Water Can Run Uphill
Everyone knows that water can't flow uphill...unless I get involved. Mix a small amount of polyethylene oxide, a polymer, with water and it forms a thick, slippery, gooey, mucous-like gel. Oh, the visual imagery! When the gel is poured back…
Water Balloon in a Bottle – A Cool Puzzle
Sometimes the simplest experiments I do on television creates the greatest response. My Balloon in the Bottle experiment that aired on Monday was no exception. It's just an ordinary balloon poked into a soda bottle with the challenge... blow…
Apply for the Christopher Columbus Award
The Christopher Columbus Awards Program combines science and technology with community problem-solving. Students in grades 6-8 work in teams with the help of an adult coach to identify an issue they care about and, using science and technology,…
My First Science Fair Project – Try This Easy Idea
It's science fair time around the country and my son Jack came home from kindergarten wanting to do a project. We landed an idea and decided to blog his "journey" for the week. Jack's Science Fair Project is filled with pictures and Quicktime…
Mr. Luna’s Bright Idea
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most powerful ideas. That's exactly what I discovered when Ken Luna, an 8th grade science teacher in North Babylon, New York, posted a comment on my blog about his project. Here's the idea... Mr. Luna wants…
Blogging about Evolution
I received an email today from a Professor who wants to connect with public school teachers who are teaching evolution. Here's the request...
Dear Steve,
Just poured over your blog, and have bookmarked it for fun stuff for my kids. I am trying…
iPod Science Experiments – Steve Spangler on the go
Let's see... what could you watch on your new video ipod? Episodes of NBC's "Office"... ad-free music videos... or some guy in Denver who teaches you how to do cool science demos. Hmmm... that's a tough choice between Office and the music videos.…
Christmas Tree Safety
Here's a "do not try this at home" science demonstration that illustrates how dry trees are susceptible to catching fire and ways to avoid this potential fire risk.
Watch the Christmas Tree Fire Video
Colorado Science Teacher of the Year
Just stick your head above the crowd and someone will shoot at it. One Colorado elementary teacher is getting hit in the head with flying film canisters powered by water and Alka-Seltzer... and the kids are being praised. Colorado Association…
Best Educational Toys for 2005
Just last week our office took over 200 calls from people wanting our advice on buying "cool" educational toys. Among the callers were two network television producers and a slew of newspaper writers. So, here's our favorite educational toys…
