COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be sharing this with you, Samantha (comment #32) please check your email for further instructions, thanks!!!
Recycled Robot c. 2007
One of the challenges of raising 4 kids, attending 4 different schools (yes, in the same school district) is keeping up with all the science projects that come home.
One year, my husband Garth (not his real name) helped my son create this awesome robot, using objects recycled from around the house, and, well, I think it turned out GREAT and sort of looks like the robot from Lost in Space, right?
Keeping our kids excited about science is difficult - especially, dealing with the frustrations of when stuff just doesn't work out, as planned.
To help with these challenges, Scientific Explorer and Elmer’s have partnered to show kids just how easy and fun science, and science fair presentations, should be.
Have you never built a volcano? Me, either. So, you can imagine my apprehension in receiving a Lava Blasting Volcano Kit.
Turns out, with good reason, too.
I mean, seriously, anytime I see the word explode, or erupt (in UPPERCASE) probably not a good fit in our house.
Still, the kit came with everything we needed to build a working volcano and my youngest daughter (she's 9) and I thought it would be a fun project to do, together, all by ourselves.
Unfortunately, I didn't read the instructions properly (also, overlooked the small measuring cup that came with the kit) and added too much water to the plaster mixture.
Great, now what?
My middle girl (she's 15 and very smart) suggested we try making one out of paper-mâché, using a balloon, newspaper cut up into long pieces, dipped into a mixture of water and flour (in the consistency of pancake mix) which, was actually VERY fun!
Hope was very surprised to learn that it worked (me, too!) and we let it dry for a couple of days, before [drum roll]:
I know, I know, Garth (not his real name) would have made it work. Still. It was a great lesson (i.e. read directions, completely, don't throw away instructions, until you're done) and, more importantly, we DID have fun.
Also, she can't wait to tell her class and her teacher about it on Monday (oy vey!)
(P.S. That white stuff in Hope's hair was actually some of the paper-mâché after she popped the balloon, also, very fun!)
FINAL VERDICT: The product came with everything needed to make a working volcano (proper-sized mold, plaster, citric acid, baking soda and food coloring for lava effect) however, I did not read the instructions properly and really believe that it helps cut down on the frustration factor when working with projects, like this, when pictures, or diagrams are included.
Want to give it a try?
FIND IT HERE: Scientific Explorer Virtual Science Fair on You Tube
The good folks representing Scientific Explorer and Elmer's brand have offered to send one (1) of our online friends a Science Fair Prize Package, including:
- Scientific Explorer’s Lava Blasting Volcano Kit or Mythbusters Weird World of Water – to keep kids engaged with science outside the classroom and continue the education at home.
- Elmer’s Foam Board – perfect for showcasing a science fair project.
- Elmer’s Project Popperz accessories – cool letters, shapes, borders and stencils to make your project stand out.
Because, we roll like that!
GET IT HERE: To enter, please leave a comment telling us some of your successful, or not so successful, science projects (we deemed our volcano as semi-succesful) along with a valid email address on this post by 10:00 a.m. (EST) on Friday, March 18th and you're automatically entered to win. One (1) entry will be picked (via random.org) and announced via email and posted on My Prizey Giveaways Page!
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Disclosure: No payment or other consideration, besides a sample of the product for review purposes, was received for this blog post.
