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