Science Experiment

The subject of Science can be more fully grasped if learned experientially. Experiential learning has a much longer staying power in the minds of the learner. This is a fact that most teachers and educational staff realize. As such, they are giving science projects and experiments to do.

However, these hands- on learning are seen by more students as a burden and very seldom do they appreciate the value and importance of Science experiments. Most school children do admit that they do a Science experiment at least two days before it is due.

Remember also how Science fair goes? Only the outstanding and top students piously and devotedly commit in doing their projects. Most of the class population spends countless time thinking and thinking what they are supposed to do.

So how can Science experiments be appreciated?

If you are the student these tips are directly for you to help you value and appreciate experiential learning through science experiments. If you are the parent or guardian or the teacher, these tips will help you motivate your children to appreciate doing science experiments.

1. Do not work alone. There is value in working together as a group with classmates or even with family members. Interactions during working for a science experiment are actually good learning tools. Questions, queries, what- ifs and a lot more comments float when working for a science experiment or project. This way, learning becomes fun and work becomes a bonding activity. This only works if 99% of the time is spent in learning, not in fooling around.

However, if you feel that you are better off working alone, you can still do a bit of interaction by asking your peers

2. Grab and get ideas first. Once you have identified your science experiment topic, you may want to read a bit about how to do it. You may also want to look at magazines and other resources that can contribute to you. Visit science fairs and even malls that have science topic displays.

A helpful tool to creating your science experiment is the science kit. They are readily available in stores and are much helpful when used and explore. Topics are vast and numerous.

3. Go for the do- it- yourself science experiment. If your science experiment does not have strict requirements on how you will carry your experiment, opt for the do- it- yourself ones. Do- it- yourself science experiments are inexpensive and almost free. This also brings out the creativity in you. This also gives you freedom to choose what materials or tools are best to use. Do it yourself science experiments also give a good feeling of ownership and accomplishment to you as you know that you have worked the extra mile for your science project.

Do not throw previous science experiments (unless perishable). Even if your science project got a low grade, do not throw them away yet as they are the learning steps in improving your science experiment. They can also serve as an inspiration for you to do better next time.

The subject of Science can be more fully grasped if learned experientially Experiential learning has a much longer staying power in the minds of the learner

Researchers identify genes behind dangerous childhood disease

A team of researchers examining the entire human genome have identified new genes that seem to make some children more vulnerable to the little-understood Kawasaki disease.
Kawasaki is an inflammatory condition in children that affects the mucus membranes, lymph nodes, walls of blood vessels, and the heart. Clinical signs include high fever, rash, and swollen hands and feet with skin peeling.
Most important, the disease causes damage to the coronary arteries in a quarter of untreated children and may increase the risk of atherosclerosis in early adulthood.
The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown. There is no diagnostic test and current treatment fails to prevent coronary damage in at least one in 10 to 20 children. Kawasaki disease is fatal in approximately one in 1,000 children.
This is the first genetic study of an infectious disease to examine the whole genome, rather than selected genes. The study shows that genes involved in cardiovascular function and inflammation may be particularly important and some seem to function together.
The authors believe these findings could lead to new diagnostics and better treatment and may offer information about adult cardiovascular disease as well.
The international research team comprising of associate professor David Burgner, from University of Western Australia's School of Paediatrics and Child health, and researchers from the Genome Institute of Singapore, Emma Children's Hospital, The Netherlands, Imperial College London, and the University of California San Diego (UC-SD), studied naturally occurring genetic variation in almost 900 cases of Kawasaki disease from these countries.
However, the findings do not yet prove that the new genes are functionally involved. Other genetic variants may be important, especially in different ethnic groups, said an UC-SD release. The findings were published in the January issue of the open-access journal PLoS Genetics.
The authors are now planning detailed studies of the function of these genes and larger collaborative studies including east Asian populations, who are at particular risk of Kawasaki disease, with 1 in 150 Japanese children affected.