Home Planet/Planetary and Earth Sciences

In this activity from Lawrence Hall of Science, you'll use binoculars or a telescope to identify and track sunspots. You’ll need a bright sunny day to complete this activity. Download the printable version of this activity, with associated visuals, here.  Be sure to share what you've learned about sunspots with Science Friday's Science Club using the […]

In this activity from Lawrence Hall of Science, you'll use tonic water to detect ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Be sure to share what you've learned about the sun and UV light during Science Friday's Science Club, using the hashtag #ExplainTheSun. Age Level: 7 and up  Time Preparation: 5 minutes  Activity: 5 minutes Cleanup: 5 minutes […]

We want you to explain to us what the Sun does.   Here’s how: Learn something interesting about what the sun does. Do your best to explain what you’ve learned about the sun. Share your explanation with the hashtag #ExplainTheSun Here's a little inspiration… We asked scientists and other solar-interested folks to answer the question: What […]

Earthquakes are awe-inspiring. But the destruction, confusion, and injury associated with them often overshadow important classroom discussion about how these phenomena actually occur. By understanding what causes earthquakes, children can think critically about ways that scientists can work to prevent future damage from natural disasters. In this activity your class will build and explore a […]

Here at Science Friday, we’ve been listening to scientists discuss scientific ideas for more than 20 years. In that time, we’ve witnessed many new ideas gain traction in the scientific community. Climate change is one of them. A growing body of evidence suggests that higher levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide—generated from industrialization and pollution from […]