#1: SCIENTIST

 

 

The Scientist is curious and methodical. They bring experimentation into daily life by observing, measuring, and adjusting. The Scientist finds the patterns in life that lead to breakthroughs and positive change. 

And sometimes they make rockets and slime and robots that launch slime rockets. In the name of SCIENCE!

For the next four weeks you are the Scientist. You will observe the world around you, record your findings, and experiment by making adjustments. You can study anything that interests you: weather conditions, traffic patterns, your sleep schedule, which flavor of cat food your cat prefers, what happens if you add cheddar cheese to a chocolate cake -- mad science is not off-limits! 

For the Scientist theme, do two micro-projects, at least one practical adventure, and your key project. Be sure to keep a log or journal of your observations and experiences. 

 "Remember kids, the only difference between screwing around and science is writing it down." - Adam Savage

 

Micro-Project Ideas 

Make a volcano in your kitchen.

Grow crystals at home (salt, sugar, or borax) and track their growth over time.

Daily mini-hypothesis: predict something (traffic, weather, mood) and log the outcome.

Compare different morning routines and note which gives more focus.

*** Here's a good list of kitchen-style science projects: Science!  ***


Practical Adventure Ideas

Visit a planetarium, science museum, or natural history exhibit.

Set up a backyard telescope night or  go stargazing in the countryside.

Try a lab-inspired escape room or puzzle game.

Attend a science lecture (try a local university or TED Talk -- watching online is okay too)

Study a scientific subject online with Coursera, Udemy, EdX, Khan Academy, or something similar

Key Project Idea

Sleep & Energy Study
Over three weeks, perform a real-life experiment to test which bedtime habit most improves sleep and next-day energy (e.g., no screens before bed vs. fixed bedtime). Track your data daily in a lab journal, analyze results, and present your conclusions to a (hopefully) interested party at the end. This project turns your life into a laboratory and leaves you with practical habits to keep.

*** Any similar lifestyle experiment is encouraged -- Is only fruit for breakfast better than other foods for your maintaining focus at work? Does no caffeine after lunch lead to better sleep quality? Which is better for your daily mood -- exercising in the morning or the evening? You're the scientist and your life is the laboratory, make it fit for you. ***


Reading Recommendations

The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean

A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes by Stephen Hawking

Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard Feynman

How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler by Ryan North (this is a personal favorite)

Cosmos by Carl Sagan