I’ve Got Mad Scientists In The House

Review of the Spangler Science Club 

I’m always on the lookout for things to get my kids curiosity and imaginations brewing. Whether it’s on trips, stuff, games, music, whatever - just anything to get them trying new things.
And it helps if I’m interested too!

I was recently made aware of a hands-on science experiment kit by Steve Spangler (of Ellen and YouTube) that’s sent out monthly with different themes using kitchen science. Basically science-fair type projects geared for kids from kindergarten through 6th grade.  The theme of the kit we got was “Slime Time” which is reminiscent of Nickelodeon’s Slime from the 90’s and came with all of the parts and pieces for about 6 experiments – all addictive to the base experiment. It took us about 25-30 minutes to get through the step-by-step instructions and at the end of the booklet the kids are awarded with a fun collegiate-style certificate.
Overall, the box was pretty fun and easy enough for my 10 year-old to get through by herself. Younger kids like my 5 year-old definitely need the help especially keeping them interested with the science questions in the booklet.

The monthly boxes are $30 each, or $25 if you pay for a year up front. If you use the code “CLUB16” before 12/31/2016 you’ll save $5 off your first box.

And if you really want something cool for the kids to watch on YouTube – check out SpanglerScienceTV

Want to get them interested in science right away? Show them this one for some splashy ideas for a birthday party or maybe even a wedding.
Quite entertaining – even for adults!

Now I’m off to buy some liquid nitrogen.

*Disclosure Spangler Science Club sent me a complimentary review box

Original Science Fair Project Ideas That Will Change the WORLD

My daughter’s school science fair is coming up soon. In fact, she just told my wife and I tonight that it’s happening next week.

After a robust and at times heated discussion about exactly how long has she known this information, my daughter and wife started listing a bunch of possible project ideas around simple scientific topics such as butterflies, volcano’s, mold, bugs, heat, cold, etc. to which I answered to all of them – boring.

Kids have been using those science fair topics for thousands of years ever since that one episode of “The Brady Bunch” where Bobby made that volcano explode in the backyard.

Oh Bobby.

I think my daughter should choose a topic with real groundbreaking information that will change the course of humankind and the world, forever. Something of real value and not something dull like the stages of an egg or the growing of mushrooms. As long as it ends up in an omelet nobody really cares.

Some innovative ideas of value:

What is the effect of Lionel Richie’s Mustache on Women?
Hypothesis – Scientists and mathematicians have been trying to figure this out for years – is the mustache the secret to Lionel's success and the ladies affection just as it is for Tom Selleck and Burt Reynolds? Enquiring minds want to know.

Experiment – Make Lionel shave and then sing “Hello.”

Early Conclusion – I’ve just given this topic a little more thought and think I’ve figured out the answer: The blind woman that sculpted his head in clay INCLUDED the mustache.

Answer: Huge affect

How many licks to the center of a Tootsie Pop?
Hypothesis – Was Mr. Owl right?

Experiment – Make a run to the nearest 7-11 and test it out.

Conclusion (hindered) – Find somebody that actually likes Tootsie Pops or maybe substitute with something better like Chewy Sprees or Popcorn Chicken from KFC.

Why do you have to be so delicious?

Does a visit to Chuck E. Cheese affect a Child’s probability to become a compulsive gambler later in life?
Hypothesis – Children walk around Chuck’s with coin-filled cups mesmerized by flashing lights, high-pitched sounding machines dropping hundreds of coins into them, losing all sense of time, while given access to all-you-can drink fountain beverages, horrible food and awful musical entertainment. Is Chuck’s really a training ground for slot hogs?

Experiment – Reconnaissance work:

Carpets that smell like cigarettes, vomit, tears, and urine

Entertainment: Chuck’s Band

Celine Dion

Conclusion – Yes