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iPhone/iPad/iPod app: iLiveMath Speed (word problems for ages 6-12)

iLiveMath Speed uses race cars, sail boats, jets, the Space Shuttle, and more to teach Distance = Rate x Time, ratios, km/hour, mph, knots and speed of sound terms such as Mach, supersonic, and hypersonic in a word problem format! I really like this app because it introduces Physics as a multiplication word problem appropriate for older elementary school students.

I don’t know about you, but I really struggled through Pre-Med college physics and had to get friends to help explain basic concepts to me (i.e. see how we are walking at the same pace? That’s speed. Speed = distance X time [miles per hour or mph or km per hour]. Now we are walking faster. Acceleration is the increase in speed. The formula is acceleration = force / mass. Force = mass X gravity.) Yikes! It gets complicated quickly so it is nice to introduce these concepts in a fun way such that it becomes intuitive rather than a memorization of formulas. This app doesn’t actually cover acceleration but by teaching Distance = Rate x Time, it’s an appropriate and intuitive introduction to physics for an elementary school student.

The format of iLiveMath Speed is similar to iLiveMath Trains so click here to read that review that goes over some nice features in both apps such as the roll-y answer bar and the number sentence for correct answers.

Here are the levels for iLiveMath Speed with a sample problem pulled from the app.

Level 1: Addition and Subtraction

A lead pack of 13 Formula One cars drafted in a line and as they rounded a turn 2 zoomed ahead. How many are left behind?

Level 2: Addition, Subtraction, and Multiplication (speed, rate, distance and time)

If sailboats raced at an average speed of 16 knots, how many nautical miles are traveled in 2 hours? (1 knot = 1 nautical mile/hr).

Level 3: Advanced Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication (with speed, rate, distance and time)

If a Maglev train journeyed at an average speed to 223 mph, how many miles are traveled in 7 hours? (Distance – Rate x Time)

Again, like iLiveMath Trains, there are appealing photos of things that go fast as well as fun sound effects. Here are some screen shots:

This app is appealing to boys but I would try girls out on it as well! The app is $3.99 and can be purchased at iTunes.

Aug 15, 2010 | 1 comment View Post

Science of Tornadoes Experiment (ages 5-10)

My preschooler had this experiment set up in his classroom but when my kids were visiting for Pancake Breakfast Day, they would not stop playing with this. It’s a great way to demonstrate the science of tornadoes AND use up some recyclables. And this would be a fun and stress-free activity for the the summer.

If you want this to be a complete lesson, add this book to the mix.

You can purchase it by clicking on the image of the book or get it from your library. Thank You!

1. Take one of the bottles and fill it halfway with water.

2. Take the cap off of the other bottle and place it on top of the half-filled one so that the top of each bottle is touching..

3. Tape the two bottles together in this position. Try to avoid gaps between the bottles when taping to prevent leakage. You might need quite a bit of tape.

4. Once the two bottles are secure, they should look roughly like an hourglass.

5. Now, hold the taped section with one hand, and the bottom bottle that has the water with the other hand, and turn the bottles over so that the one with the water is on top.

6. Swirl the bottles a few times and a funnel should form.

There you have it! A tornado in a bottle. But, instead of air, we use water.

And while you are chatting with your kids about tornadoes, why not discuss some safety tips?

Courtesy of Cool-Science-Projects.com by way of Red Cross Talks.

Jun 15, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Top 10: Magic School Bus Science Books (Grades 1-4th) UPDATED

The Magic School Bus series both books and DVDs are really wonderful and accurate introductions to science. I loaded up on them when my oldest was young, and we watched the DVDs all the time … if we are going to watch TV, at least it’s educational! But, with my third, I seriously think that he has not watched a single show of this excellent series. My kids say that at school when they have more indoor time than scheduled (absent music, art of PE teacher so the sub can’t really fill in), they watch a DVD and very often, it’s The Magic School Bus series.

So, out of a stack of about two dozen of The Magic School Bus picture books, I asked my two oldest to rank their favorites. It might be the difference in their personalities, but my middle child was quite adamant about rejecting the books she disliked while my oldest said, more or less, she liked them all with the exception of Ants in My Pantsbecause the ants creeped her out. My middle, though, really liked Ants in My Pants. So…here’s their list that they came up with together.

To purchase any of these books, please click on the image of the book

Or buy from The PragmaticMom Store. Thank You!

Honorable Mention

The Magic School Bus: And the Climate Challenge

Personally I get a little stressed out when I read about global warming with the large chunks of ice melting and the earth seemingly forever changed for the worse. Somehow, The Magic School Bus manages to convey the climate change with urgency yet with a positive message of how to change our habits to prevent global warming. This is a great way to introduce the urgency of recycling to young ones in a meaningful and relevant way.

10. The Magic School Bus: Gets All Dried Up

A book about deserts focusing on animal and plant adaptations.

9. The Magic School Bus: At the Waterworks

How your city gets its water from the time it falls out of the sky to when it shows up in your bathroom.

8. The Magic School Bus: Inside the Earth

All about rocks, stalagmites & stalactites, volcanoes, igneous rocks, and the earth’s layers.

7. The Magic School Bus: Plants Seeds

A book about how living things with detailed information about pollination and seed fertilization

6. The Magic School Bus: See Stars

The lifecyle of stars from inception to implosion.

5. The Magic School Bus: Kicks Up a Storm

All about thunderstorms from cloud creation to rain, sleet and snow.

4. The Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body

All about the body from digestion to blood and the organs of the body.

3. The Magic School Bus: Wet All Over

A book about the water cycle from evaporation to condensation to rain.

2. The Magic School Bus: Gets Ants in Its Pants

A book about ants including ant communication, job specialization, and reproduction.

1. The Magic School Bus: Gets Baked in a Cake

The science of baking with a focus on the chemical reaction of vinegar and baking soda.

May 22, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Non Fiction for Kids: True or False series Storms, Birds (ages 6-9)

True or False series by Melvin and Gilda Berger is a young science series in a fun question-and-answer format. My kids reviewed Storms and Birds and gave both a thumbs up. My oldest has been studying weather as a science unit in 4th Grade so she was familiar with hurricanes and tornadoes but there were still factoids that she enjoyed learning from the book. The Birds book covers birds from all different continents; my fourth grader knew all these factoids but still enjoyed it. My 5-year-old also could participate in the Q and A so this made a nice group bedtime story.

The question-and-answer format makes non-fiction very accessible to kids and each page covers one interesting fact. I would have preferred if each photo had a caption below the picture instead of a large bubble caption as this is an important element of information in non-fiction that kids need to learn for standardized tests. The sweet spot for this series is ages 6-9. This would be a great series for reluctant readers.

To purchase any of these books, please click on image of book OR

buy at The PragmaticMom Store on the right hand column. Thank You!

Apr 20, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Appealing Non Fiction Book: 100 Most Disgusting Things on Planet (ages 4-12)

100 Most Disgusting Things on the Planet: Prepare for the Worst by Anna Claybourne is a book that delights those with a fascination for grossness that occurs in nature. But this book is also a clever guise to get reluctant readers reading and readers of all ages engaged in life science non-fiction. This book gives equal weight to Disgusting Nature as to Disgusting Humans delving into interesting creatures as poo-covered beetles, Surinan toads that hatch their young below a layers of their mother’s skin on their backs to maggot cheese and snot. Yes, this book is hard to resist!

My five-year-old delighted in the factoids and colorful photography of gross stuff. My fourth grader read alongside with the fascination one has for a on-coming train wreck. Each entry gets a full page with “yuck factor,” photograph with captions, and side bar tips. If you child likes the Guiness Book of World Records, he or she will love this book and it’s much more portable!

If you are looking for reading material for boys, please check out my Favorite Books for Reluctant Boy Readers or my Top 10: Magic School Bus Science Books.

To buy this book, please click on the image of the book

or buy at the PragmaticMom Store on the right hand column. Thank You!

Apr 19, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Top 10: Klutz Activity Books for Boys (ages 3-adult)

The folks at Klutz were kind enough to send me a box of books when I mentioned that I wanted to do a post on Klutz books for boys. My girls LOVE Klutz and I never noticed as many Klutz titles for boys. A box arrived about two weeks ago, and my living room looked like a bomb went off. We kept this room in “experiment” mode while the kids went crazy testing all the books. It turns out that DADS also like some of these books!

The Building Cards books were a wonderful new discovery for us. It’s laminated pieces of cardboard with slots that you can use to build all kinds of cool things. It travels well in a zip lock bag and is an interesting, open ended building toy. My 5-year-old loves it and it’s great for 3-D creativity!

Here are our favorite from #10 to our very favorite #1 Klutz Books for Boys!

ps These make great birthday presents. These are also great for the summer when your kids are driving you nuts and you want a few hours of peace and quiet without screen time!

10. Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes by Doug Stillinger

Origami for boys that also comes with paper. This was the first book my kids tore into. [ages 5-10]

9. Build and Launch Foam Rockets

There is just something so appealing about foam rockets to kids and this book is great because they get to build them and launch them. [ages 4-12]

8. Rubber Band Powered Flying Machines by Pat Murphy

For young, budding engineers when they want to take their airplanes up a notch! [ages 7-12]

7. Boom, Splat, Kablooey: Explosive Science That’s a Real Blast! by Pat Murphy

Easy to do science experiments with the complete kit right in the book. [ages 8-12]

6. The Superhero Starter Kit with Red Cape!

For the little super hero who needs a cape, masks, wrist guards, stickers and heroic advice to complete all his adventures. [ages 3-7]

5. Triptivities: Great Activities for the Road

Games and activities in a light weight book perfect for airplane travel. [ages 8-12]

4. Building Cards: How to Build Castles by Doug Stillinger

Another version of a “lego” toy only with laminated cardboard pieces that are notched. It is a versatile building set that is really great for 3-D structures, creativity, and future architects (of castles, preferable for mom!). [ages 5-12]

3. Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Building Cards) by Doug Stillinger

Those really great building cards again, but with a Harry Potter twist. [ages 7-12]

2. Building Cards: How to Build Spaceships by Doug Stillinger

You know this is a favorite toy when you keep finding pieces all over the house and in your car, both little assemblies and stray pieces. It’s a beloved toy already. [ages 4-12]

1. The Official Icky Poo Book: 2 Slimy Stretchy Icky Poo Ropes!

Who knew that this would be the hands down favorite? Even my husband could not stop playing with it! [ages 4-adult]

To buy any of these fine books, simply click on the image of the book

or go to the PragmaticMom store on the right hand column. Thank You!

Apr 16, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

What Boys versus Girls Need to Get a Leg Up

The following tips come from an old issue of Family Circle Magazine.

A Leg Up for Boys…

If your son is not getting enough gym time, sign him up for a sports class or exercise class. This helps to curb restlessness and helps him to focus on learning.
Make sure dad has equal time in reading aloud to your son.
Instead of a video game, buy your son a magazine subscription.
Give your son a cool notebook, unlined for doodling.

A Leg Up for Girls…

Play math games — counting, multiplying fractions — while shopping, eating and traveling.
Provide plenty of exposure to science, taking trips to the natural history museums or participating in community projects like gardening or recycling.
Banish the notion of being “good” or “bad” at math. Explain that persistence, not talent, is key.

Apr 10, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Book that Changed Robert F. Kennedy, Jr’s Life…Really!

My Side of the Mountain Triology By Jean Craighead George

If you ever truly wondered if books are living changing, I give you this forward by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. from Frightful’s Mountain:

“…I thought the Craigheads might be the only family in America that was having more fun than the Kennedys. Obssessed with falcons as I was from birth, I read My Side of the Mountain in 1964. … I entered Millbrook upstate New York drawn by its informal falconry program….My experience as a young falconer accounts in large part for my lifelong devotion to raptors and my continued interest in natural history….My years as a falconer helped drive my own career choice as an environmental lawyer and advocate. The knowledge and experience I acquired from falconers have marked my life and made me a far more effective advocate on nature’s behalf.”

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

July 1999

This is one of my favorite books as a child and I discovered On the Far Side of the Mountain and Frightful’s Mountain only recently browsing through one of my favorite bookstores. But by putting together this blog, I JUST discovered three more books including the Field Guide.

This series is about Sam Gribley living unhappily in New York City who runs away to some forgotten family land in the Catskill Mountains. He learns to live off the land with the help of a kindly librarian, a falcon baby, a flint and steele, penknife, and a ball of cord. He is joined by his sister in book two, and book three chronicles Frightful’s migration journal south.

Jean Craighead George allows you to commune with nature to a time when life is simpler and good. Read these with your child and be inspired to take a camping trip!

Biography of Jean Craighead George: www.jeancraigheadgeorge.com/bio.html ,www.teenreads.com/authors/au-george-jean.asp,www.kidsreads.com/authors/au-george-jean-craighead.asp

To buy any of the books listed, please click on image of book

OR (New!) buy from PragmaticMom Store to the right column of my blog

(under Book Reviews and Reluctant Boy Readers and Grades 3-5). Thank You!!

Mar 06, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Science Project: How a Knock on the Head Causes a Concussion

Here’s one I found online at: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/02/concussion_test_sometimes_simp.html

Take the hockey-puck-on-a-rod test a Michigan high school kid cobbled together to help figure out if a knock on the head has caused a concussion. Sports medicine specialists are increasingly worried about the long-term implications of mild, repeated head trauma.

The test is the idea of Ian Richardson. The teenager devised it as a quick and simple way to test reaction time for a science fair project.

Richardson’s device looks like something out of a 19th-century medical text. It’s a hockey puck, with a long rod embedded in the middle. The stick is marked off in centimeter increments.

Turns out Ian Richardson’s father, James, is on the faculty of the University of Michigan Medical School. He thought Ian’s idea might be a pretty cool on-the-spot way to screen for concussions among athletes.

It works like this: Tester suspends the device while injured athlete sits with forearm on table, fingers loosely circling the stick. Without warning, tester drops stick. Athlete grabs stick as fast as possible. Place where athlete grabs gives an instant readout of reaction time.

It all happens in milliseconds–too fast to measure with a stopwatch. In a pilot study of the test, athletes with concussions had reaction times that were 15 percent slower.

“Sometimes reaction time may be the only sign of a concussion — an indication we shouldn’t be sending an athlete back to play,” says Dr. James T. Eckner, who’s working with Richardson to validate the test. A separate study tests whether slowed reaction times makes an injured athlete less quick to protect his face and head if they see a blow coming.

They’ll present their results in April at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.

There are computer algorithms to measure reaction time, using game-like programs. But they’re not so good for use at the sidelines, and they involve licensing fees.

But it remains to be seen if anyone will go to the trouble of standardizing and making the puck-on-a-stick test, if it pans out in future studies. “Our technology transfer people say it’s too simple to patent,” Eckner says.

So the Michigan researchers are working on a fancier device they call the Quick Stick. “It has some sensors inside and a light on it,” Eckner says. “We program it to light up on some drops and not others. The person has to make a quick choice to catch it or not depending on whether the light comes on. That makes it quite a bit more challenging.”

Of course the Quick Stick will cost more.

So Eckner and his colleagues are hoping somebody will make and sell the puck-on-a-stick device even without patent protection. If so, it might join other time-tested quick-and-simple neurological tests, like that little triangular rubber hammer the doctor uses to test your reflexes.

Feb 23, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Science Project Ideas for Middle Schoolers

My Dad Friend had previously suggested The Birds and Bees Sex Talk which was very popular so I have been hounding him for other topic suggestions since he seems to have his pulse on parenting issues. His 6th grader just had a Science Fair Day where everyone exhibited their science projects and I bugged him so much he actually blackberried me the projects he saw as he walked around the room.

And here they are, plus a few more that I added. And might I add that there are a lot of Science Project websites out there in cyberspace. Apparently, this is a rite of passage that everyone is keen to cash in on. So, I am suggesting science project ideas that do not require major purchases in the form of a kit! I also have added a few websites with great science project ideas laid out in a very accessible way.

Which paper towel absorbs the most liquid?

What type of fabric best resists stains?

What is the impact of relaxing music on test taking (simple math problems given to groups of kids)

Which material is the best thermal insulator?

Measure speed of fruit rot in a container or not in container

Impact of butter versus margarine on taste of baked products

Duration of burning by different types of paper

Fabrics – which burns fastest?

Kinds of wood – which burns fastest?

Which eggs float? (raw, hard boiled, soft boiled, rotten eggs)

Shadow tracing during different times of the day

What attracts the most insect pests (mosquitos, flies, gnats with sweat, sweet smelling plants, light or dark clothing)

How do different style pencils or grips affect writing fatigue?

Here’s one I found online at: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/02/concussion_test_sometimes_simp.html

Take the hockey-puck-on-a-rod test a Michigan high school kid cobbled together to help figure out if a knock on the head has caused a concussion. Sports medicine specialists are increasingly worried about the long-term implications of mild, repeated head trauma.

The test is the idea of Ian Richardson. The teenager devised it as a quick and simple way to test reaction time for a science fair project.

Richardson’s device looks like something out of a 19th-century medical text. It’s a hockey puck, with a long rod embedded in the middle. The stick is marked off in centimeter increments.

Turns out Ian Richardson’s father, James, is on the faculty of the University of Michigan Medical School. He thought Ian’s idea might be a pretty cool on-the-spot way to screen for concussions among athletes.

It works like this: Tester suspends the device while injured athlete sits with forearm on table, fingers loosely circling the stick. Without warning, tester drops stick. Athlete grabs stick as fast as possible. Place where athlete grabs gives an instant readout of reaction time.

It all happens in milliseconds–too fast to measure with a stopwatch. In a pilot study of the test, athletes with concussions had reaction times that were 15 percent slower.

What plants are edible in your backyard?www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/bersbach/EdiblePlants/home.html;www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/medicinal/portula.html

Could you survive on just what grows in your neighborhood?www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/bersbach/EdiblePlants/home.html;www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/medicinal/portula.html

Paper airplane science: http://www.easy-science-fair-projects.net/paper-airplane-science-fair-project.html

Which type of food molds the fastest in the same place: bananas, milk, bread or cheese? http://www.freesciencefairproject.com/projects/mold_experiment.html

What effect does music have on plant growth? http://www.freesciencefairproject.com/projects/plants_music.html

I thought these websites were useful:

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Getting-Started/idea-finder.html

http://www.easy-science-fair-projects.net/elementary-science-fair-projects.html

Feb 21, 2010 | 4 comments View Post