Video and audio
How to watch nature
Slow down and watch carefully, and you’ll be amazed at the things you see in nature. This week, science instructor Robert Krampf talks about ways to practice your observational skills while watching wildlife.
Why does it float?
Why does a cork float and a penny sink? This week, science instructor Robert Krampf plays with a density column to demonstrate the science of density and explain why things float.
He saved his friends from the oncoming car!
As Trevor Robinson, 18, and four friends were walking across the parking lot of their school in Carmichael, Calif., a car traveling almost 30 miles an hour rounded a corner and headed straight for them. Listen as Trevor and others describe how he saved his friends’ lives in a true story of Scouts in Action.
Why things go bang
Why do fireworks make so much noise? Why does a balloon pop? This week, science instructor Robert Krampf explains the science of loud noises.
Lifting ice with a string
Can you lift an ice cube out of a bowl of water with a piece of string? Of course you can! This week, science instructor Robert Krampf shows you how to do a cool trick that will amaze your friends.
How light is air?
How light is the air in your room? Probably heavier than you think. This week, science instructor Robert Krampf demonstrates an easy way to calculate the weight of the air in your room.
Measuring lightning
Many people know that you can use thunder to tell how far away the lightning is, but they often get confused as to how to do it. This week, science instructor Robert Krampf reveals the secret of measuring lightning.
Trick your nose with selective smelling
You’ve seen optical illusions, but have you ever tried a “nose illusion?” This week, science instructor Robert Krampf demonstrates the concept of selective smelling.
He saved the boy from drowning!
Alex Lambert and David “Junior” Tyree, both 12, and John Buchanan, 13, were swimming. As John began to tire, he panicked and jumped onto Junior’s back. Both boys started to go under. Listen as Alex and his mom describe the rescue in a true story of Scouts in Action.
Noisy string
Ever wondered how a loudspeaker works? This week, science instructor Robert Krampf shows you how to amplify strange sounds using string and a plastic cup.
Hanging a hammer
Can you hang a hammer from the edge of a table using just a ruler and some string? This week, science instructor Robert Krampf shows you a fun way to use physics to impress your friends.
Planets and pennies
How much would 100 pennies weigh on Jupiter? This week, science instructor Robert Krampf shows you a fun way to see how the pull of gravity varies on the planets in our Solar System.
Measuring your head in feet
Did you know your foot is the same size as your head? This week, science instructor Robert Krampf shows you how measuring your foot can give Forensic Osteologists information about other parts of your body.
He saved the man from icy waters!
Jake Silfies and Matt Mikosky, both 12, were hiking during a winter camping trip on Lake Stillwater, Pa., when Matt’s dad fell through the ice. Listen as they describe the rescue in a true story of Scouts in Action.
Same bottle, different sounds
In last week’s experiment, science instructor Robert Krampf showed how bottles filled with different levels of water made different sounds when you tapped on them. Then he asked how those tones would change if you blew across the tops of those same bottles. This week, he provides the answer and explains why the water level affects the sound.
He saved his family from Hurricane Katrina
Jimmy Kennedy, 13, woke his family as Hurricane Katrina struck his home in D’Iberville, Miss., in the early morning hours. The electricity was out, and floodwaters were surging into the house. Listen as Jimmy and his mother describe what he did to save his family in a true story of Scouts in Action.
Behind-the-scenes chat with Freddie Highmore
BL last spoke with Freddie Highmore in 2005 about his starring role in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” In his latest role, he plays twins, Jared and Simon, in “The Spiderwick Chronicles” (rated PG). BL’s Paula Murphey caught up with Freddie for a behind-the-scenes chat.
Excitement at the Pinewood derby
Watch as members of Pack 10 in Cornelius, N.C., prepare and race their cars in a Pinewood derby.
He saved everyone on the bus!
As John Crandall and other students were riding the bus home from school, a large tree fell off the back of a truck ahead of them. The bus swerved and rolled over. Listen as John describes what he did to get everyone off the bus in a true story of Scouts in Action.
Buzz Aldrin talks about being on the moon
On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first men to walk on the moon. Listen as Aldrin talks about some of his experiences on the moon.
He saved his mom after the SUV crash!
Travis Mason, 18, and his mother, Kym Mason, were driving during a rainstorm. Their SUV went off the slippery road and rolled to the bottom of a ravine, throwing Mrs. Mason from the vehicle. Listen as Travis describes what he did to treat his mother in a true story of Scouts in Action.
Pee Wee Harris Looks at Safety
Pee Wee Harris invents a safety suit that will protect him from all sorts of harm.
He saved his dad from the rapids!
When Brian Butterfield’s raft overturned, his dad’s foot got trapped between a rock and a tree in the middle of a raging river. Listen as Brian and his dad describe the dramatic rescue.
Behind-the-scenes at the Dream Cars photo shoot
Watch as the Lamborghini Murcielago backs into position at a Boys’ Life photo shoot in Irving, Texas.
Catching air with Adam Craig
World-class mountain biker Adam Craig catches some air at a Boys’ Life photo shoot in Southern California.
He took control of the truck!
John Guyton was riding in the passenger seat of a truck when the driver suffered a seizure. Somehow, he needed to stop the truck and help his friend in the middle of rush hour traffic. Listen as John describes the rescue in a true story of Scouts in Action.
Fishing tips and secrets
In the first of a series of fishing videos, FLW Pro Angler Clark Wendlandt discusses some basic tips to help you start catching fish.
Opening ceremony video
Watch video from the opening ceremonies of the World Jamboree in England.
Mission to Mars
NASA’s next Mars lander, called Phoenix, is scheduled to launch in early August. Learn more about the mission by watching this video.
In a Galaxy not so far away …
Anthony Daniels, who played C-3PO in “Star Wars,” talks to BL about “Star Wars,” science and Scouting. Listen to the audio interview.