May | 2013 | The Math Blaster Blog

Rare Unplanned Spacewalk for NASA

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Math Blaster

The work that NASA has accomplished throughout the years has given society incredible insight into the world around us. In addition to this, there is no doubt that all of NASA’s work has been characterized by methodology, regulations, and plans. This type of planning and preparation, however, was disrupted recently by an unplanned spacewalk on the international space station.

On Saturday, May 11, two astronauts made an unplanned spacewalk in order to find more information about ammonia snowflakes that were appearing in space over a span of two days.

It was found that the space station cooling system had sustained a leak. Over time, the damage caused by the leak increased, prompting this spacewalk. The leak resulted in a loss of ammonia coolant, causing one of the eight power systems that provide electricity to the space station to shut down.

Luckily, the space station and its crew were never in any danger. Also, the two astronauts that went on this spacewalk were two experienced spacewalkers who had actually worked on the damaged part of the station. The spacewalk was also significant because it was very unique and rare for NASA. Normally, NASA’s actions are planned out and deliberate, while this spacewalk was thought out in a quicker-than-usual manner.

During the five and a half-hour spacewalk, the two astronauts located the potential leak and replaced a pump in the station. More time is needed to ascertain whether or not this replacement pump fixed the leak in the space station. After the spacewalk mission was completed, the station took great care to make sure that no residual ammonia remained on the space suits. This is because the ammonia would have been toxic if it entered the station.

All of the aspects of this recent story from NASA could serve as a potential learning tool for your child. Ask your child questions, such as how they would approach fixing the issue at the space station, or even about what they think about the after-mission process the astronauts had to go through. Also, do not forget to incorporate their favorite science and math activities during these learning opportunities.

Filed under: Current Events, Newsletter, Parents and Kids, Science Facts, Technology and Kids, What's New | Tagged: International Space Station, NASA, science, unplanned spacewalk | 2 Comments »

Max and GC’s Blaster Challenge

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Math Blaster

There is a threat to the Spaceport, and Max and GC need help from your kids and their Blasters. Due to the high level of skill needed to properly protect the Space Station, they are recruiting a team of top Blasters from the I.S.P. To determine who is ready to take on the most difficult challenges around the Space Station, they are inviting your kids to top 5 different scores from games around the Space Station. Encourage them to keep learning with Max and GC’s Math Blaster challenge.

To prove their worthiness, Blasters must either match or earn more points than the scores posted below:

Zapper – 8500 points
B-Force Blaster – 20,000 points
Bolt Cruncher – 16,000 points
Oozami – 4000 points
Roller Ball Rally - 1000 points

Do you have what it takes to be one of the top Blasters around? See if you can finish Max and GC’s challenge in the next two weeks, and become one of the ultimate Math Blasters.

Filed under: Learning Tips, Math Blaster Mission, Parents and Kids, Technology and Kids | Tagged: challenge, Games, GC, Max, What's New | 2 Comments »

Worksheet of the Week

Posted on May 6, 2013 by JumpStart

Filed under: Behind the Scenes, free printable worksheets, Parents and Kids | Tagged: leanring, Math Blaster, measurements, What's New, worksheets | Leave a comment »

A NASA Rover to Explore Greenland

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Math Blaster

The NASA organization has always been known for its monumental work in the field of science. With all of the exploration expeditions the organization initiates and all of the monumental discoveries it has made, there is no doubt that NASA is an innovator in the science world. In addition to this, NASA is perhaps most known for its great discoveries in outer space. However, NASA has begun a new scientific journey with a rover that will explore the highest, most frigid parts of Greenland.

Higher than normal temperatures in the summer of 2012 caused melting to around 97 percent of Greenland’s massive ice sheet region, garnering widespread attention to and worry about this area. In light of this, NASA is launching its “GROVER” rover, which is short for “Greenland Rover” and “Goddard Remotely Operated Vehicle for Exploration and Research.” This rover will be able to explore the extremely cold conditions in Greenland to collect data that can help scientists gain further knowledge about how Greenland’s massive ice sheet operates.

GROVER is a robot of multiple functionalities. To begin, the robot stands six feet tall. In addition to this, the GROVER is also friendly to the environment, as it gains all of its energy from solar panels. The genius behind the solar-powered nature of this machine is that the sun never travels below the horizon during the summer season in the Arctic, making it easy for GROVER to work throughout the day.

The GROVER will be using ground-penetrating radar during its time in Greenland. This will be used to test and study how snow accumulates on the ground. In the bigger picture, these studies will help scientists understand how layers and layers of ice form on the ice sheet over time. Moreover, GROVER presents a great innovation in scientific exploration of this region because it can replace the use of aircraft or satellites.

There are many exciting things going on in the world of science today. With so many new innovations and creative ways to explore the world around us, there are sure to be great new discoveries coming our way. Use these types of current events to your advantage by turning them into a teaching moment. Engage your child in conversation, and perhaps even challenge them with other science or math activities.

Filed under: Current Events, Just for Fun, Newsletter, Science Facts, Technology and Kids, What's New | Tagged: Greenland Rover, GROVER, Math Blaster, NASA, science | Leave a comment »

Test Your Mettle in Max’s Top 5 Games

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Math Blaster

Being an all-star Blaster requires skill, determination, and courage. While developing these traits can take time, your job as a Blaster is not over once you attain these characteristics. In order to do your best protecting the galaxy, you will need to keep practicing and honing your abilities in order to stay sharp. Luckily, Max picked five exciting games you can play to keep yourself in shape. Head over to the Math Academy to find these helpful activities.

Test both your physical and mental strength in Alien Wrangler. Jump on the back of a monstrous alien and solve math equations to remain balanced. Work quickly to stabilize against the alien’s forceful bucking and establish control.

Angle Attack is the perfect game to help you acquire the right balance of speed and accuracy. Keep your head on a swivel as hostile aliens attack from all sides and calculate the angle they are approaching to keep them at bay. Be quick since the alien will reduce precious health should they reach you.

Practice your firing abilities from a different perspective in B-Force Blaster. Learn to identify correct answers and boost your reflexes to pick out targets that disappear quickly. Thrusting yourself into B-Force Blaster’s fast-paced action will speed up your problem solving skills as you navigate through clutter to find the correct answers.

Hyperblast is a great way to work on your piloting skills as you travel on a lightning-fast vehicle. Dodge obstacles and collect power-ups in a narrow passageway, defeating robots with your math skills along the way.

Red Alert: it all comes down to this moment. Put all the skills you have learned and mastered to the test as you defend the space station from a barrage of asteroids and space debris. Pick your targets and blow them to bits before they smash into the space station. As more objects come your way, you will draw upon the sharpened reflexes and accuracy you gained from your training to protect the space station. Watch the shield meter and destroy oncoming projectiles to save the day.

Training to be a skilled Blaster takes time and effort but Max wants to help you become the best you can be. Take advantage of these games he has picked out for you to test your math knowledge and other skills like speed and accuracy. Doing so will not only help you rise through the ranks of Math Blaster’s finest, but ensure the galaxy’s safety as well.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Alien Wrangler, Angle Attack, B-Force Blaster, Blaster, HyperBlast, Math Academy, Math Blaster, Max's Top 5 Games, Red Alert | Leave a comment »

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