Education, we believe, is ultimately about increasing access to science at all levels. We actively engage in formal teaching, intentional mentorship, and youth outreach. Through these avenues, we hope to increase excitement about science, improve access to STEM fields, and increase awareness of global environmental challenges.
DIY lab:
Measuring water flow in soil with a soda bottle
Level: middle school to high school
Why do plants like certain soils? One key factor is how much they hold onto water, or let it pass through. You can measure this property of soil yourself at home using this guide! As you experiment, you can learn more about how the hydrology of soils impacts water resources.
DIY lab:
Making slime in your kitchen
Level: Elementary school
Make your own slime! Using only food-safe materials, you can make your own “polymer solution”, which has its own special type of memory. Learn what types of memory this special fluid can store by playing along with this guide (available in english and spanish)!
Skype a Scientist
I actively participate in Sarah McAnulty’s amazing program Skype a Scientist which connects K-12 classrooms with scientists to increase excitement and accessibility. I strongly encourage you to check out their site and join a conversation!
Our Science in the News
Better mixing leads to faster reactions for important chemicals
– Scott Lyon, Princeton University, Dept. Chemical and Biological Engineering
Pouring cream into coffee creates a show of eddies that rivals Jupiter’s roiling storms. But one clank of the spoon collapses all that black and tan chaos into a smooth, uniform brown…
An Injection of Chaos Solves Decades-Old Fluid Mystery
– Adam Mann, Quanta Magazine
In the 1960s, drillers noticed that certain fluids would firm up if they flowed too fast. Researchers have finally explained why…
Beyond Displays: Liquid Crystals in Motion Mimic Biological Systems
– Ian Scheffler, University of Pennsylvania, Dept. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Liquid crystals are all around us, from cell phone screens and video game consoles to car dashboards and medical devices. Researchers recently discovered these fascinating molecules may be able to do even more…
Why Some Fluids Flow Slower When Pushed Harder
– Rachel Berkowitz, Scientific American
A transparent rock experiment shows how stretchy molecules kick up eddies…
Browne Lab 