1. Education

Make Your Own Fireworks

Sparklers are a type of firework that produces a shower of glittery sparks, but does not explode.

Making your own fireworks is fun and economical. Simple fireworks are surprisingly safe to make and ignite, too.

Fun Fireworks Projects to Try
Chemistry Spotlight10

New Chemistry Vocabulary Quiz

Tuesday June 18, 2013
Learn chemistry terms. (Getty Images) width=Here's a new ten question multiple choice quiz that tests how well you know general chemistry vocabulary. The terms are basic words that you need to master to survive chemistry class, especially if you get tested on definitions... Take the quiz

What's the Difference Between a Scientist and an Engineer?

Tuesday June 18, 2013
Laura Miller working on a fuel cell. (Argonne National Lab)My answer to this question has to do with education and job description, but I know other scientists and engineers may have a very different opinion. How would you describe the difference between a scientist and an engineer? Here's your chance to set the record straight.

Photo: Laura Miller is working on a fuel cell. Can you tell by looking whether she is a scientist or an engineer? What's your guess?

This Day in Science History - June 18 - William Lassell

Monday June 17, 2013
June 18th is William Lassell's birthday. Lassell was a successful English brewer with an interest in astronomy. He designed and built his own observatory and reflecting telescope with mirrors of his own construction. He spent most of his time investigating the planets and discovered four moons. He discovered Hyperion, a moon of Saturn and two of Uranus' moons: Ariel and Umbriel. He discovered Neptune's moon Triton only 17 days after Neptune itself was discovered.

Lassell is a good example of the Gentleman Scholar of the 18th and 19th Century. These men were generally wealthy, decently educated and interested in a scientific field with a lot of leisure time to spend on their interests. Astronomy was the largest attractor of this type of scholar, and for the most part, they dominated the field. British astronomy was full of these "Grand Amateurs" and made the majority of the new discoveries of the time.

Find out what else occurred on this day in science history.

Iron Facts Quiz

Monday June 17, 2013
Wikimedia Commons Iron is one of the few elements you can encounter in its pure form. You can even easily get it from your breakfast cereal.

Test your knowledge of iron with this fun ten question quiz.

Iron Facts Quiz

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