mathematics-

Doing easy elementary science projects need not be kept only for science fairs. There are many good reasons why you and your kids should do science experiments all the time.

Here are a few of those reasons:

1. It gives you and the kids the opportunity to spend some quality time together
2. Kids love exploring and it is good to use this natural curiosity to teach them basic science without them even noticing.
3. Science experiments using easy to obtain supplies are also very suitable for homeschoolers.

Our easy elementary science project for today falls in to the category of "fun." It is a very simple experiment and the kids will be able to do it with very little help from you. You will have to supervise though; otherwise you will have a big mess on your hands!

To start, explain to the kids that the earth consists of rocks, sand, humus, water and air. This is all the "ingredients" necessary for life on earth. Plants, animals and humans all need them in order to be able to survive. In our science project we are going to have a look at soil. We are going to find out how much air is trapped in different kinds of soil.

What you need:

• 5 Small clear jars
• Water
• 5 Soil samples from different kinds of soil (go exploring with the kids to find samples in different places)
• Labels
• A pen
• A notebook

What you have to do:

1. Fill your jars halfway full with your soil samples. One kind of soil into each jar.
   
2. Mark each jar with a name that will help you remember which soil you placed in which jar.
   
3. Fill the jars with water until they are almost full.
   
4. Now observe what happens.
   
5. You will see that bubbles start rising to the top of the water.
   
6. Can you explain why there are more bubbles in some of the bottles than in others?
   
7. Make notes of all your results, it is also a good idea to take photos of your result if you are doing this as a science fair project or as part of your science lessons for homeschooling.

You will note that the soil that is the most tightly packed will have less air in it than for instance a soil with lots of humus, taken maybe from a flower bed. Do you think plants grow better in well aerated soil or in soil more densely packed? This can be the subject of a later easy elementary science project. Have fun!

Get more of Magrietha's Elementary Science Fair Projects, you can also get easy science fair projects for all the grades on her site Easy Science Fair Projects and for another short, easy, "eggy" one you can visit Magriet Recommends.

posted by fdwvsmr55035  # 7:20 PM 0 comments

People hate math, at least that's what they're always telling me. Of course, being the way that I am, I have to make converts of everyone. I don't know what my passion is exactly, that drives me to convert the "math haters," but I simply cannot overcome the compulsion to do so. To me, there is not just beauty in mathematics but something else which is spiritual. It's as though God speaks to us through this strange and mysterious language. For this reason, I always approach the subject with a certain degree of humility and reverence, knowing that I can be both abased and exalted by its magnificence.

But why try to make math converts? Why not simply preach to the choir of that rare group of math lovers? Well firstly, the latter group is minuscule in comparison to the former, and secondly, there has always been something noble in trying to make a "believer" out of a "doubter." Moreover, I have this firm belief that our society advances or stands still according to the progress of its children. If the children of society are reared properly, then the future success of such a society is strongly enhanced. If the children are adulterated, ill-educated, and poorly motivated........well, then guess what? Do you really expect a brighter future for mankind? Hardly.

It is for this reason that I go around preaching the importance of mathematics, particularly the foundations of arithmetic. To this day, when I work with a student and see him or her struggling with the topic at hand-whether it be algebra, geometry, or even a higher branch such as calculus-I come to observe that invariably a weak foundation is the root cause of the struggle. In addition, the student's lack of confidence makes the fight even more challenging. The struggle having increased without remedy, the student eventually succumbs and adopts an "I hate math" attitude.

What is encouraging for such cases and certainly worth stressing is that all of mathematics hinges on the basics of arithmetic. It is unfortunate that much of a student's frustration in his studies later on is the result of poor mastery of arithmetic. For this reason I say, "Soundly drill this discipline into the minds of our children and the chances of success in higher mathematics is dramatically increased." A good analogy to make would be with sports and professional athletes. Expert athletes master the basics. The Tiger Woods of the world spent countless hours practicing the fundamentals of golf swinging. The ace pitchers of baseball worked on mastering the mechanics of certain pitches. In both cases, these athletes practiced endless rounds with a keen focus on both speed and accuracy. Even great coaches understand the importance of the fundamentals: this is why athletes spend countless hours in training camp going over the basic exercises and drills. This same concept applies to mathematics. Master the basics and the chances of success later on are increased dramatically.

Consequently, in mathematics, once the foundations are mastered, success comes in this discipline as easily as it does in others. Okay. Maybe not as easily, but certainly success will come nonetheless. And as mathematics is so powerful in helping us march forward as a society-indeed mathematics unfolds to us mysteries of the very universe itself-there really is no need to hate this most awesome subject, but rather love it.

See more at Math Ebook Online Bookstore

Joe is a prolific writer of self-help and educational material and an award-winning former teacher of both college and high school mathematics. Under the penname, JC Page, Joe authored Arithmetic Magic, the little classic on the ABC's of arithmetic. Joe is also author of the charming self-help ebook, Making a Good Impression Every Time: The Secret to Instant Popularity; the original collection of poetry, Poems for the Mathematically Insecure, and the short but highly effective fraction troubleshooter Fractions for the Faint of Heart. The diverse genre of his writings (novel, short story, essay, script, and poetry)-particularly in regard to its educational flavor- continues to captivate readers and to earn him recognition.

Joe propagates his teaching philosophy through his articles and books and is dedicated to helping educate children living in impoverished countries. Toward this end, he donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every ebook. For more information go to http://www.mathbyjoe.com

posted by fdwvsmr55035  # 7:19 AM 0 comments