(repeat) Fir tree needles embedded in carpet are a holiday headache. Why not decorate a genetically-modified, needle-retaining tree instead? It’s just another way that science is relevant to the holidays. We have more.
How about science experiments on fruitcake? There’s a competition that includes launching it with a pneumatic device, running a heavy electric current though it, or blasting it with a blowtorch. Meanwhile, physics provides insight into those tricky how-does-he-do-it questions about Santa’s delivery rounds.
Finally, step away from the relatives and consider the implications of the winter solstice.
Enjoy a better holiday through science!
Guests:
- Jenna Gallas – Special Event Coordinator, Manitou Springs Chamber of Congress, Colorado
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Laura Kramer – Manager of Science Conductors, Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond
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Lilian Matallana – Research Associate, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
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Ben Orlin – Math teacher, and author of “Math with Bad Drawings: Illuminating the Ideas That Shape Our Reality”
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Ethan Siegel – Theoretical astrophysicist and owner of “Starts with a Bang!” blog
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Andrew Fraknoi – Astronomer and educator, author of “Introduction to Astronomy”
Segments:
Part 1: Jenna Gallas / Fruitcake Toss
Part 2: Laura Kramer / Fruitcake Science
Part 3: Lilian Matallana / GMO Xmas Tree
Part 4: Ben Orlin / Loaded Dreidels
Part 5: Ethan Siegel / Santa Physics
Part 6: Andrew Fraknoi / Winter Solstice
originally aired December 17, 2018
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