On the second Sunday of each March we recognize Daylights Saving Time (DST) by setting our clocks ahead by one hour! DST is a seasonal time change measure when clocks are set ahead of standard time during part of the year, usually by 1 hour. This means that on March 10th this year, you actually had a 25-hour day! In the spring, when DST starts, clocks are set forward 1 hour and time “Springs Forward”. In the fall, when DST stops, clocks are set backward 1 hour and time “Falls Backward.” History Of Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time was first introduced in 1895 by New Zealand scientist George Vernon Hudson and British builder William Willett. Hudson presented a paper to the Wellington Philosophical Society, proposing a 2-hour shift forward in October and a 2-hour shift back in March. But did you know DST didn’t become recognized in the United States until the end of World War I? In the United States, DST was first suggested by Benjamin Franklin as he noticed that by setting the clocks forward in summer there would be more productive time after normal work hours. In the winter, when the days become shorter and the growing season is over, the clocks would shift backward and daylight saving time would end for the year. The House of Representatives voted to pass a law "to save daylight," with the official first DST taking place on March 15, 1918. Each state in the US has the option to decide to observe daylight saving time, and Hawaii and Arizona are the only two states that do not acknowledge DST. Originally, clocks were sprung forward on the last Sunday in April, and turned back on the last Sunday in October, but the Energy Policy Act of 2005 shifted the start of Daylight Saving Time to the second Sunday in March and the end to the first Sunday in November. The Science Behind Daylight Saving Time When the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing winter the Southern Hemisphere is leaning toward the sun, so the sun is not up in the Northern sky as long as in the summer. During the winter months, the South Pole gets full sunlight while the North Pole gets full darkness! The sun is actually centered north of the equator four more days than it is centered south of the equator! For this reason, the Northern Hemisphere gets a few more minutes of sunlight per year than the Southern Hemisphere. How Daylight Saving Time Impacts Behavior New research published in the journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity reports that Daylight Saving Time actually increases activity and health in children. The study found that the kids had 15-20% greater activity in a day when the sun sets after 9 p.m. compared to a sunset of 5 p.m. Another study followed several hundred kids and observed their behavior right before and right after the time changes, and found that their activity level changed immediately after the time changed. DST can affect our mental and physical health. Studies report that falling back to gain one hour of daylight in the autumn months causes reductions in sleep and increases rates of cardiac issues and stroke! One of the most notable findings regarding DST is the negative effect it can have on mood, particularly in the northern latitudes of the earth. For those of us who live with depression, this time of year requires us to practice self-care to offset the lack of feel-good sunlight. Activities to Educate Kids about Daylight Saving Time Clocks and Counting Daylight Saving Time is a great opportunity to educate your little ones on time and counting! Take advantage of that extra hour of sunlight and get creative! Design your own Clock What better time to teach your child how to tell time then Daylight Saving Time? Creating your own crafty clock is a fun and easy learning activity for you and your little learner. All you need is some paper plates, scissors, and pipe cleaners to create your clocks. Your little one can decorate their new clocks, all while improving their counting and time telling skills! Wrist Watch Children love to imitate their parents, which makes this next activity perfect for your curious young copy-cat. A super stylish wrist watch is the perfect way to teach your little one how to tell time. All you need is a toilet roll tube or other paper tube, a split pin, scissors, a pen, and plenty of things to decorate your watch with like glitter, gems, or paint. Daylight Saving Time Board Game Teach your child about clocks, seasons, numbers, and counting in this fun game for the whole family! For free downloadable instructions and game pieces (including the board game, playing instructions and two paper cubes), click here! Daylight Saving Time in the Classroom For teachers DST is a good time to educate kids on the history of Daylight Saving Time, and engage them in some fun learning activities! If you're looking for some ideas for the classroom, here are two articles with some fun suggestions.

On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for “transmitting vocal or other sounds telegraphically.” This invention became what we call the telephone today. On March 10, 1876, Bell said his famous line: "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you", and one of the most influential and important inventions of modern times arrived on the scene. Every year on March 7th, Alexander Graham Bell Day is celebrated, and we want to honor the life of this amazing man! Who is Alexander Graham Bell Born March 3, 1847 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Alexander Graham Bell was an inspiring scientist who new discoveries and making a difference. His mother and wife were both deaf, and they influenced his motivation and interest in the science of sound. From a young age, he was always a good problem solver. When he was only 12 years old he invented a farming device for his friend’s father that quickly and efficiently removed the husks from wheat grain! Bell maintained his scientific curiosity throughout his childhood and adolescence, but it wasn't until he was a teacher and met 15-year-old Mabel Hubbard - his future wife - that he was inspired to perfect the harmonic telegraph, which was the first building block of what would become the telephone. On March 7, 1876 Alexander received a patent for his new device. Bell died peacefully at his vacation home in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, on August 2, 1922. As a quiet but powerful tribute to Bell, people all over Canada and the United States refrained from using their telephones during his funeral. Did you know the telephone wasn't Bell's only invention? Here are some of his other important inventions! Alexander Graham Bell's Inventions Wheat Husker Bell developed his first invention at age 12. This simple agricultural device removed wheat husks and involved a nail brush and paddle connected to a rotary-brushing wheel. This important invention greatly reduced the time and labor required to husk wheat! Metal Detector Bell developed a rudimentary precursor to the modern metal detector in 1881. He originally invented the device in order to find the bullet that assassinated President James Garfield! The invention gained wider use for many years, before being replaced by modern X-ray technology. Look Mom, No Wires! Bell invented the photophone in 1880. It transmitted the human voice over wavelengths of light, thus serving as the world’s first wireless communication device. Telephone Bell, believing strongly that the human voice could be carried over a wire, worked with Thomas Watson to prove his theory correct. Their first major breakthrough came on June 2, 1875, when the pair managed to produce an audible “twang” noise that carried from the transmitting room to the receiving room. Their efforts eventually led to the filing of a patent for the telephone on March 7, 1876. Hydrofoil Boat Bell and the engineer Casey Baldwin designed a hydrofoil boat in 1919. It broke the speed records at the time by moving at speeds of 60 knots (about 70 miles per hour)! Alexander Graham Bell's Legacy Throughout his life Bell was accredited for many inventions and discoveries. His inspiration and love for science, and making a difference, paved the way for significant change. He was credited for many honors, degrees, and monuments that were bestowed to him for the impact he made on the society. Some of the most notable are: The Bell Telephone Memorial in honor of his most famous invention. It can be found in the Alexander Graham Bell Gardens in Branfort, Ontario. (1917) Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. Alexander Graham Bell Memorial Park, honoring the ability to connect the globe through telecommunication. (1917) Voltage Prize worth 50,000 francs (US $250,000) from the Académie Française, for invention of the telephone. (1880) The Albert Medal was awarded to Bell by the Royal Society of Arts in London. (1902) Commemorative Stamp: The US Patent Office declared Bell the country's greatest inventor in 1936, which lead to the US Post Office granting a commemorative stamp honoring his life and work. (1940) Government of Canada honored him with a silver dollar coin for the 100th anniversary of flight in Canada. Bell was named one of the 10 Greatest Scottish scientists after he entered the National Library of Scotland’s ‘Scottish Science Hall of Fame.’ (2006) [1]

International Polar Bear Day falls on February 27th each year! Polar Bears are one of the most important mammals in the world and have been around for over 150,000 years. In honor of these spectacular animals we would like to explore some of their unique habits and adaptions! Polar Bear Mamas and Babies A mama polar bear and her babies, which are called cubs, are some of the closest mammal pairings. Polar bear mothers stay with their cubs for over 30 months. They can have up to four cubs at one time, but twins are most common. Feeding their young is sometimes hard due to the harsh arctic conditions they live in, but these strong mothers always find a way to feed their cubs. Polar bear moms have three sets of nipples (6 nipples in total): two sets higher up on the chest and one set down below their belly button. This bottom set of nipples produces the colostrum that newborns need, but shuts off after a few days or weeks, forcing the young to nurse from the set closer to the mother’s head. Each cub feeds for about 18 months, some even longer! Polar bears don’t hibernate, but mother bears live in dens while they raise their cubs. Mama bears dig a cave in the snow when they are nearly ready to give birth. The cubs are born in the den and the family stays there for four to five months. Their body heat inside the small cave helps keep everyone warm. During this time, the cubs are growing quickly on mom’s fat-rich breast milk, but mom doesn’t eat, drink or defecate. Polar bears have evolved one of the longest fasting periods of any animal! The months spent with mom are the most important for a cub’s survival. Cubs will spend these years learning how to hunt from mom - and packing on the pounds! - to eventually reach the weight of a full-grown polar bear, between 300 and 800kg. Polar Bears and Adaption Polar bears are well adapted to survive in one of the harshest environments on our planet. As well as their thick fur, they have a layer of fat, called blubber, that insulates their bodies from the frosty air and near-freezing water. While polar bears look white, their skin is actually black, which helps them absorb the sun’s rays to keep warm. Their “white” fur is actually translucent (clear), which also helps absorb sunlight and its warmth. Climate change has had a dangerous effect on polar bears’ habitats. Their arctic environment is slowly melting away, making it harder for polar bears to find food and care for their young. As our planet gets warmer ice breaks up sooner and this shortens their hunting season. With a shorter hunting season females have a tougher time building up the stored fat that they need to survive. Unique Polar Bear Facts Here are some facts you may not know about polar bears: They have built-in socks! Stiff fur on the sole of each foot keeps the polar bear from slipping on ice, and also muffles the sound of the bear’s approach when sneaking up on a meal. Polar bears are the largest and longest species of bear. They are the largest carnivore (meat eater) that lives on land. Male polar bears can measure up to 10 feet (3 meters) when standing on their hind legs and can weigh up to 1500 lb) (680 kg). Scientists believe that the polar bear evolved from a common brown bear ancestor thousands of years ago. Polar Bears clean themselves by rolling around in the snow, and they cool off by rolling in the snow or taking a dip in chilly waters. Polar bears are found in countries that ring the Arctic Circle — Canada, the US, Greenland, Russia, and Norway.

February 12th was a special day in science that we want to celebrate! Darwin Day acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments of Charles Darwin. This world-wide celebration encourages curiosity, scientific exploration, and a hunger for science just like Charles Darwin had for the world around him. Who is Charles Darwin? Born February 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, Charles Darwin was a Naturalist whose scientific theory of evolution by natural selection became the foundation of modern evolutionary studies. Darwin shocked religious Victorian society by suggesting that animals and humans shared a common ancestry. After voyaging around the world in the HMS Beagle, which included his famous research of the Galapagos Islands, Darwin kept his theory a secret for over two decades. On this voyage Darwin studied hundreds of animals and the their environments. By the time he returned, Darwin had finished a 770-page diary filled with notes about his life-changing theory of natural selection and evolution. Twenty years after his voyage, he finally published On the Origin of Species, which forever changed evolutionary science and the study of animals. What is Darwin Day? Darwin Day commemorates scientific curiosity, and reflects on amazing scientific accomplishments. Dr. Robert Stephens, Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, and Amanda Chesworth, who are all scientists and Darwin enthusiasts, are the founders of the annual International Darwin Day Celebration. They wanted to inspire the world with Darwin’s scientific accomplishments by encouraging the celebration of science and humanity throughout the global community. Darwin Day's overall mission is to inspire a love for science and highlight Charles Darwin's legacy. Early Education: Evolution by Natural Selection Science frequently challenges our understanding of the world, and Evolution by Natural Selection can be a challenging concept to grasp, especially for young children. Introducing children early to a concept like evolution can help them develop a greater facility for applying analytical thinking. Science is so important for your child to learn at a young age, as it will help them gain life-long skills that helps them explore their world just like Charles Darwin. Science Explorations Book Set Your child can become a scientific explorer with our Science Explorations Book Set! These books are jam-packed with scientific adventures that are sure to bring out the curious nature of your little explorer. Young learners can help Leonardo da Vinci adapt to the 21st Century, or join the League of Scientists as they unravel mysteries in their community. Our creative nonfiction books are filled with fun science brainteasers and short mysteries that take just one minute to read. Your budding scientist will love this engaging and well-rounded exploration of the ways science influences every aspect of our lives. These books spark scientific curiosity and exploration between the real world and the classroom, and most importantly are fun to read!

From the first African American female mathematician to a pioneer in the science of food preservation, Black scientists and inventors have contributed to our nation’s greatest successes for decades. In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting the contributions of some successful scientists who have changed our world. Euphemia Lofton Haynes Born in 1890, Euphemia Lofton Haynes became the first African American woman to earn her P.h.D in Mathematics. Growing up in Washington D.C., Haynes was the daughter of Dr. William S. Lofton, a prominent Black dentist and financier, and Lavinia Day Lofton, an active Catholic church member. Dr. Haynes worked in Washington public schools as a Mathematics and English teacher for 47 years. During her career she also served as the Chair of the Mathematics Department at Dunbar High School, and Division Head of Mathematics and Business Education for the District of Columbia Teachers College. She was also head of the Washington, D.C.'s Board of Education. Haynes was integral to changing the education system all throughout Washington, D.C. by establishing the mathematics departments at both Miners Teacher's College and the District of Columbia Teachers College. Haynes is honored for her hard work and dedication in the education field throughout her career through a scholarship fund and an education department chair named in honor of her at The Catholic University. Herman Branson Herman Branson, born in 1914, was an African American physicist who received his B. S. from Virginia State College in 1936. He also earned a Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati in 1993. Branson's main interests were mathematical biology and protein structure. He had many successful breakthroughs throughout his career as a physicist. He co-discovered the alpha helix, an integral equation of biological systems, and authored the electron impact studies on small organic molecules. Branson was a member of the National Research Council where he wrote extensively about physical-chemical studies of sickled anemic red blood cells, work he continued throughout his retirement as well. He died in 1995 after a long and illustrious career. Mae C. Jemison Mae C. Jemison is the first African American female astronaut. Born in 1956, Jemison is the youngest daughter of Charlie Jemison, a roofer and carpenter, and Dorothy Jemison, an elementary school teacher. Jemison grew up in Chicago, where she attended Morgan Park High School and soon earned a National Achievement Scholarship to attend Stanford University. Jemison was involved in many extracurricular activities throughout high school and college. She served as head of the Black Student Union in high school and worked at a Cambodian refugee camp in Thailand during college. Jemison even served as a Peace Corps medical officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia, where she also taught and performed medical research after receiving her M.D in 1981. After returning home from the Peace Corps, Jemison had a change of heart for her career choice. In 1987 she became the first Black woman to be admitted into the NASA astronaut training program where she soon became the first Black female astronaut, earning the title of Science Mission Specialist. This position made her responsible for conducting crew-related scientific experiments on the space shuttle. She finally made it to space on September 12, 1992, with six other astronauts aboard the Endeavour on mission STS47, becoming the first Black woman in space. “Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” -- Mae Jemison Lloyd Hall Born in 1894, Lloyd Hall was son of a Baptist minister, and his grandfather was one of the first Black preachers at the church where his father was minister. Hall attended high school in Aurora, IL and then went on to study at Northwestern University where he received his Masters in 1916, followed by his Doctorate of Science from Virginia State College in 1944. From 1946-1959, Hall served as Technical Director and Assistant Chief Inspector of High Explosives and Research for the United States government in World War I. Hall worked for many years as Director and Chief of Griffith's Laboratories in Chicago and Chemical Products Corporation in Chicago. After his retirement he became a consultant to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations where he pioneered most of the complex chemicals in food preservation. Hall's research inspired Griffith Laboratories to open a large manufacturing facility devoted to protein hydrolysats. The contributions made by Hall made him one of America's top food chemists. These are just a few of the amazing Black scientists and inventors throughout history. Their contributions have blazed the way for today's young scientists and left meaningful and everlasting impacts on our culture and society! What Black scientists and inventors are you remembering this Black History Month?

January is International Brainteaser Month and what better way to celebrate than with some mind boggling riddles and puzzles! The brain is a very powerful muscle and - like all other muscles in the body - it needs to be exercised to keep up its strength. Brainteasers are a fun and creative way to exercise the brain and learn important skills along the way! At Science Naturally we love to challenge people of all ages to improve their brains. A healthy brain functions better (and longer) and improves memory and problems solving skills. Brainteasers and puzzles come in many forms. Traditional jigsaw puzzles and other physical assembly puzzles, word puzzles, math puzzles, and logic puzzles have been enjoyed for generations, and exist all over the world. Regardless of what form they come in, puzzles and other thinking games offer extensive cognitive benefits while keeping kids of all ages active, engaged, and motivated to learn. Developmental Benefits of Brainteasers and Puzzles Our brains are stimulated by the unique challenges and problems that puzzles and brainteasers offer. Keeping your brain active with brain exercises helps build new brain cells and strengthens their connections! There are many benefits that come with brainteasers, including: Increased brain activity Emotional satisfaction and sense of accomplishment Enhanced memory and information processing speed Improved concentration Educational Benefits of Brainteasers and Puzzles Kathleen Donahue, a homeschool parent and owner of Labyrinth Games and Puzzles in Washington, D.C., facilitates after-school strategic game classes in 13 elementary schools, and knows firsthand the power of puzzles in children’s education. Donahue says that puzzles are “less intimidating than a lot of other educational instruments,” so kids have more confidence when practicing their skills. “With games, puzzles, and boardgames, there is an attainable solution. And if it is attainable, kids don’t give up.” Educators like Donahue know that solving puzzles isn’t just fun. It actually exercises skills that make it easier for kids to understand and retain difficult lessons. These include critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities, creativity, visualization, and memory. The benefits of puzzle solving don’t end with helping kids learn. Working on puzzles can also build social skills and promote positive thinking. Working together with other individuals demonstrates patience, teamwork, and listening skills. Furthermore, “Overcoming the challenges involved in solving a puzzle really gives [kids] a sense of achievement and pride within themselves,” says Janice Davis, Early Childhood Teacher and Learning 4 Kids Founder. “It provides a boost to their self-confidence and self-esteem.” Building Math and Science Skills: One Minute Mysteries Number-oriented games like chess, checkers, or the card game “ninety-nine” are great ways to exercise math skills. Logic puzzles and story problems are even better. Fun story problems can be found in our One Minute Mysteries series, which offer brief, one-page “mysteries” that can only be solved using math and logic skills. These brainteasers can be worked on individually or discussed together before revealing the answer on the next page. “Math often gets a bad rap for being hard and unpleasant. Mysteries, on the other hand, are fun and exciting…. Readers get to use their logic and reasoning skills while playing Sherlock Holmes!” ~ Ryan McAllister, Ph.D., a biophysicist at Georgetown University Our One Minute Mysteries provide a great opportunity for you and your little one to be super sleuths, tap into your science and/or math knowledge, and hone your critical thinking skills! Each story takes just one minute to read, and challenges your child's knowledge in a variety of science disciplines. These brainteasers keep you engaged and eager to learn more! Written by a father-daughter team, these entertaining and educational books are great for kids, grown-ups, educators, and anyone who loves good mysteries! Blending Math and Science Skills with Brainteasers and Puzzles Incorporating brainteasers and puzzles into educational lessons can be tricky, but fortunately the One Minute Mysteries series has done this for you! The brainteasers format found in these mysteries requires kids to think critically and utilize their science knowledge to find a solution. Even without specific math or science content, any puzzle can be used to introduce the scientific method. To solve a puzzle, students must observe, hypothesize, test their solution, and make conclusions. Every month Science Naturally has a new Mystery of the Month that you and your child can use to put those brain muscles to the test. You can sign also up to get monthly emails with one of the mysteries from the books in our One Minute Mysteries series!

Despite what you may think becoming an inventor is not just an adult job. Throughout history there are many innovative little learners who created some of the most well-known inventions today. January 17th is Kid Inventors' Day (did you notice it spells K.I.D?), and we want to celebrate by sharing some of their amazing stories. These incredible stories are sure to inspire any child who dreams of creating something scientifically amazing! We also address ways to spark young kids' imaginations, foster creativity, and teach them to always “try, try, try again!” Some Well Known Kid Inventors George Nissen At the young age of 16, George invented one of the most entertaining outdoor activities known today: the trampoline. George invented the trampoline way back in 1930 after watching a trapeze artist drop into the safety nets beneath him. Trampolines help kids get more exercise, and develop their balance and agility as well, but most of all they are tons of fun! Thank you, George! Chester Greenwood Back in 1877 15-year-old Chester Greenwood was cold, but instead of simply complaining he did something about it and invented ear muffs! He took a wire frame, had his grandmother sew a piece of beaver of skin to the ends, and ear muffs were born. This ingenious invention even helped World War I soldiers avoid frostbite! The ear muff evolved into the kinds of hearing protection we wear today to keep us safe from loud noises, and modern ear muffs not only keep you warm but they are an important fashion statement as well! Frank Epperson Who doesn't love a delicious popsicle? I bet you didn't know, though, that this sugary treat was created in 1905 by 11-year-old Frank Epperson! Frank's discovery of the popsicle happened by accident when he left a cup filled with a soda powder, water, and a stirring stick on his porch overnight where it froze. It took Frank a while to turn this happy accident into today's modern popsicle - he didn't start selling his yummy invention until 20 years later! We are all grateful Frank didn't keep this ingenius idea to himself! Sarah Buckel 14 year old Sarah Buckel invented magnetic locker wallpaper back in 2006. Sarah was tired of the tedious task of scraping her locker to clean at the end of the year, so she invented an easier solution! We love it when kids take a problem they have and turn it into an invention! Now, thanks to Sarah, young students can bring out their own creativity with customized locker spaces at school. Abbey Fleck In 1993 eight-year-old Abbey Fleck invented one of the simplest ways to make bacon. Abbey's family didn't have enough paper towels to soak up bacon grease, so Abbey figured a better way to cook her bacon. After a little trial and error and a good deal of perseverance, Abbey invented 'Makin Bacon'. Thanks to Abbey we have a safer, healthier way to cook one of our favorite foods! Alissa Chavez In 2014, 14-year-old Alissa Chavez invented the 'Hot Seat'. Alissa was distraught after hearing stories about children who died after being left in hot cars, so she decided to do something about it. She created a small sensor that is placed in a car seat along with a child, and this sensor is connected to the parents' smart phone. If the cushion senses that the cell phone has moved more than 20 feet from the car with the baby still in the seat, it sounds an alarm to alert the parents. Alissa's ingenuity and desire to make babies safer has literally saved lives! Louis Braille We all know what Braille is, but did you know that is was invented in 1854 by its 15-year-old namesake, Louis Braille? Louis suffered an eye injury when he was three years old which rendered him blind. Over the years Louis taught himself the silent method of communication that we know as Braille today. The ground-breaking invention has improved the lives of visually impaired worldwide! Your Child Can Be an Inventor Too! There are many ways to bring out the inventor in your child. Their curious minds love to explore and analyze the world around them. It's important to create an environment that will foster creativity and innovation in your child's mind. Encourage your child to focus on their strengths instead of their weaknesses, and build resilience by helping them learn from mistakes instead of losing themselves to disappointment. Perseverance and motivation are key! When they come across obstacles or challenges in their life, ask them to think of solutions and innovative new ways to solve problems! Science Wide Open We love to encourage little scientists every day! Help bring out the inner inventor in your child with our Science Wide Open collection. This series teaches young children about chemistry, biology, and physics, while highlighting many of the mind-blowing achievements of women in science! While reading through this inspiring book you will follow a young protagonist who asks questions about the world around her, and a scientifically astute narrator whose answers are crafted to be both accurate and understandable for your little one's mind. These books will help create a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and physics and gives them a great starting point for their innovative future!

You know the feeling: you walk across the carpet, touch a metal doorknob, and zing!  You shock your fingers, all thanks to static electricity! Today, January 9th, is National Static Electricity Day and we would love to celebrate this electrifying day with you! Whether we are aware of it or not, static electricity is all around us everyday. When you wake up and your hair sticks straight up, or when your pants cling to your legs, that is static electricity. So what causes static electricity? It is the build-up of an electrical charge on the surface of an object. This build-up occurs when a charge stays in one area of the object for some time and doesn't flow or move to a different area. There are many ways that you and your little scientist can experiment with static electricity, and in honor of Static Electricity Day we have put together some electrifying experiments that are both fun and informative! Balloon Experiments We have three experiments that you and your child can do with only a balloon! Hair Standing on End Our first one is a classic, and it's one of the best ways to observe static electricity in action: the hair standing on end experiment. Everyone has done this at least one point in their life, even if just for fun! First rub the balloon on your shirt or a towel. Then hold it short distance from your head see what happens. You’ll be experiencing those electrons moving from your hair to the balloon! Positive Charges For the next experiment you will need a balloon, plastic pen, and small scraps of paper. First rub the balloon on your hair or a sweater, and then try sticking it to the wall and see what happens! Will the positive charge of the balloon attract electrons from the wall making the balloon stick? Or will it fall? Challenge your young learner by asking them to guess what will happen! Next take a pen, rub it on a wool sweater and hold it near a stream of water. What happens? Then rub the pen the sweater again and try to pick up the small pieces of paper with the pen. In both of these experiments you are manually moving the electrons from one material to another. The same thing happened with the pen, paper, and water as it does with the balloon and wall. Levitating Objects For this experiment see the magic of levitating objects by using a balloon to make them fly! For this experiment you will need a cotton towel, a plastic bag, scissors, and a balloon. First cut a small ring in the plastic bag. Then take the balloon and rub the cotton towel over the surface for 30 to 45 seconds. Afterwards rub the towel on the plastic bag, hold the plastic bag about 1 foot over a balloon, and release! You and your child can have fun watching static electricity create magical levitating objects. Separate Salt and Pepper For this next experiment you will need 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, a plastic spoon, and a dish cloth. First start by asking your children if there’s a way to separate salt and pepper. Ask them if they thing there is a way to separate the salt and pepper without using their hands! Then mix the 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper together on a flat surface. Rub the plastic spoon on a dish cloth for about 10 seconds. Hold the spoon over the salt and pepper mix and watch their eyes grow wide as the little particles jump up to the spoon! Do you know any fun static electricity experiments? Let us know in the comments!

Reading is one of the most important aspects of a young child's development. Access to a variety of books filled with math and science concepts gives a child the opportunity to experience the world around them in new ways! STEM books can be very helpful to budding young science and math lovers by helping them understand the process of scientific discovery and find ways to integrate STEM into their day-to-day lives. By creating a STEM library for your kids at home, you will encourage them to find new ways of understanding and exploring the world. Here at Science, Naturally we love giving families the opportunity to come together and create a fun-loving educational experience together. We put together our own list of books that you and your young ones can enjoy at home in your own STEM Library! One Minute Mysteries Our One Minute Mysteries are some of our best sellers, and we have ideas on our site about different ways to use them at home. These aren't your average STEM problems! Each minute-long story introduces an engaging mystery that can only be solved with science or math. The brainteasers are entertaining, but - even better - these real-world connections help kids see science and math concepts as approachable, learnable, and solvable. The brainteasers can also be seen monthly on our social media accounts, or on our website under Mystery of the Month! You and your child can sit together and solve these fun mysteries using the joy of math and science. If My Mom Were a Platypus If My Mom Were a Platypus takes you and your child all over the world to habitats where mothers bring forth new life. Many young mammals need their mothers when they are young, and are nurtured and nourished until they can survive on their own. Explore the natural process of breastfeeding for 14 different mammals navigating the path from helpless infant to self-sufficient adult. The beautiful illustrations and informative text make this the perfect book to spark conversations about families of all shapes and sizes! We also just launched the Spanish edition of If My Mom Were a Platypus this January 2019. My First Textbook Collection Our My First Textbook collection is great for any budding young scientist! Spark scientific curiosity in kids of all ages by following Pete the Proton, Ned the Neutron, and Ellie the Electron, who get together to build everything in the universe. Learn about some of the most fundamental concepts in science BEFORE the social pressure and intimidation of formal schooling. Let your imagination roam while you and your kiddo ponder what’s it like to live inside an atom! Science Wide Open Collection Science Wide Open is a series of scientifically accurate children's books, with a mission to teach young kids about Chemistry, Biology, and Physics while highlighting many of the some of the mind blowing achievement of many of our Women of Science! Discover the power of curiosity and resilience by following a conversation between a spunky young protagonist, who asks questions about the world around her, and a scientifically astute narrator, whose answers are crafted to be both accurate and understandable for to a young mind. In this way, learning the basics of biology, chemistry and physics becomes an effortless outcome of enjoying the story. What are some of the STEM books in your library? Let us know in the comments!

2018 is coming to an end, and we would like to ring in the New Year by sharing some of the amazing things we have accomplished here at Science Naturally, and some of the new exciting adventures we have to look forward to in 2019! We have been working hard behind the scenes on a number of exciting new books coming in the next 14 months. Si mi mamá fuera un ornitorrinco (Spanish-language version of our popular book If My Mom Were a Platypus) will be available in Spanish starting in January of 2019! This fascinating look at life cycles portrays the normalcy of birth and breastfeeding and explores how mothers help 14 different mammals navigate the path from helpless infants to self-sufficient adults. Out and About We had so much fun at the fairs, conferences, and other events we participated in during 2018, and we are excited about even more in 2019! We will be attending many events, including the Haymaker STEAM Expo, the AAAS Annual Conference, and the Clippers SciFest SoCal! Want to come see us at an upcoming event? Check out our 'Come See Us' page for more information! Amazing Partnerships This year we partnered with Genius Games and started distributing some of their incredible early childhood STEM titles,including the My First Science Textbook Collection and the Science Wide Open Collection. We also began offering our books through SEA Books & More (they are currently offering a 'buy one get one half-off' sale, so click the link to take advantage of this amazing offer!). We're Growing! We were lucky enough to have some amazing interns in addition to adding some new staff, including a social media manager, to help with all our exciting projects coming in 2019! We even started this new blog! Looking Forward We are excited about the new books coming your way for the new year! One of these new books (slated to publish March 2020) is entitled This is How I Grow. This fun and informative book was illustrated by Wesley Davies, who did the back matter illustrations in our popular book Babies Nurse. This Is How I Grow tells the story of eight different mammalian babies from habitats across the globe. Each vignette presents five facts about the animal’s birth, nursing, weaning, and the hunting and/or foraging skills that they must learn from their mother/community before they can be “all grown up". Meeting Our Community! This year was a great year for getting out to our community and sharing all of our amazing books and resources! Perhaps most important of all was meeting so many of our amazing community members! 2018 was a year chock full of adventures and experiences for the staff at Science Naturally. Our amazing staff went all around the country - from California to New York - to conferences and expos to introduce our books to families, educators, and book lovers. We love getting out there and sharing our love of STEM, early education, and families. We look forward to 2019 and the many new friends it will bring! What are some of your favorite memories from 2018? Share them in the comments!

The holiday season is in full swing, and it's a great time for some magical holiday-themed STEM activities! These projects are fun for the whole family in addition to promoting science, math, imagination, and observation skills. From sparkly crystal wreaths to tasty gumdrop Christmas trees, these holiday STEM activities will keep you and your little one's minds active all through the holiday season! Gumdrop Christmas Trees Let your child's geometry, engineering, and architectural skills shine through with this cute activity that is tasty and fun! All you need are gumdrops (lots of them!), toothpicks, and/or bamboo skewers. Simply stick the gumdrops to the skewers and toothpicks and let their creativity shine. Build your little one's math skills by counting the gumdrops as you go, and promote early geometry skills by talking with your children about the shapes they are creating and how they combine to make other shapes. These yummy and pretty trees make cute gifts and table decorations as well! Melting Magic Nothing is better than a white Christmas, and this fun activity uses snow to help explain water and its various properties. Put snow, ice, and water in each of the three jars, and have your kids observe as the snow and ice melt. Prepare questions in advance to pique their curiosity! Observe at what temperature the snow and ice start to melt - is it the same or different and why? Take guesses as to how much water will be in the jar once the snow and ice are fully melted (and whether or not there will be the same amount of water in each after it melts). After you see the results, have your kids discuss their findings. This activity teaches observation and estimating skills, and it's also a great way to get the kids outside to collect some fluffy snow! Tangram Christmas Cookies Hone your math skills and create a tasty treat to share with the whole family with these tangram cookies! This activity is good for building geometry skills, developing spatial awareness, and problem-solving. After the baking is done, decorate your cookies with toppings of your choosing. You and your child can think of holiday themed cookies you want to create, and then identify the shapes you will need to make them. These delicious and fun cookies make great gifts for friends and family as well! Crystal Christmas Wreaths These breathtaking Crystal Wreath Ornaments are just as much fun to look at as they are to make. This activity must be supervised by an adult (kids should not handle borax) and may be more appropriate for older kids. It also needs to sit for 12 hours, so be sure to set their expectations in advance! For this activity you’ll need: green garland pieces, ribbon, borax, hot water, a large bowl, chopstick (or other sticks), and other decorative bits like ribbons or bells. Use this activity to talk with your kids about how different properties interact, and research why the borax and water combined create beautiful crystals. Best of all, at the end of this fun activity you get a gorgeous ornament the whole family can enjoy to hang on your tree! What are some of your favorite holiday crafts and activities? Share in the comments!

The holidays are a busy time, and we all want to get the perfect gift for the people we love! Seeing the bright smiles on the our loved ones' faces after receiving a present always brings joy, but finding that perfect gift isn't always easy. Giving the gift of reading is something you and your loved ones can enjoy throughout the holiday season and beyond. Whether you have a little language learner, a curious budding scientist, or want the perfect gift for the whole family, our selection of books and activities will fill your child's face with joy! “One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! is almost as cool as video games! Really! My dad and I started reading problems while walking to school every morning. Then, we talk about them at dinner before checking the answers. The stories are things that could actually happen to me. They lead to some pretty interesting conversations with my parents. I totally recommend this book for other families!” —Jacob Weiser, 8th Grader, Gunston Middle School, Arlington, VA Bilingual Gift Ideas Looking for the perfect bilingual holiday gift? Our array of languages and topics make the perfect gift for young language learners. Cuddled and Carried and Babies Nurse are beautifully illustrated books that introduce your child to themes of breastfeeding, biology, survival, and the natural world. These books help inspire conversations about families - whether it's in English, Spanish, Dutch or Hebrew! Cuddled and Carried also offers a downloadable Teachers Guide that will helps parents, librarians, educators, and healthcare providers creatively introduce these themes and help develop your child's curious mind. Our Bilingual Science and Math Book Set and One Minute Mysteries combine your child's love of science and math with the joy of learning or continuing a new language. Math and Science Gifts for Families Nothing is better than spending time with family during the holiday season, and our science and math book sets are just what the family needs. Everyone can have fun learning science and math to help solve some challenging mysteries! We offer several book sets that make learning fun, including: 101 Things Everyone Should Know About Science 101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math Deluxe Smart Kid Book Set Science Sleuth Book Set Math Madness Book Set "These brainteasers are science magic! My ten year old grandson devoured the book! He was excited when he knew the solutions and was eager to discover the ones unknown. Clever, entertaining and scientifically educational, readers will learn much from the concise, accurate solutions. A perfect way to have fun with a child or grandchild!" — Robert Fenstermacher, Ph.D.Robert Fisher Oxnam Professor of Science and Society, Drew University, on 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve with Science Gifts for Budding Young Scientists and Animal Lovers Children love to learn new things! What is better than giving your child a gift that will fuel his love for animals and science? Cuddled and Carried, Babies Nurse, and If my Mom Were a Platypus offer your child a world full of science and nature all in one. These books teach your child about the beauty of life through themes of biology, survival, the natural world. If my Mom Were a Platypus also provides your child with an inside look at your role as a parent and how you love, feed, and protect them! These books will bring out the animal lover and budding scientist in people of all ages. Everyone can enjoy the beauty of science and the animal kingdom while flipping through these gorgeously illustrated pages. Gift Ideas for Homeschoolers Whether you homeschool your child or know someone who does, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite homeschooling selections. Choose from an array of blended fiction books, like our Blended STEM Fiction Book Set, science and math mysteries, and "101 Things" books for the perfect gift for the homeschooler in your life. These educational and fun books bring out the curious learner in children and adults alike!