Posts

A Variety of Results with Insta-Snow Powder
Steve Spangler's Insta-Snow is not only a useful science experiment, science fair project, gardening or decorating activity; it is also a ton of fun! When you play with it using martini glasses, it's even more fun. Okay, they were plastic…

Dismembered Polymer Body Parts, Days 2 & 3
You saw how tiny the dry polymer body parts were in my first post about dismembered body parts. Polymers absorb the liquid quickly, some more quickly than others, but all absorb pretty fast. Our dismembered polymer body parts, packed away…

Insta-Snow Steals The Show!
Ordinarily, I talk about how students and young people of all types and sizes adore Insta-Snow and other products and experiments featured here. However, don't think for even a second that you have to be a child to have fun with science. It's…

Connecting the Dots Between Each Lesson
Yes, it's true; I use all kinds of science in my writing labs to help my students connect the dots, from one cool thing to another. I've done this for many years. And guess what: this WORKS.
Here's the thing about learning: everything…

No Lesson Plan – Just Insta-Snow
Meet Alan Marshall, who came with his dad to a meeting in our building today. What a great kid! Alan brought his iPad to pass the time, but when I saw him passing my office, I thought I'd see how he liked some Insta-Snow, as well.
I think…

Christmas Science Craft – Insta-Snow Globe Jar
Are you looking for a quick, easy and unique decoration to brighten up your home or give as a gift?
Make a festive Insta-Snow Globe jar.
Materials
4-5 scoops of Insta-Snow powder (depending on the size of your jar)
Jar with a lid (a…

Best Science Toys for Kids
Are you looking for creative gift ideas that the kids won't set aside on December 26th? What about the present that gives the gift of discovery and learning? Here are our Top 12 Picks that make great gifts that open minds and keep them engaged…

11-Year-Old Invents Sandless Sandbags That Use Polymer Similar to Insta-Snow
Fort Lauderdale, Florida sixth grader Peyton Robertson may revolutionize how we protect ourselves and property from flooding.
Earlier this month, he won the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his sandless sandbag. The Young…

How to Tackle Common Core and Squeeze Science into the Classroom
Love it or hate it, if you live in the 45 states that have adopted it, Common Core is coming to a classroom near you by 2014. Common Core State Standards are a state-led effort by state governors and leaders. They were written by educators and…

Claims Made on Facebook Can Damage a Teacher's Reputation and Ultimately Hurt Students
We received an alarming call Wednesday morning. A parent in the Tyler, Texas area read a Facebook post from a friend with a shocking claim that his daughter ate some fluffy Insta-Snow and, at the hospital, her blood alcohol level was 2.0.
The…