Science on I-80

We make the drive from the Bay Area to Sacramento almost monthly, so we look for milestones to mark the progress of our trip, as well as share some science information.

(I-80) Oakland Port

Even when it's not running, the cranes look pretty cool. You can even chat about import and export and what things may be on the ships. 

Bridges (Carquinez or Benicia)

Bridges are always fun and great educational opportunities. 

http://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/civil/bridge6.htm

(I-80) Vallejo - roller coasters at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

(680) Martinez Refineries - cooling tower and tall chimneys

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooling_tower

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_flare

Scandia fun center - mini golf (after 680-80 connection);  ok, not science, but a fun break. 

Windmills - there are a couple big ones near the Jelly Belly factory/Budweiser

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/wind-power.htm

Fairfield - Jelly Belly factory (who does not love to see how things are made, especially candy?)

http://www.jellybelly.com/california-factory-tours

Vacaville - Nut Tree

This used to be a favorite stop when I was a kid. It has changed a lot, but still has a carousel and mini playground, as well as plenty of food and shops. Our favorite is Amici's pizza. 

Fruit orchards

We like to play the "what kind of tree is that?" Game. Most of the time I make up the answers, but they don't know that. Plus there might be fruit stands open. 

Dinosaur skeleton? - I swear I saw one on the East side, just before Davis. At night it was lit with lights. Mystery...

UC Davis

https://www.ucdavis.edu/museums-collections

Grain elevator

Perfect segue to talk about where our food comes from. 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grain_elevator

Watch birds along Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area

https://localwiki.org/davis/Vic_Fazio_Yolo_Wildlife_Area

Downtown - tower bridge

Depending on the time of day and weather, it looks like a different color. 

California Train Museum

This is a good half day stop in Old Sacramento for all ages. Big trains, little trains and even toy trains. A must for any train enthusiast. 

http://www.csrmf.org

Other resources

https://localwiki.org/davis/Good_Places_to_Take_Kids

Science on I-5

I-5 can be a long, boring drive. Here are some suggestions for Science discussions with the kids, from the Bay Area to LA. 

Windmills (after Livermore)

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/wind-power.htm

Rock quarry (Granite)

http://nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/quarry/

Nut & fruit trees

Can you guess what kind?

California aqueduct

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Aqueduct

Santa Nella

- pea soup anderson (I always wanted to stop here as a kid and I still have not, but I love soup)

http://www.peasoupandersens.net

Feed lots

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feedlot

Dams or trains?

Start your own debate between more water and high speed trains. 

Power grid, power station

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/power.htm

Wild sunflowers

Greenhouses

http://www.scienceagogo.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49233

Coalinga

- Harris ranch - you've seen the feedlot, now visit the restaurant!

- airport (small planes you can see from the airport)

Mirages

http://science.howstuffworks.com/mirage.htm

Irrigation

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrigation

- Water pumping station (Kings county line)

- Water tanks

- canals

Bravo farms (restaurant and shops)

Kettleman city

http://www.bravofarms.com/kc/

"Radar enforced by aircraft"

http://mentalfloss.com/article/54070/how-are-speed-limits-enforced-aircraft

Exit 278- Loves gas and food

Kern wildlife refuge - wintering habitat for migratory birds

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kern/

Eucalyptus trees

http://articles.latimes.com/1991-03-14/news/nc-166_1_plant-trees

Pollinating bee boxes

http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-pollination/

Oil drills. 

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/oil-drilling.htm

Dust devils

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_devil

Bird repellant methods (on grapes)

- Shiny markers

- netting over the vines

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/98-035.htm

Tejon

- Tesla charging station

Tejon pass

- Fort Tejon State Historic Park

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=585

Magic mountain - roller coasters

Science in the Neighborhood

Science is everywhere, especially in our own back yards.

Here are 10 places in your neighborhood that you can visit with your kids to learn how things work.  Some may be easier to get a tour with a group (school, scouts, etc), but you may be able to go during a slow part of the day and get a private tour or interview.

Ask the professionals to share what tools and technology they use. 

1.  Utilities - Recycling, water sanitation

Some local utilities have specific dates for public tours or will schedule group tours.

2.  Fire station, police car, ambulance

Ask community helpers to show the inside of their trucks and tools they use.

3.  Local Restaurants

The kitchen in your local restaurant usually has well planned logistics to get food out quickly.  Pizza places sometimes offer tours to groups.  Even fast food restaurants have interesting tools they use to get food out fast and consistently.

4.  Grocery store

Peak behind the scenes in the stock room to see how food gets from truck to shelves and into our homes.

5.  Bank

Help kids understand money is not just about a credit card.

6.  Library

Ok, I am a Dewey Decimal system nerd and love the order of sorting and reshelving books.

7.  Repair shop

Lots of cool tools to ask about.

8.  Gas station

Where does the gas come from and how does it get into our cars?

9.  Local farm, upick or farmer's market

Whether there are animals or fruits and vegetables, there are plenty of learning opportunities  about where our food comes from.

10.  Construction site

Big tools and trucks.  Make sure you watch from a distance and everyone is safe.