Hi! It’s Tuesday, January 26, 2010 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!
Recommended Website:
HowToons
Age Range: 8 and up (Younger children and non-readers will need assistance; all projects require adult supervision.)
A Maryland ClickScholar recommended this Do-It-Yourself website that provides a free and unique way for kids to learn science and engineering by building cool things using illustrations and instructions provided in comic-book format.
This site is the brainchild of three people – a comic book artist, an inventor, and a toy designer – whose mission is to provide engaging science content that inspires creativity, art, and imagination by using “tools of mass construction.”
When you get to the site, you’ll see a variety of information, but to get right to the projects and activities simply click on an item in the “Howtoon Menu” on the left side of the homepage that includes:
- Animation – Learn how to make a zoetrope.
- Computing – Use your hands to count in binary mode.
- Communication – Write letters using materials from nature.
- Energy – Make an alternative energy source with baked beans, or have fun with a DIY pin wheel.
- Engineering – Make a soda bottle submarine or spring-loaded chopsticks.
- Environment – Gauge the wind speed with the Beaufort scale.
- Fashion – Try on a stylish trash-bag raincoat!
- Holiday – Make your own snow globe.
- Music – Become a one-person marching band!
- Play – Make a marshmallow shooter or a pair of stilts.
- Tools – Try on a pair of soda bottle goggles.
There is much, much more. Just click on an item and a new page opens with a cartoon story related to the project, a materials, list, downloadable/printable materials, illustrations and even how-to video instructions.
A very cool feature, is that you can search for a project or activity based on what materials you have! Do you have boxes, duct tape, batteries, vinegar, salt, old shoes, or a glue gun? Enter an item in the search engine – and find out what you can make with what you’ve got.
This is a terrific science resource – bookmark it to use again and again.
Enjoy!
