Thundersnow

Did you hear the thundersnow this winter?  It was really amazing. Here's an interesting article about this unusual weather phenomenon. 

Wagner Free Institute of Science

Do you like Antique Roadshow?  Then you should attend the Natural History Road Show at the Wagner Free Institute of Science on May 7th.  This event will be sure to please all ages.  You can bring all of your treasures to be identified by one of the museum's experts!  Bring minerals, fossils, shells and insects to this one-of-a-kind event.  While you are there, check out the unique Victorian-era natural history museum, it is truly a gem. 

Kindergarten Chemistry

Take 4 different substances. Sand, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Mix with water. What happens? Something very different with each one!

Mold Symposium Experiment, Week 4

Just a preview of some of our disgusting, but wonderful, results! The Mold Symposium is in a little less than a month and our results have been amazing. Students are hard at work now making their display boards so they can share their projects at the Symposium!

3rd Grade Geode Making

In a wonderful art/science collaboration, Jody and I made beautiful geodes with 3rd Grade as a part of their study of rocks and minerals. First, in art class, the students created the geodes out of clay formed around real rocks and glazed the insides of the geodes. In science class, using aluminum sulfate, the students made crystals inside of the geode halves. The results are really spectacular!

Field Guide to Snowflakes

Since it seems like we're likely to have more snow events this winter, you might want to carry this handy snowflake chart with you at all times.  Then, as the snowflakes fall, you can easily identify each individual snowflake!  If they land on a dark surface it makes it easier to see the intricate patterns.  Also, if you have a camera that take close-up pictures, it's pretty easy to snap some beautiful photos of each snowflake.  For fascinating reading about Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley and his snowflake photography, check out the website here.

Morris Arboretum

One of the real gems in the northwestern corner of Philadelphia is Morris Arboretum.  It's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.  There's a Victorian fernery, outdoor model railway, environmental sculptures, streams and ponds.  It's easy to spend a whole day lost in the natural beauty of the place.  Follow the link below to see their complete listing of courses this spring! 

Morris Arboretum List of Spring Courses