Our mission

This magazine is for children and parents to understand how to think

scientifically and discusses the scientific literacy for children by engaging

them in lots of fun activities, quizzes, games, and experiments. We also

have a parents section to help every father and mother teach their

children science vocabulary and scientific thinking.

We hope you enjoy it!

Authors: Allaa E. Elbelassy, khalid G. Kwankwaso, Ahmed Elsayad,

Minou Nasr

Science is the general way we use to find answers to questions presented about the universe. It is not interested in beliefs, only in physical facts.

We have nine planets in our Solar System. These planets circle around the sun, this is called orbits. we have two part in the solar system, the inner and the outer. The inner Solar System which has Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. These are closest to the sun and are called the terrestrial planets because the have very solid rocky surfaces. The Outer Solar System has Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune these are sometimes called the gas giants After Neptune you will find the small planet of Pluto

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Green Organisms

Colors are very important in our life. It gives us joy and

makes us feel happy. Depending on the brightness of colors, one

can acquire a good mood or a bad one. Colors are symbolic; they

are the mirror of our internal soul. Among the bright colors that are

found in nature is the green one. As it is a comfortable color, it is

spread among plants and trees. Plants are those living organisms

that breathe and feel with no observed movement. They are calm

organisms that eat by their roots that are fixed to the ground and

absorb water either by their roots or the holes found on their

leaves. Observing plants, one can conclude that a living or a non-

living thing is not a thing that only moves but it is a thing that feels,

breathes and dies. Plants are vivid organisms that like to mingle

with nature in order to complete their life cycle. Plants have

different colors gliding between bright, shiny ones and semi-shiny

ones. However, no one can observe that plants could possess any

dull color.

Plants are essential to the environment including the people living in it.

For the atmosphere, plants exhales oxygen which is a precious gas for all living

organisms, they also help in refreshing the air and decreasing the temperature

in hot places. Beside their scientific importance, plants have a humane

importance via the shadow they draw by their branches, people can seek

shelter under them during high temperatures or even on rainy days. There is

also a decorative importance for plants, by their colors and the way they are

organized with, they can draw a good portray of beauty. Plants can give a good

example of contrast. There is a scientific contrast in the plants' operations

during day and night. In the night, plants contradict what they do during the day

since they exhale carbon dioxide and inhale oxygen. That is why we should not

put bunches of flowers in a closed room with a sleeping person in order not to

suffer from shortage of oxygen and sometimes if the age of the person is still

young, he/she can suffer from suffocation. The other importance of plants is that

they enrich the soil by their existence as their excretion of gases and some

nutrients help the soil to be more fertilized. Overall, plants are living organisms

that should be well-taken care of by not picking them or stepping on them as

they have no voice to scream.

Oxygen and Life

Most of the time people claim that oxygen is the secret of the life.

It is called the secret of the life because we breathe it and breathing is

the process, which allows us to be alive. Oxygen forms about 21% from

the air we breathe. Oxygen is a precious gas that no one could live

without, as it is important it is pressurized in tanks to help those who

have some shortages in their lungs and consequently cannot extract

oxygen from the atmosphere. People should increase the amount of

producing oxygen especially after the increase of percentage of air

pollution, which is the primary threatening cause for oxygen decrease.

Increasing the amount of oxygen in the surrounding makes us a friendly

environment people; as it will encourage us to grow more plants,

decrease the percentage of combustion and decrease our habits that

could pollute the air. Oxygen is an important gas as it is not only used in

breathing but it is also used as a catalyst in setting fires which can be

used in melting some metals

Try to Gather the Items to

Reach the Swimming Pool

Try to Find the Words !

◼

◼1. What planet is closest to the sun?

◼ 2. Is Iron attracted by magnet?

◼ 3. What is the earth's primary source of

energy?

◼ 4. In which galaxy earth is located in?

SCIENCE QUIZ!

◼ 5. How many Lungs does human body have?

◼ 6. What is the solid state of water is known as?

◼ 7. What are the forming elements of water?

8. What is the largest planet in the solar

system?

SCIENCE QUIZ!

Find this words: Nitrogen Helium Gold Argon Oxygen Calcium Carbon Iron Potassium

Copper Chlorine Sodium Lithium Cobalt Magnesium

Experimenting optical illusion

•Take a look at the gird below:

Did you notice the small grayish dots between the black

boxes. They are not part of the drawing - they were put

there by your brain!

Scientists call this "visual vibration." Basically it

means that when you see patterns of black and

white, your eye sometimes confuses the two and

blends them into patterns of gray that you see

here. You are seeing something that is not really

there!

Allaa E. Elbelassy

This elephant is missing a leg...or is it?

The artist confuses his

viewer by changing they way our brain

is used to seeing things.

It seems the more you look at the elephant,

the more confusing it gets.

Allaa E. Elbelassy

•want to see the gears move?

Look at the black dot and Move back and forth….

What do u see?

Allaa E. Elbelassy

•This uses visual vibrations to

create a cool effect.

Try moving your head

close to, and then away from the screen.

The fuzzy dots appear to move.

Allaa E. Elbelassy

This simple line drawing is titled,

"Mother, Father, and daughter" because it contains the faces of all three people in the title

How many faces can you find?

Allaa E. Elbelassy

Check out the

spiral...except it is not a

spiral, just circles.

Don't believe me? Use

your finger to follow the

fake spiral.

The tilt of the boxes fools

your brain into believing it

is a

spiral.

Allaa E. Elbelassy

Hey, this is weird. It looks as though it's moving, but it's not.

The shapes confuse the eye (really the brain) into believing that they are moving.

Allaa E. Elbelassy

Experiment

•1 balloon (round ones will work, but the longer "airship" balloons work best) •1 long piece of kite string (about 10-15 feet long) •1 plastic straw •tape

1)Tie one end of the string to a chair, door knob, or other support. 2)Put the other end of the string through the straw. 3)Pull the string tight and tie it to another support in the room. 4)Blow up the balloon (but don't tie it.) Pinch the end of the balloon and tape the balloon to the straw as shown above. You're ready for launch. 5)Let go and watch the rocket fly!

Allaa E. Elbelassy

So how does it work? It's all about the air...and thrust. As the air rushes out of the balloon, it creates a forward motion called THRUST. Thrust is a pushing force created by energy. In the balloon experiment, our thrust comes from the energy of the balloon forcing the air out. Different sizes and shapes of balloon will create more or less thrust. In a real rocket, thrust is created by the force of burning rocket fuel as it blasts from the rockets engine - as the engines blast down, the rocket goes up!

The project above is a DEMONSTRATION. To make it a true experiment, you can try to answer these questions: 1. Does the shape of the balloon affect how far (or fast) the rocket travels? 2. Does the length of the straw affect how far (or fast) the rocket travels? 3. Does the type of string affect how far (or fast) the rocket travels? (try fishing line, nylon string, cotton string, etc.) 4. Does the angle of the string affect how far (or fast) the rocket travels?

Allaa E. Elbelassy

•clean dry paper clips •tissue paper •a bowl of water •pencil with eraser

1.Fill the bowl with water 2.Try to make the paper clip float...not much luck, huh? 3.Tear a piece of tissue paper about half the size of a dollar bill 4.GENTLY drop the tissue flat onto the surface of the water 5.GENTLY place a dry paper clip flat onto the tissue (try not to touch the water or the tissue) 6.Use the eraser end of the pencil to carefully poke the tissue (not the paper clip) until the tissue sinks. 7. With some luck, the tissue will sink and leave the paper clip floating! Allaa E. Elbelassy

The project above is a DEMONSTRATION. To make it a true experiment, you can try to answer these questions: 1. How many paperclips can the surface tension hold?

2. Does the shape of the paperclip affect its floating ability?

3. What liquids have the strongest surface tension?

4. Can the surface tension of water be made stronger? (try sprinkling baby powder on the surface)

How is this possible? With a little thing we scientists call SURFACE TENSION. Basically it means that there is a sort of skin on the surface of water where the water molecules hold on tight together.

How is this possible? With a little thing we scientists call SURFACE TENSION. Basically it means that there is a sort of skin on the surface of water where the water molecules hold on tight together.

Allaa E. Elbelassy

•A packet of yeast (available in the grocery store) •A small, clean, clear, plastic soda bottle (16 oz. or smaller) •1 teaspoon of sugar •Some warm water •A small balloon

•1. Fill the bottle up with about one inch of warm water. ( When yeast is cold or dry the micro organisms are resting.) •2. Add all of the yeast packet and gently swirl the bottle a few seconds. (As the yeast dissolves, it becomes active - it comes to life! Don't bother looking for movement, yeast is a microscopic fungus organism.) •3. Add the sugar and swirl it around some more. Like people, yeast needs energy (food) to be active, so we will give it sugar. Now the yeast is "eating!"

•4. Blow up the balloon a few times to stretch it out then place the neck of the balloon over the neck of the bottle. •5. Let the bottle sit in a warm place for about 20 minutes If all goes well the balloon will begin to inflate!

Allaa E. Elbelassy

As the yeast eats the sugar, it releases a gas called carbon dioxide. The gas fills the

bottle and Then fill the balloon as more gas is created. We all know that there are "holes" in bread, but how are they made? The answer sounds a little like the plot of a horror movie. Most breads are made using YEAST. Believe it or not, yeast is actually living microorganisms! When bread is made, the yeast becomes spread out in flour. Each bit of yeast makes tiny gas bubbles and that puts millions of bubbles (holes) in our bread before it gets baked. Naturalist's note - The yeast used in this experiment are the related species and strains of Saccharomyces cervisiae. (I'm sure you were wondering about that.) Anyway, when the bread gets baked in the oven, the yeast dies and leaves all those bubbles (holes) in the bread. Yum.

The project above is a DEMONSTRATION. To make it a true experiment, you can try to answer these questions: 1. Does room temperature affect how much gas is created by the yeast? 2. Does the size of the container affect how much gas is created? 3. What water/room temperature helps the yeast create the most gas? 4. What "yeast food" helps the yeast create the most gas? (try sugar, syrup, honey, etc.)

Allaa E. Elbelassy

Role of parents

Building scientific language for young children

Helping children expand their vocabulary is one of the best ways to ensure that

they would be able to express what they feel and expand on their observations about the

world. There are different ways to help children build their vocabulary:-

•Model science-related vocabulary which is using scientific terms as children interact with

engaging materials.

•Encourage meaningful conversations with children and expand on what children say and

observe.

•Provide the opportunity for children to use science related language and get involved in

some experiments.

•Ask them open-minded questions that help promote predicting and problem solving skills.

•Let children make their own predictions and try things out.

Allaa E. Elbelassy

Helping kids think scientifically

One of the greatest gift a parent could give to his/her daughter or son is the ability to think and

examine things critically, explore the world in a scientific thinking method and look at the world through clear

eyes. That is why parents should start talking to their children about science starting at the age of four. In an

effort to put parents on the right track, I have made a small list or a couple steps that each parent could follow

with their children.

•Read about science: reading fiction books is fun but also reading science books such as: “born with a

bang” which introduces the big bang to children and how we were born in a simplistic fun way. Another

interesting book is “Maybe yes, maybe no” this book introduces children to skepticism.

•Encourage experimentation.

•Explain that scientific answers are not always the fun ones: children

Who think scientifically should understand that dragons for example

Do not exist.

Allaa E. Elbelassy

Interview conducted with mothers about their role in the scientific education of their children Mother A Q1) What is the importance of children’s scientific education? I believe children’s scientific education is very important and is one of the most important aspects in a child’s education. It is necessary for children to have scientific knowledge in order to be able to identify the environment that surrounds them, the elements of life and nature and to be able to engage in the environment. Without a basic understanding of science, children would not be able to understand the existence of many animals, insects etc weather changes such as rainy days and foggy days; they also would not be able to understand the idea of growth and how the human body works. Q2) How do you contribute to your children’s scientific education at home? I encourage them to watch scientific cartoons such as little Einstein, Dexter’s Laboratory etc. when they watch scientific cartoons they always come to me and ask me several questions about the terminology used, and certain ideas or concepts in the cartoon. Q3) what are some obstacles that children may encounter during scientific education? There are many obstacles that children may encounter, for example they may find the information too complicated or challenging and that is where parents and teachers play a role in simplifying that information for them. Other children may encounter the problem of not having access to certain aspects that contribute to scientific education, some may not have TVs, or access to gardens where they can explore the surrounding nature etc Q4) what are some techniques that you use to integrate your child in scientific education and activities without making them feel that it is obligatory? I make them compete with each other, I come up with competitions and games for them and give the winner a prize. They usually become really engaged when they find out there is a prize for the winner.

Mother B Q1) What is the importance of children’s scientific education? Scientific education and knowledge is very important for children, especially at a young age. It helps them understand the environment that surrounds them and how they contribute through their actions to making it a better or worse place to live. Scientific education will teach children that certain behaviors harm the environment and should not be performed. Meanwhile will teach them about how they can contribute to making their lives environmentally friendly. Q2) How do you contribute to your children’s scientific education at home? I encourage them to spend most of their time in the garden and surrounded by nature and the environment, rather than in their room watching tv. I believe that this makes them more engaged, and they start observing the environment which surrounds them and asking scientific questions, or exploring and searching for the answers themselves. Q3) what are some obstacles that children may encounter during scientific education? Many mothers solely rely on school education, on the teachers and the environment surrounding our children at school. That is not enough, because mothers and home play a great role in children’s education. Q4) what are some techniques that you use to integrate your child in scientific education and activities without making them feel that it is obligatory? I usually start engaging in the activity myself, and they become encouraged and excited to join me. I don’t force them to do scientific activities, but when they see me do it they just join along.

Mother C Q1) What is the importance of children’s scientific education? Scientific education and inquiry contribute to children’s knowledge and make them have a broader field of knowledge. it enables children to research and explore and does not enclose them in the education they receive in school. Q2) How do you contribute to your children’s scientific education at home? I engage them in scientific activities, very simple and basic ones such as placing a mint in a bottle of coke, creating volcanoes out of clay and soda etc. Q3) what are some obstacles that children may encounter during scientific education? Some parents may not be financially capable of enabling their children to engage in scientific activities, they may not have money to spare in buying materials for them to create science projects at home. Q4) what are some techniques that you use to integrate your child in scientific education and activities without making them feel that it is obligatory? I buy them toys and scientific games, which they can play with during their free time. Thus they would still be learning and benefiting in free hours without really realizing that it’s a learning process.

Asurveyinwhichchildrenwereaskedtoidentifyfivechemicalelementsof

Child Identifiedelement1

Identifiedelement2

Identifiedelement3

Identifiedelement4

Identifiedelement5

One Calcium Oxygen Carbondioxide

Hydrogen Potassium

Two Calcium Oxygen Carbondioxide

Water Iron

Three Calcium Oxygen Gold Water XFour Calcium Oxygen Carbon

dioxideHelium Potassium

Five Water Oxygen Carbondioxide

Hydrogen Potassium

Afterthesurveywasconducted,manyconclusionswereagreedupon.Fivechildren

betweentheages7-10wereaskedtoidentifyfiveelementsfromthescientificperiodictable,onechildhoweverwasonlyabletoidentifyfourelements.Anelementthatallchildrenmentionedwasoxygen,thisisduetotheirbasicandunderstandingthatoxygenisnecessaryforsurvival!Thesecondmostcommonelementsmentionedwerecarbondioxideandcalcium,althoughcarbondioxideisacompoundandnotanelement!Thisshowsthatchildrenoftendonothaveenoughscientificknowledgetodifferentiatebetweenelementsandcompounds,althoughconsideringtheyarechildren,theiranswerwasaccurateenoughbasedontheirscientificknowledge.Calciumisthesecondmostmentionedelement,whenthechildrenwereaskedwhytheyidentifiedthatelementorhowtheyarewareofitsexistence,theanswerswereallverysimilar;theyalllearntaboutitathome.Howdidtheylearnaboutcalciumathome?Whenmotherstellthemthattheymustdrinkmilktogrowtallerandstrongerbecauseitcontainscalciumanditisnecessaryforgrowth!Somothersdo

actuallycontributetothescientificeducationoftheirchildren,oftenonadailybasis.Athirdcommonelementwaspotassium,andonceagaintheylearntaboutthatelementathomebecause“Banana’scontainpotassium,it’llhelpyousleepfaster”.Acommonmistakethatallchildrenmadewasonceagainconfusingelementsandcompoundswhilstidentifyingwaterasanelement.Othergivenanswersweregold,heliumandhydrogenwhereallchildrenjustifiedtheiranswersdifferently.Goldwasidentifiedbecausethechild“guessed”itwasanelement.Heliumwasidentifiedbecausethechildhadabasicunderstandingthatheliumjustlikeoxygenandcarbondioxideisabreathablegas,theexampleheusedwasbreathingheliumballoonsandmaking“sillysounds”.Whilefinally,hydrogenwasidentifiedbecauseachildsawitinhersister’sbiologybook.

Dyslexia

Nowadays, dyslexia has become the invisible enemy of many parents and children. Parents fail to identify that their children are dyslexics, and so do the children, and the problem becomes everlasting. Dyslexia is a disorder that many children face despite conventional schooling; in which case they fail to attain, or attain with high difficulty the skills of reading, writing and spelling. Thus, it is a learning disability that affects children’s ability to learn. It should not be however confused with mental retardation; brain damage or a lack of intelligence, for children and even adults can be gradually cured from dyslexia by practice and training. As previously mentioned, dyslexia affects children’s ability to learn and thus affects their education and their future as well. It often lasts with children and remains with them throughout adulthood, while other children are often treated from it. It is a highly important disability that parents must become aware of nowadays because it is the biggest enemy of their children’s education, an enemy that they can only fight once they become aware of its existence. Once parents identify their children as dyslexic, they must commence by aiding them right away, for often it leads to a lack of self confidence, depression and insecurity

Journey to their minds

Ever wondered how children think about the world and how they

observe things and understand them. I thought we should really dive

into children’s brains and get to know what these children really think…

enjoy a small journey into their minds and tell us what you think about it

…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYiaqGlB0ts&feature=em-upload_owner

Allaa E. Elbelassy

SCIENCE QUIZ!

◼ ANSWERS:

◼ 1. Mercury

◼ 2. Yes

◼ 3. The Sun

◼ 4. The Milky Way Galaxy

◼ 5. 2

◼ 6. Ice

◼ 7. Hydrogen and Oxygen

◼ 8. Jupiter

Work Cited Page of essay 1

◼ "Plant Basics." Biology4Kids.com.

Biology4Kids.com, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.

◼ "Great Plant Escape." Urbanext.illinois.edu.

University Of Illinois Extension, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.

◼ "Biology of Plants." Mbgnet.net. Missouri

Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.

Work Cited Page of essay 2

◼ "Oxygen Facts." Sciencekids.co.nz.

Science Kids, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2013.

◼ "OX-Y-GEN." Chem4Kids.com.

Chem4Kids.com, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.

◼ "The Oxygen Cycle." Ducksters.com.

Ducksters.com, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2013.