Summer science

There are some science investigations that really lend themselves to hot days.  Fortunately, we have been provided with an abundance of that particular resource this summer.  Last week, we investigated density and buoyancy--and got a little wet in the process!

We also made our own paint, and though I never said so, I suppose we were investigating color and viscosity.  I am not above claiming more intentionality for my parenting than was perhaps there at the time.

 Today we built a solar cooker and made s'mores.  Half the neighborhood would tell you that they turned out delicious and nicely melty.  (The other half was at work or camp.)  But first we tested our solar cooker by watching whether an ice cube melted faster inside it or outside it.  (It was nearly a draw.  Our design my need some refining, but hey--I have to leave something for their elementary and middle-school science teachers, right?)

One note in case you consider making your own paint out of sweetened condensed milk: it made very cool, swirly paintings, but they attracted flies and never really dried.  Not something for the archive, but the process was a lot of fun!