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Hobbies & Science : Society & Culture & Entertainment
Fungus on a Bee Balm
Bee balm is an herbaceous perennial herb that blooms with spidery, edible red flowers, and dark green, fragrant foliage. Many types of wildlife are attracted to bee balm, including hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Plant bee balm in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that is kept con
Things to Make With Knit Fabric
Made of a combination of cotton and synthetic material, knit fabric is often soft, breathable and stretchy. Sewing with it can be tricky since the pressure foot of the sewing machine can stretch the fabric, rather than hold it in place. Baste, or hand sew with large stitches, all projects with knit
How to Build a Mathematical Model
Mathematical modeling has been used to solve problems not only in engineering and physics, but also in biology and healthcare. Here is a general guideline for how to build a mathematical model.
Problems with Solar Heating
Solar energy is harvested in two different ways: generation of electricity through solar cells and direct use of sunlight to heat liquids. The capital costs involved in installing a solar cell based system is much higher than a solar heating system. Though capital cost of a solar heating system is l
Information on Proteolytic Enzymes
The proteolytic enzymes, also known as proteases, are important chemical compounds that help maintain your body's metabolic processes such as digestion. The human body produces thousands of proteases, but some are also found in certain foods. Deficiency or lack of one of these proteases may lead to
How to Make a Simple Abacus
An abacus is a primitive tool that is used to aid counting and arithmetic. The first known abacus was built by the Chinese in 3000 B.C. The device consists of a wooden frame with a number of rods. Beads are placed on each rod and are free to move up and down. To count, you simply move the desired nu
How to Build a Potato Hiller
Potatoes grow in the ground, but as the plants grow up they have the capability to send out more potatoes if the plants are covered up throughout the growing season. This process is called “hilling” and can be done by hand with a hoe or with a human- or machine-powered hiller. You can ma
How to Build a Three-Dimensional DNA Model
Building a three-dimensional DNA model can be an educational and fun experience for people of all ages. Not only can it be used for school science projects or classroom presentations, but it will also enhance your understanding of the DNA molecule's complex and unique structure. DNA model kits are f
How to Calculate Solar Insolation
Solar insolation is the amount of electromagnetic energy, or solar radiation, received at a point on the earth's surface. Cloud coverage, solar declination angle, zenith angle and hour angle are necessary variables to consider when determining solar insolation. Units for solar insolation are general
Homemade Electricity
Electricity refers to the release and flow of electrons. Lightning strikes are a common example of electric flow on a dynamic scale. The sparks from static electricity, too, are an example of electron flow. When electrons are freed from the atoms they're binded to, they are repulsed by each other an
Homemade Branding Irons
Branding irons are pieces of metal that are heated and used to brand, or sear, material. In the past, they were generally used on livestock but now have more common uses such as branding leather, wood and steak. Branding irons are bent into unique, identifiable shape, usually to identify the company
How to Build an Island in the Sea
Building your own island isn't an impossibility, provided you are willing to work the steps necessary to ensure that your project has the proper sanction from government and the right engineering. If you're hoping to construct your own coral atoll--a chain of islands around a central lagoon--you'll
How to Mount Fragile Fabric in a Shadow Box
Mounting artistic or historical fabrics and textiles in a shadow box is an effective way of displaying them while also protecting them from environmental damage. However, trying to hang fragile pieces without damaging them can be challenging. The optimal way to mount fragile fabric is to loosely and
Easy Leaf Identification
Using leaves is the easiest method for tree identification. You probably can recall the leaf shape of many common trees such as willow and maple. Oak leaves are easily recognized by their lobbed shape. A closer examination reveals the type of oak. Identification is simplest when using a plant key.
Making Clay Pots on a Turning Wheel
Throwing clay pots on a turning wheel is a very enjoyable and stress-relieving activity. While it takes practice to learn how to make clay pots on a turning wheel and develop throwing techniques, anyone can learn the process and practice the methods until they perfect the art. You can make pottery o
How to Preserve Lemons for Decoration
Packing and preserving lemons in a decorative glass jar makes a charmingly distinct ornament for the kitchen. While you can decorate the interior of the jar by adding herbs or the outside of the jar by attaching embellishments, the lemons don't serve just an ornamental purpose. Preserved lemons are
How to Flick a Zippo Up
In 1932, Zippo began manufacturing windproof lighters. Now, the company has produced more than 425 million lighters. Several enthusiasts of the Zippo company enjoy collecting, selling and trading their lighters. Zippo lighters are preferred because of their durability and high-quality craftsmanship.
How to Make Styrofoam Planes
Since Dow Chemical trademarked the brand name Styrofoam in 1946, the material has been used for many things, including toy airplane kits. But you don't need to purchase a Styrofoam airplane kit to make your own plane. With the right supplies, making your own plane won't take you more than an hour.
How to Calculate Steel Header Spans & Weight Loads
Steel beams are used in construction to support large weights over wide spans. The amount of weight a beam can carry is determined by its type, size, position of the load and its span. The carrying capacity of each beam is determined by a laboratory that performs stress tests on the beam then publi
Lauric Acid Hazards
Lauric acid is the main type of acid found in oil from coconuts. As with other acids found in food products, it's generally safe in small quantities, but exposure to concentrated forms can be hazardous. It's important to know the potential dangers, as well as how to treat or control any possible sid