Whether you’re celebrating a vegan Friendsgiving or carving a turkey with the whole extended family, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) will undoubtedly be part of your festivities. The internet abounds with funny and serious ways that science impacts Thanksgiving. Here are a few of our favorites:
Aerodynamic turkey test
We know some Base 11 fellows have used wind tunnels for serious summer engineering research projects. This is a not-so-serious use of a wind-tunnel from the students at University of Michigan.
Tabletop physics tricks
If you need to draw attention away from your crazy Uncle Doug, try whipping the tablecloth out from under the dishes. Learn this and other entertaining — and potentially messy — physics tricks for the Thanksgiving table at the Steve Spangler Science blog.
Cranberry chemistry
Some like their cranberries saucy, while others demand that they be perfectly gelled from a can. This hands-on experiment from Science Buddies gives you the chance to act as a teacher or mentor on Thanksgiving Day. An adult or older sibling helps a youngster cook cranberries with sugar, and determine how different cook times lead to different consistencies of the cranberry sauce.
Tech at the table
Where’d you get that amazing pumpkin pie recipe? Probably not your family’s dog-eared cookbook. Nearly half of millennials used apps like Pinterest to find recipes for their Thanksgiving meal last year. (In fact, get some ideas here.) And millions of people will use Skype or Facetime to connect with loved ones far away this Thanksgiving.
Gratitude as medicine
According to numerous studies, being grateful can actually make you happier and healthier. Discover some of the many ways gratitude is good for you.
At Base 11, we’re grateful to work with so many determined, inspiring, enthusiastic students who are working their way toward STEM degrees, careers and business ventures. We know that they will use science to make the world a better place for future generations.
How will you be using science this Thanksgiving? Tell us in the comments.