science article category

Reference and Education: Science Article Category

The Future of Spaceflight: Space Plane, Reusable Rockets or Space Elevator

Since the launch of Sputnik, mankind has been steadily climbing towards the stars. As the famous science fiction genre Star Trek states, the mission is to go where no man has gone before. However, as a result, in the 21st century, space exploration has become a little more than a glorified space taxi service with the use of the space shuttle.

Can We Go to the Moon Again: A Feasibility Analysis of Current Space Technology Capabilities

Even though mankind has much more advanced space technology as compared to 1960's; the current technology is not geared toward moon flight. In fact, even the US has lost the capability of the Saturn rockets due to the fact that production facilities have been dismantled.

Is Interstellar Spaceflight Possible?

Since the beginning of mankind's civilization, humans have looked into the night skies and to the stars with a special longing. Especially after the advent of the space race in the 1950's; the race for the stars has become more prominent. Unfortunately, with the availability of present technology, going on an interstellar flight seems to be impossible for the moment.

UFOs: What A Load Of Rubbish!

If aliens are here in their UFOs, and/or if they were here, those ancient astronauts, then there would be alien fossils or artifacts left behind, even if it's just alien garbage and little else. Unfortunately, there's no such undisputed fossil or artifact evidence. Not one bit of extraterrestrial litter is to be had and put under the microscope. Now is this a legitimate argument that rules out any visitations and somewhat lengthy stays by extraterrestrials to our humble abode, Planet Earth? If there is no UFO rubbish, is the UFO extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) rubbish?

Different Types of Laboratory Equipment

Laboratory equipment are those apparatus, which are used in laboratories for carrying out scientific experiments. Few commonly used laboratory apparatus are Bunsen burners, microscopes and Laboratory glassware.

Fused Silica Quartz

What is Fused Silica Quartz? Quartz can be found naturally in nature, but it can also be made in a factory. Fused silica is a material that is made using extreme heat to form a material with superior optical capabilities.

Archaeopteryx - Not the First Bird, Indeed Not a Bird at All According to the Latest Research

Archaeopteryx - the name means "ancient wing", could be perhaps the most famous fossil in the world. It was discovered shortly after Charles Darwin had published his ground breaking book "On the Origin of Species", the fossil revealed a creature with both bird and reptilian characteristics. Was this evidence of a "missing link" that would help to cement Darwin's theory of natural selection? New evidence published by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has challenged the long held belief that Archaeopteryx was the first bird. According to this new research, Archaeopteryx may not actually have been a bird at all.

The Science of Web Design

Creating a client attracting website is essential for any small business to succeed in today's market. There is a science behind websites that helps you not only attract traffic, but more importantly, convert people to buy your product or sign-up for your offering, all based on how your website looks and feels. It should be simple, display the most relevant information above the fold, and have a call to action for your visitors.

Many people over-design their site, adding as many bells and whistles that they can fit onto their home page. Unfortunately, this usually encompasses many graphics, particularly in the header area - your site's prime real estate. Business websites are more effective when you keep it simple to ensure that the most prominent items are the focus for your customers. For example, in your header - do not waste the space with "fluff." Be sure that you business name, the services you provide, and who you provide the services to, is clearly identified. This will be your first opportunity to grab their attention, but it must be clean so they can quickly identify with it and decide if you are the right business for their needs. However, it is important that while all of those items need to be present, simply placing text in the header will not be enough for most audiences. This is a good opportunity for you and your web-designer to incorporate text and your company logo, into a simple and clean design while maintaining the necessary content for your target market.

Understanding where a natural web page breaks, is critical for designing your website. While we all know how to scroll through pages and will take the time to do so when searching or reading, you must first grab your client's attention. To do so, be sure that below your banner you have incorporated your most important content above the fold. The "fold" is where the webpage ends before you have to scroll down for more information. Be aware that your viewers screen resolution and browser will affect what they see above the fold, so be sure to check various browsers during the design process. The goal is when your potential client lands on your page, they are able to quickly understand what your business is, what you offer, if they meet your target demographic, and what they can do next to connect with you.

Having a call to action or next step, will help your traffic get in touch with you and start building a relationship. When your website has this option, particularly for small businesses or blogging sites, it helps build your credibility and your list. Visitors should be able to easily contact you or sign-up to learn more, as the likelihood of them finding your website again, is slim. With a call to action, you will be able to instantly connect with your clients and add immediate value. A key factor is a successful website.

Having a simple, straightforward website is critical for small businesses - particularly to entice, engage and reach your target audience. Once they get to your page, be sure that it is representative of the services you provide and how you can best serve them - and have it all above the fold.

Instilling a Love of Science in Your Child

A love and passion for science can give kids an educational advantage. One of the best ways to instill an early love for science into them is to introduce them to some fun science toys. Show them the fun and wonder of science through play. Encourage them to ask questions about why things happen at an early age and they will likely have a lifelong love of science. Here are some science toy suggestions that may help you do just that:

Science Kits - Science kits are the most obvious choice but with so many to pick from, it can be hard to choose. For really young kids, ages 3-5, try the Sid the Science Kid kits. They come in a variety of themes including plants and why wheels are round. They are written at a level that kids that age can understand. For kids from 5-8, try Scientific Explorer kits such as Mind Blowing Science and the Magic of Science. And for older kids, Thames and Kosmos makes a bunch of science kits covering just about every topic that you could imagine. Choose one that will interest you child and make a habit of having a science hour (or half hour) once a week.

Microscope - A microscope can open up an interest into another whole world. A set of slides can show them things they never realized existed. They can also make their own slides by collecting some pond water to observe or looking at their skin cells, a drop of blood, some dirt, etc. The possibilities go on and on.

Snap Circuits - Introduce them to the wonders of electronics with these fun electric kits. Available in several different kits, each one has at least 100 electronic projects that kids can do. Recommended for ages 8 and up but kids as young as 6 can probably do it with a little assistance.

Nature - Let them get a taste of the nature end of science. Let them grow a mini garden or purchase them a butterfly habitat, ladybug land, or ant farm and let them observe these insects for a while.

Build a robot - Kids with a love of robots might enjoy building their own. Toysmith makes several robot kits including the Tin Can Robot, Brush Robot, Robot Duck, and Doodling Robot. These kits sell for less than $15 and are fun and easy to put together.