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Each of the projects note the estimated cost, time, age range and difficulty level. Many of the projects are easy and all are designed to help kids get their geek on. The authors also get the kids really involved in the projects.

Two of the coolest superhero projects are “Create Your Own Secret Lair” and “The Human Fly.” “Create Your Own Secret Lair” involves decorating a large cardboard box to look like anything you want — a Hobbit hole, the hidden rooms in Hogwart’s, the Batcave, or Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. “The Human Fly” is based in the American Comic Book Heroes exhibit at the Museum of Play in Rochester, N.Y.; it has kids dressing up as superheroes and “climbing” a fake wall while Mom takes still pictures or video. If you do it right, you’ll use some action film music as well.

Also suggested are several comic books that actually help kids learn history. There’s also a list of recommended superhero comics for kids, arranged in order of age level.

Source: TriCities.com

by CG

You can use several types of household products to determine which ones controlled fire ants the best. You can use products such as epsom salt, PeptoBismol®, and oranges. You need to made a transect to determine the initial numbers of fire ants in a mound, then present the household product to the mound. Finally, count the remaining fire ants after exposure to the household product. The science behind it has to do with frequency and vibrations. You could make your own glass harmonica of a sorts by pouring water into a set of glasses. Align them to make a row. Fill each of them with different amounts of water (fill each with a little more water ). And then use a spoon and tap each of them in order. They should make a Do Rei Mi sound.

Source: Project Ideas: Science fair Project Ideas

by Joy Holster

The students have been developing the sauces for potential commercial production, in conjunction with Crabtree Foods and Spartan Foods of America.

ECU professor Dr. Melani Duffin, who teaches the food science class, said her students complete a food development project each spring, often in conjunction with major food companies. The students have developed several good recipes, she said, and now they are offering to share their samples with the public.

“Such active learning projects promote teamwork and enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills,” Duffrin said.

Representatives from the partnering food companies will select a winning sauce or sauces, which could then undergo further testing for potential commercial development.

Crabtree Foods owners Eddie and Nick Crabtree, both ECU graduates, said they were excited about partnering with the students. “Many schools have their stamp on products in the marketplace, and it would be great to collaborate with East Carolina on a new successful product,” Eddie Crabtree said.

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