Most everyone loves the first weeks of winter and even the first few days of a snowstorm, but soon STEMists become bored with cold, winter activities. Keeping STEMists entertained while they are on holiday, or at home for a snow day, is a test for any parent. Check out these 5 indoor STEM activities that will keep your STEMists entertained, …
Nikola Tesla: Imagining the Future
Nikola Tesla imagined the future and is being rediscovered in pop culture and celebrated as a man before his time. He thought of devices and technologies we use today such as mobile phones, wireless internet and renewable energy. “It will soon be possible to transmit wireless messages around the world so simply that any individual can carry and operate his …
The Electric Life of Ben Franklin
As you do your own investigations and projects with electricity, you might want to think about a STEMist from the past who was also interested in electricity: Benjamin Franklin. A Founding Father of America While Franklin is best remembered as one of America’s founders, he was also a man of many interests. During his life he was a writer and publisher, …
Technology in Fashion
STEMists have done some amazing things with textiles (fabric) and clothing. Today we have clothing that changes color in sunlight, socks with aloe to soothe the feet, and fleece fabric made from recycled plastic bottles–just for starters! There are fabrics to protect people from water, germs, acid, bullets, and ultraviolet light. Textile engineers often work with artists and designers to make sure their discoveries can be turned into clothing that looks nice enough for people to wear. Continue reading
The Evolution of Hydroponics
Did you know you can grow plants without soil? The method is called hydroponic, a Latin word that means working water. Although historians believe that the evolution of hydroponics started with the ancient Babylonians and their hanging gardens, it was John Woodward, in 1699, who became the first documented scientist to successfully grow plants using hydroponics. John Woodward John Woodward …