a rocket. Most moms would say, “Dad will be home soon, he’ll help you,” but not you. You’re not “most moms” and you’re going to figure this puppy out! I’ve been there. I can help.
First of all, you’ll be glad to know, you don’t have to make a rocket from scratch. You can find rockets and rocket kits for every age group and skill level at your local hobby shop or online hobby retailer.
I recommend you start easy and small with your very young ones. Stomp rockets can entertain your five-year old safely with rockets that only go 100 feet in the air and are made of foam. The concept is, you step on the air-filled paddle that is attached to a small hose and it pushes air with pressure to launch the foam rocket into the sky. You’re looking at around $5.00 – $10.00, maybe a little more, but not much.
But if your little darling wants one NOW, here’s an idea:
How to make a rocket
Don’t get intimidated learning how to make a rocket; NASA has this all figured out. I would try this with my elementary-age child. You’ll know your child’s attention span well enough to know if he or she is ready.
I will say this. Don’t wait for a “better time.” Two of my children have graduated; Two more graduate this year and my youngest is starting high school. I can tell you there is no better time to interest them in science than right now. If you don’t endorse educational hobbies as a parent early on, you will not get the chance later because they simply won’t care. And this isn’t just for the boys! If you have a daughter, she absolutely needs to get a thrill from science. Science teaches children how to think for themselves and problem solve.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 liter plastic soda bottle
- 2 drinking straws, one larger than the other
- small amount of modeling clay
- two strips of paper: 5 x 1 inch and 3 x 1 inch
- tape
Take the lid and label off the soda bottle. Stop up the top with some of the clay. Stick the small straw through it so you can see it inside.
Take the strips of paper and form them into two cones around each end of the larger straw. The small cone becomes the rocket tip and the larger becomes its tail section. Stop up the rocket tip with a small ball of modeling clay.
Now, slip the “rocket” onto the smaller straw inside the soda bottle. Stand up the soda bottle, and squeeze! Voila! Just some simple air rocketry, folks. Nobody gets hurt.
Learn more safe rocket making ideas on the NASA site, The Space Place.
Discover Your World With a Postage Stamp – Philately
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the collector 2 by Lamerie on flickr
A world of opportunity opens up when you start to learn about a stamp. Philately takes something that you may generally take for granted to a whole other level. One of the more interesting educational hobbies, philately teaches us about history, geography, politics, and art, all inside the borders of a postage stamp.
Philately concerns the who, what, where’s, and whys of the small picture, making it much larger. For instance, some collections might include one or more of these categories:
- Olympics
- Sports figures
- Wildflowers
- A certain country
- National treasures
- Political figures
- Comic book characters
- Aircraft
It’s a lot of fun to talk with your children about these stamps. Far more compelling than just the removal of the paper from the back of the stamp, philately is a way of engaging in the past through pictorial imagery, and preserving it for the future.
Educational hobbies like philately are wonderful to hand from generation to generation. Happy collecting!
Visit USPS Stamp Collecting to learn more.
Homeschool Astronomy on a Budget
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What can you see? by Jorg Weingrill on flickr
Initially in astronomy, there is not a huge financial investment. Just go outside and look up. Instant success. You see stars.
But then, there comes a thirst for more. What are the stars made of? Why do they move in the sky? And what’s all this winking and twinkling about? Questions you haven’t thought of since you wore Superman underwear. These worthy inquiries are easily answered in a trip to your local library.
Then it really happens. You find out your very own town has an astronomy club. “Come see the stars!” they entice you! “Free Star Party this Saturday!” Armed with a thermos of hot cocoa and cookies your wife made, you tramp up Star Party hill. And you see it all – not just the stars and galactic nuclei, but all those TELESCOPES.
WOW.
Your wife is not happy about trading the car for a telescope. Call her crazy, but a telescope doesn’t pick up the groceries or take kids to ballet. In fact, it’s a gadget to look at things that have been around since before either of you were around. You’re just all-fired up on doing it now. And yes, most of those sparkley things up there will be up there when you retire, so why not just wait until then?
“Because the purpose of life to experience happiness, which can only be experienced in the present moment,” explains the Dalai Lama, quite patiently.
“But the Dalai Lama does not have four children and two mortgages,” your wife counters. So what are you to do?
Astronomy club telescopes are available for members, but what if you want something of your very own right now? (We are, after all, Americans.) And you want to share astronomy with your kids, and you’re not likely to share an expensive telescope with those grubby hands. There must be a happy alternative. But what?
Go get a raft. The inflatable kind you have lurking somewhere in your garage already. Set it up on the grass, and pull out a pair of binoculars. A good pair. Add cocoa and cookies, and you have an instant star party worthy of any amateur astronomer.
How to pick a good pair of binoculars?
Binoculars - a working collection by jlcwalker on flickr
Here are some ideas that may work for you (excerpted from Backyard Astronomer’s Guide by Dyer and Dickinson):
Larger main lenses mean brighter images, but for most people, a 50mm lens is a practical handheld limit. Binoculars with a 7mm exit pupil are easier to bring to correct position in front of the eye, an advantage for young people and beginners of any age.
Higher magnification means better resolution, but it also means more stringent optical-quality standards to produce good images. It also results in amplified jiggling during handheld operation. This factor alone limits binocular magnification for handheld astronomical viewing to 10x.
Put it all together, the most popular sizes are 7×50 and 10×50. If you prefer smaller and lighter, go for the 7×42 or 8×42. Why not just go for the 10x50s, since biggest means best? Well, because aiming and observing through binoculars at night is much easier for some than others. In our experience, 7x50s are much easier to use. On the other hand, 10x50s yield fainter stars and more Moon and celestial object detail.
More detail makes sense, but why are dimmer stars more apparent? Part of the reason is that the smaller exit pupil helps avoid the edge-of-eye aberrations (producing sharper stars), but mainly, it is that the higher magnification in effect spreads out the sky background, darkening it in the process.
Roof prism binoculars are more compact than porro prism in sizes under 42, and are generally more costly. For general astronomy binoculars at a reasonable price, we recommend porro prism models in 7×50 and 10×50.
RECOMMENDATIONS for general astronomy glasses:
These two stand out, both in the $200 range: Vista 10×50 by Orion and Ultima 10×50 by Celestron. Both are 27 ounces (exceptionally lightweight for 50mm binoculars) and very sharp 5.3-degree fields and good eye relief. In the $100 range, the Bausch & Lomb 10×50 and 7×50 Legacy are ideal beginner binoculars for astronomy. A lightweight tripod and L-adapter are great additions for an upgrade. Go enjoy your night sky!
About the Author:
Since 1996, Aurora Lipper has been helping families learn science. As a pilot, astronomer, engineer, rocket scientist, and former university instructor, Aurora can transform toilet paper tubes into real working radios and make robots from junk in the back desk drawer.
You can download the free science experiment workbook at http://www.SuperchargedScience.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
All Ages Enjoy Kite Flying
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Flying a kite is more than child’s play. Just ask Ray McCully, secretary of the New Zealand Kite Flyers’ Association. He has a collection of over 100 kites. On a good day, he and his wife Rosemary might have 50 – 60 of them aloft at one time. This educational hobby has even taken them around the world.
It all began 19 years ago when their daughters received a kite from grandma. Mom wanted to know why some kites flew and others didn’t. She found a book, made a kite and must have enjoyed the process. Kite flying became a hobby that the whole family could enjoy.
Read the entire story, “The wind beneath his wings.”
Photo Credit: luiginter on Flickr
