There is much to be learned from a night of watching the Games. Geography, history, and international politics are some of the topics outside of sports touched on in every Olympic Games. The Sochi Games have presented a chance to learn a little about science as well, especially when it comes to teaching us how to keep snow from melting.
Race officials have struggled to get enough sodium chloride (salt) to harden the snow on the slopes. Just exactly how does salt (which melts ice) harden snow? See this thread from Reddit from a kid who talks about his mom, a chemist, explaining the way it works.
For those looking for additional educational activities, Edutopia has created a list of STEM activities related to the Games to help kids learn while they cheer.
