Let's get into the BioBlitz!

Welcome to the first part of #ScienceMillSTEMsday!

Every Wednesday this July, the Science Mill team will go on air at We Are Austin to talk about the week’s topic and demo an activity viewers can replicate at home.

This week, let’s get into the BioBlitz! Read on to learn more about the topic and how you can win a family membership to the Science Mill!

WHAT IS A BIOBLITZ?

Bioblitz, pioneered by National Geographic, is a citizen science activity where students, parents, educators, and other participants document as many species in their area as quickly as possible. In doing so, participants help create a snapshot of an area’s biodiversity, whether it be a backyard in California or a ranch in central Texas!

HOW EXACTLY DO YOU DO A BIOBLITZ?

For a comprehensive guide, check out this guide by iNaturalist or this video from National Geographic. You can also just contribute to iNaturalist or Seek at your own time! The most important thing is getting out there, exploring your immediate environment, and making observations.

EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHT: MASTERS OF DISGUISE

If you want to get a closer look at some seriously awesome critters like a panther chameleon, axolotl, and a Vietnamese mossy frog, you can check out the Science Mill Bio Lab!

FURTHER READING:

GIVEAWAY

Every Wednesday this July, the Science Mill will be on We Are Austin to talk about awesome science topics and an activity you can do at home! Post a photo or video of you/your family doing the activity on either Facebook OR Instagram and get the chance to win a family membership for 4 to the Science Mill!

MECHANICS:

  1. Like our giveaway post and follow/like our Facebook and Instagram pages

  2. Post your entry on Facebook or Instagram and tag it with #ScienceMillSTEMsday

For this week, snap a photo of you/your family going out and doing your own version of a bioblitz! Feel free to share any interesting flora and fauna you may have seen in your exploration and tag it with #ScienceMillSTEMsday.

One winner will be randomly selected on July 28. They will be contacted only by the official Science Mill Facebook or Instagram accounts. Good luck and happy learning!

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!

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!

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.

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