This month we consider motion, gravity, and Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) and demonstrate a very cool activity that reinforces Newton’s First Law of Motion (and gravity) in a fun and memorable way. All it takes is a raw egg, clear drinking glass, water, non-breakable pie plate and toilet paper tube.  

But before we start “slinging” eggs, let’s learn a little about Sir Isaac Newton (and at $6 a dozen we may not want to "sling" many). After all, he is considered one of the most important scientists in history. Even Albert Einstein said that Isaac Newton was the smartest person who ever lived. During his lifetime Newton developed the theory of gravity, the laws of motion (which became the basis for physics), a new type of mathematics called calculus, and made breakthroughs in the area of optics such as the reflecting telescope.

In grade school you probably learned Newton’s apple story around the time you learned about Washington cutting down the cherry tree and the Pilgrims celebrating the first Thanksgiving with their native American friends. Since neither of these stories proved to be true, you probably have your doubts about whether Newton actually sat under an apple tree and had a “eureka” moment concerning gravity, either.

It might surprise you to learn, then, that Newton was indeed sitting under an apple tree when he had his so-called “eureka” moment on how gravity worked.

Although, it took him over two decades more to develop the fully-fledged theory of “universal gravitation” and he also didn’t complete it without some ideas others had already come up with, such as Christopher Wren, Robert Hooke, and Edmond Halley (of Halley’s comet fame). So perhaps “eureka” is an exaggeration. From accounts, he was more just put on the correct path while musing under the tree.

Further, it would seem that the apple didn’t fall directly on his head- at least there is no documented evidence of this. But if you discount the notion that he near instantly fleshed out his universal theory and the “fell on his head” bit, the common story is pretty accurate.

And through that we begin to understand gravity, the mysterious force that makes everything fall down towards the Earth.

Newton is credited with many well-known quotes. Perhaps one of the most inspiring is this: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” As for our budding Quirkles scientists and many, many others, they have stood on the shoulders of the giant Sir Isaac Newton.

It’s already April which means the school year is rapidly coming to an end. So many things left to do; so many year-end activities!

One argument for not integrating science into the school day is the time and expense it involves. “I don’t want to have to buy a bunch of stuff, take a long time to set it up, or have to “practice” a bunch of times to make the experiment or activity work,” is a common cry from teachers, afterschool educators, and parents.

But much like the fancy toy in the beautifully gift wrapped package that gets laid aside in favor of the box itself, for young children, you may be over-estimating the need for complexity and over-thinking as well. This month we offer some simple science activities that pack a big punch…and tie April as well.

First, from the Quirkles book Density Dan, we illustrate the science concepts from the story with those eggs you never got around to hard boiling for Easter. Two eggs, two plastic cups, some water, and table salt is all you’ll need to create a fun, teachable moment about density and why some things float and others do not.

Another super simple, but impactful activity can be used to celebrate Earth Day, April 22. It literally only takes a rubber band!  Watch our video as children try to remove the rubber band from their own hand which represents what sea creatures and other wildlife must deal with when we carelessly throw plastic rings from beverage packs or other garbage that pollutes our sea and land.

April also is the month that hosts National Library Week. So don’t forget in the hustle and bustle to do one more simple but profound thing. Read a book together. A child is never too old for shared reading. And, if you’re looking for just the right story, might we suggest any of the Quirkles® 26 books?

Just remember, simple science can make a big impact! Try these activities, take time to read together, or enjoy a nature walk during this beautiful spring month. Simple is sometimes simply the best.

This month we celebrate Sir Isaac Newton. He is credited with the quote, “What goes up, must come down.” Let’s just see about that! This activity might take some practice, but it’s worth the effort!

T1his water may look the same, but think again! There may be more than meets the eye. Try this floating egg activity to see.