Jul 09 2008
Steve Spangler Science
I’m a new fan of science guy Steve Spangler. I had not ever heard of him until someone posted a tweet on Twitter recently about his appearance on the Ellen show. In the Ellen video, Steve fills a bathtub full of cornstarch & water, which creates a sloppy, soupy mixture similar to cake batter. Ellen has an audience member run across the top of the mixture.
The demonstration caught my attention because our chemistry professor at K-State at Salina did a miniature version of the same idea at our school open house last April. She explained that with non-newtonian fluids if you move slowly, the mixture will let you pass, but if you hit it quickly, it will resist you. That is why the young lady was able to run across the top without sinking in.
So of course I had to read more about Steve Spangler. He has a website where one can purchase supplies needed for numerous science experiments, including the famous Diet Coke and Mentos geyser experiment. His patent pending Geyser Tube takes the guesswork out of creating a soda pop geyser. I’m planning to get a bulk pack of those things!
Perhaps one of the more interesting things I learned about Steve Spangler is his Science in the Rockies “boot camp for K-5 teachers who need creative science integration strategies.” It looks like a fun and engaging way for teachers to learn about science, and it looks like it starts today. I will have to book mark that site and try to encourage some of our local elementary school teachers to attend.
Well, I’m off to do some science experiments with my kids!
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