Archive for December, 2008

It’s short, a bit corny, but you’ve got to admit that these dancing robots are fun to watch. Enjoy!

Astronomy is a fun topic to research, and kids need a little coaching in the research department when they’re young, say elementary to jr. high age. I like to see the reaction in the faces of this age group because the pictures are so compelling. There’s still a huge “oooh!” and “aahhh!” factor when they are either encouraged to draw what they’ve seen, or look up the visuals in an encyclopedia or online. Getting them to learn isn’t half as important as getting them to want to learn, and this a great avenue.

Many nights our family has stayed up to see some astronomical event like a comet or eclipse, even with school and work the next day. It’s fun to break out of the norm once and a while. The experience is even better when it becomes educational for kids the next day. Taking that extra step to research what you’ve seen together adds both depth and quality time.

Astronomy Topics to Look Up:

• Nebula

• Asteroids

• Milky Way

• Black holes

• Satellite

• Mars

• Venus

Once they’ve looked up the image of something, the younger ones may like to draw with color to convey it. As if your refrigerator didn’t have enough on it already! You may have better luck getting your older kids to make models with clay or paper mache. See if they can tell you why they think astronomical events happen the way they do.

You’re touching a wide variety of subjects when you do this:

• Research

• Art

• Science

• Reading

Astronomy really is one of many educational hobbies that foster deeper thought and amazement in the universe. Get involved with something educational for kids today, tomorrow depends on it.

Photo Credit: Velo Steve on flickr

Those of us residing in the great white north don’t think much about kite flying this time of year. But that may change … did you know you can fly kites indoors?

Indoor kite-flying national champion Paul De Bakker, 31, of Wilmington, N.C., demonstrates his skill.

In fact, indoor kite flying is a competitive endeavor with competitions held regionally and nationally. At the Camas Indoor Kite Festival in Washington last month, 300 people filled the gymnasium to watch fliers dance and move to keep colorful, ultra-light, high-tech kites in the air.

With tugs and pulls and twirls, each kite’s moves are carefully choreographed to music. Competitors are judged on choreography, execution and entertainment value.

Learn more about indoor kite flying here.

Rhodri Armour designed Jollbot as part of his PhD thesis.

The Jollbot, created by Rhodri Armour, a PhD student from the University of Bath is the first robot that can jump over obstacles AND roll over smooth terrain. The robot, designed as part of his PhD thesis, has potential for space exploration or land survey work.

Shaped like a spherical cage, the Jollbot can roll in any direction. It’s flexible and small and jumps very much like a grasshopper. This YouTube video shows it in action:

Read the full article here: Researcher designs robot that jumps like a grasshopper

Learn more about robotics at Chibots.org

You’ve seen them at parks and on the beach, heard the engines in the water, and watched intently as they maneuver around toys in the swimming pool. Is it time to get your own? Is it time to get a radio controlled boat for your husband, or child?

What Kind Of Radio Controlled Boat?

• Electric R/C boats are known for their ease, using a rechargeable battery that gets slower as battery power runs out. These are less expensive than nitro or gas boats, and have a range around 15-40 mph. Some seriously high-end electric boats still tout high speed rivaling gas.

• Nitro R/C boats are mid-range in price and don’t run out of power until the tank is empty. Nitros can do upwards of 50 mph, and require fuel and a start kit to operate.

• Gas boats are a mix of gas and 2-cycle oil, much like your weed-eater, and are typically faster boats. They get about 45 minutes of play time to a tank of gas. Because of the size of the engine, these are much larger. It’s not unusual to find a 4 ft gas powered R/C boat. The noise, smell, and rooster tail make this a pretty impressive toy, and you’ll pay for it. These easily run around $1,000.

Enjoying your radio controlled boat with your family and friends is an extraordinary way to spend your afternoons on the water. The purchase, maintainence, and refurbishing your new R/C boat adds new depth to your list of educational hobbies.

So, level with me. It’s for you, isn’t it?