What is the heat index?

There’s no doubt that these summer days in Texas have been HOT - but how hot are we talking? Why does it sometimes feel hotter than the forecast says it is?

Did you know that there is a difference between actual temperature and what is called the heat index? Understanding these two concepts is important in preparing for the weather! Let’s dive into it.

What is actual temperature?

The actual temperature, often indicated by a thermometer, measures the amount of heat present in the air. It is a straightforward measurement that tells us the level of hotness or coldness of the atmosphere. However, it doesn't take into account other crucial factors, such as humidity or wind chill, which significantly affect our perception of temperature.

WHAT IS THE HEAT INDEX?

Unlike the actual temperature, the heat index factors in the impact of humidity on our perception of heat. This index, calculated based on air temperature and relative humidity, provides a more accurate representation of how the weather feels. You can compute it through this online calculator, or refer to a heat index chart, such as the one below produced by the National Weather Service.

So, how does humidity affect our perception of heat? Well, our bodies regulate our body temperature through sweating, and high humidity impairs this process by slowing down the rate that our sweat evaporates, making the temperature feel hotter than it actually is. Even if the temperature is only 90 degrees, it can feel like a 100 if the humidity goes above 60%!

Wind chill during cold weather has the same principle; it speeds up the rate of heat loss which more quickly drives down internal body temperature. The air temperature could be 40 degrees outside, but with winds at 20 mph, it can feel 10 degrees colder!

Why is it important to understand the heat index?

Firstly, the heat index helps us assess the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to hot weather. High heat index values indicate increased dangers of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Moreover, the heat index is especially valuable for individuals engaged in outdoor activities or those working in hot environments. By considering both the actual temperature and the relative humidity, the heat index provides essential information to help people make informed decisions about their safety and well-being.

Choosing appropriate clothing, staying hydrated, and scheduling outdoor activities wisely become more critical when factoring in the heat index. It helps us understand the true impact of the weather on our bodies, allowing us to take necessary precautions and prevent heat-related health issues.

While the actual temperature provides a basic understanding of the heat in the air, the heat index offers a more comprehensive view by considering the influence of humidity. Recognizing the disparities between these two measurements equips us with valuable knowledge to better navigate the hot weather. So, in making your summer plans, don’t forget to watch the weather so you can safely enjoy the summer season!

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If you’re visiting the Hill Country, consider making the Science Mill a stop in your travels! (The museum is nice and cool, we promise!) Only an hour from either Austin or San Antonio, the Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games, and programs, the Science Mill expands students' understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on the path to a life-long career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

What are equinoxes and solstices?

Twice a year, the Earth's axial tilt and its elliptical orbit around the Sun create spectacular astronomical events known as equinoxes and solstices. These celestial occurrences mark significant moments in our planet's journey around the Sun and have captivated human curiosity for centuries.

What is an equinox?

Equinoxes occur when the Earth's axis is neither tilted away from nor towards the Sun, resulting in equal day and night lengths worldwide. There are two equinoxes each year: the vernal (spring) equinox and the autumnal equinox. During the vernal equinox, which takes place around March 20th, the Sun crosses the celestial equator, and day and night are of approximately equal length in both hemispheres. Conversely, the autumnal equinox, around September 22nd, marks the transition from summer to autumn, once again bringing a balance between daylight and darkness.

What is a solstice?

Solstices, on the other hand, mark the extreme points of the Earth's axial tilt. During the summer solstice, around June 21st in the northern hemisphere, the North Pole leans towards the Sun, resulting in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. In the southern hemisphere, this date marks the winter solstice, where the South Pole is tilted away from the Sun, leading to the shortest day and the longest night. Conversely, the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere (around December 21st) and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere bring about a reversal in the lengths of day and night.

The occurrence of equinoxes and solstices is due to the Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees and its elliptical orbit around the Sun. As the Earth revolves around the Sun, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight, creating the changing seasons. Equinoxes and solstices act as key markers in this seasonal cycle, representing important astronomical events that affect climate, agriculture, and cultural celebrations worldwide.

Cultural significance

Equinoxes and solstices have held significant cultural and spiritual importance across different civilizations throughout history. Many ancient cultures built monuments aligned with these celestial events, such as Stonehenge in England and Chichen Itza in Mexico. These structures served as astronomical observatories, indicating the precise moments of equinoxes and solstices. Various cultural celebrations and festivals are also linked to these celestial events, symbolizing the transition of seasons, rebirth, and renewal.

Equinoxes and solstices are often accompanied by unique natural phenomena that inspire awe and wonder. For example, during the equinoxes, a phenomenon called the "equinox sun alignment" occurs at certain locations, where the rising or setting Sun aligns perfectly with architectural features, casting stunning shadows or illuminating specific areas. Additionally, solstices are associated with mesmerizing natural occurrences like the midnight sun in polar regions, where the Sun remains visible for 24 hours during the summer solstice.

Take-home activity idea: DIY Marble Maze!

Looking for a fun AND educational activity to do at home? Try out the DIY Marble Maze!

This simple hands-on project, reminiscent of popular arcade games, is also a great way of demonstrating two scientific concepts: Newton’s Law of Conservation of Energy and his 3 Laws of Motion!

Read on for the full guide. PDF version is also available below!

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DIY Marble Maze

STEM Lesson

Newton’s Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Marble mazes are a terrific demonstration of how energy can be transformed from one form to another. The first form of energy we encounter when using our mazes is potential energy. Potential energy is the stored energy an object has because of its position. If you hold the marble just at the edge of the maze, the marble has potential energy. When you release the marble, it begins to move through the maze as you tilt the cardboard base. Releasing the marble into the maze transforms the marble’s potential energy into kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Any object that has mass and is moving has kinetic energy.

Your marble maze also demonstrates Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion:

1. An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion at constant speed and in a straight line unless acted on by an unbalanced force. (The marble will remain at rest in the maze unless you exert a force on the maze to move it. The marble travels in zig zag patterns, as opposed to a straight line, because the walls of the maze exert a force on the marble whenever it collides with them.)

2. The acceleration of an object depends on the mass of the object and the amount of force applied. (The marble moves around the maze quickly due to it’s low mass unless we exert very little force on the maze as we move it.)

3. Whenever one object exerts a force on another object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite on the first. (This is why the marble bounces off of the walls of the maze when the marble hits them.)

STEM Career

• Architect: Architects have created mazes throughout history in palaces, playgrounds, memorials and art installations. They have been used to organize storage spaces and to offer a space for walking meditations.

• Psychologist: Mazes are used by psychologists to better understand spatial memory, which can indicate a person’s cognitive abilities.

Materials Needed

• Cardboard (assorted sizes)

• Cardboard boxes assembled (or help students assemble their own)

• Cardboard tubes

• Hot glue gun

• Hot glue sticks

• Masking tape

• Duct tape

• Regular straws

• Milkshake straws

• Fuzzy sticks

• Scissors

• Box cutters

• Markers

• Marbles

Activity Instructions

1. Select a piece of cardboard or cardboard box to work with. If there are no more boxes left, you can make your own by taping pieces of cardboard together into a cube. Be sure you leave the top of the box open so you can the pieces of your maze.

2. Choose straws and/or pipe cleaners to build your maze with. Attach them using either hot glue gun or masking tape. Feel free to add tunnels that your marble can travel through using the cardboard tubes.

3. Don’t forget to make a wall around your maze so that your marble doesn’t escape.

4. Draw a circle at the top of your cardboard. This will be the starting line. Cut a hole large enough for your marble to fit through on the bottom of your cardboard - this will be the finish line.

5. Challenge: can you add a base or device below your maze that will catch your marble?

6. Test your marble in your maze!

Download the guide here.

Benefits of video games to STEM learning

In recent years, video games have emerged as a powerful tool for education, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Contrary to the common misconception that video games only promote mindless entertainment, they can actually be harnessed to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. This blog post explores the various benefits of integrating video games into STEM learning and sheds light on how they can shape the future of education.

Engaging and Interactive Learning Environment

Video games create an immersive and interactive learning environment that captivates students' attention and keeps them engaged. By presenting complex concepts in a visually appealing and interactive manner, video games effectively foster curiosity and motivation in STEM subjects. Students can actively explore virtual worlds, conduct experiments, and solve puzzles, which leads to a deeper understanding of scientific principles, mathematical concepts, and engineering principles.

Development of Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills

STEM-focused video games often require players to analyze, strategize, and make decisions in real-time. This process stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving skills as players encounter challenges and obstacles that require logical reasoning and creativity to overcome. Through trial and error, students learn to think critically, develop hypotheses, and test their ideas—a valuable skill set that translates directly into STEM fields.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Many video games emphasize collaborative gameplay, fostering teamwork and communication among players. By working together to solve problems and achieve objectives, students develop essential skills for collaboration, cooperation, and effective communication. This aspect of video games mirrors real-world scenarios in which scientists, engineers, and mathematicians collaborate to tackle complex challenges. Learning how to collaborate effectively in virtual environments can seamlessly translate into successful collaborations in STEM-related careers.

Application of Knowledge in Real-World Contexts

Video games often present players with realistic scenarios that require the application of STEM knowledge and skills. For example, in engineering or physics-based games, students must build structures or solve puzzles by applying the laws of physics. Such experiences help students understand the practical application of theoretical concepts, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world contexts. By seeing the direct impact of their actions in the game, students gain a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the relevance of STEM in their lives.

Adaptability and Technological Fluency

Video games expose students to rapidly evolving technologies and promote adaptability in navigating virtual environments. With the increasing integration of technology in STEM fields, this adaptability is crucial. Video games provide a safe space for students to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. This cultivates technological fluency and digital literacy, empowering students to confidently use a wide range of tools and software relevant to STEM disciplines.

Video games offer a treasure trove of benefits for STEM learning. By combining engagement, problem-solving, collaboration, real-world application, and adaptability, they enrich the educational experience and prepare students for the challenges of the future. Embracing video games as an educational tool has the potential to revolutionize STEM learning, creating a generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers.

Learn more by visiting the Science Mill this month! We have a number of video game-inspired exhibits, and an upcoming event on June 17 called GAME ON! at the Science Mill where visitors can experience special activities like making a video game from scratch!

Only an hour from Austin or San Antonio, Texas, the Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games, and programs, the Science Mill expands students' understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on the path to a life-long career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).