STEM subjects aren’t all rocket science and formulas. In fact, you can find science, math, technology, and mathematics in your everyday life and possessions.
For example, did you know that running shoes are a product of engineering? You can learn more about their design here.
What else don’t you know about the world around you? Come with us and explore some everyday, fun-dane STEM facts!
Mysterious Metals & Nutty Nature
1. Is water dangerous?
By itself, absolutely not, but you knew this much already. Water sustains life, so how can it ever be considered a threat?
Well, by itself, water isn’t a threat to anyone or anything. However, ⅚ of alkali metals react abnormally with air and water. These metals are Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), and Caesium (Cs). Particularly, Potassium and Sodium tend to explode when mixed with the correct volume of water.
But why?
When the metal hits the water, their electrons transfer to the water, creating a positive charge in the water’s atomic makeup. As a result of the excess charge, the mixture becomes incredibly unstable, and therefore, explodes!
2. What happens to the Eiffel Tower in the summer?
In the summer, the Eiffel Tower changes incrementally. It actually becomes 6 inches taller than it normally is the other seasons of the year. But why does this happen?
Metal, like most materials, is affected by temperature. Specifically, when the temperature rises in the summer, typically higher than 40 degrees Celsius (or 104 degrees Fahrenheit), the metal expands. This expansion is single-handedly responsible for the 6-7 inches of growth as well as the “tilt” away from the sun.
I don’t think I’ll be visiting the Eiffel Tower during the summer! Ever!
1. Can deserts be cold?
Well, the short answer is, “yes!”
Deserts do not have to be hot to be considered deserts. In fact, the only requirement is that the area is arid or dry. As long as the geographical location receives no more than 25 inches of precipitation per year, then it’s a desert!
For perspective, there are five types of deserts, and the colder ones are referred to as “Polar Deserts.” While colder deserts could fall under any of the other categories, these deserts are the coldest and the most well-known.
Many of these deserts are in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. However, not the entire continent is desert, only some areas.
Now You know!
The National STEM Honors Society encourages lifelong learning and curiosity. We want you to keep asking questions, researching, and finding awe in the world around you.
If you want to read more about surprising STEM facts, click here or here. We also have some blogs about everyday science! Why don’t you try this one on for size?
