Kids LOVE Paleontology! This isn't my writing (I found it someplace online), but in 3rd grade I wrote to my teacher, Mrs. Greene, that when I grew up I wanted to be a paleontologist and study fossils in Utah. I did grow up to earn a PhD in paleontology, and did study some fossils in … Continue reading What is up with K-12 Paleontology Education?
Informal Education
To Mr. Nye
Dear Mr. Nye, I read with excitement that you would be debating Ken Ham on evolution and Biblical Creationism. I think the first word I used to describe it was "epic". Feb. 4, 2014 in Petersburg, KY “Is creation a viable model of origins?” Creation Museum Founder and AiG President/CEOKen Ham will debate Bill Nye at the Creation … Continue reading To Mr. Nye
Nature Study for Young Learners
The NSTA position statement on science learning for elementary students states that learning is best if its hands on, inquiry based, and thematic. Nature studies are one way to meet these requirements for young learners. Nature studies can, of course, be formal. But they don't have to be. Right now here in the Midwest, it … Continue reading Nature Study for Young Learners
The Comet C/2011 L4 Pan-Starrs
2013 stands to be one of the best years for comet viewing. First up: C/2011 L4 Pan-Starrs. This comet has already been visible in the southern hemisphere (comment if you've seen it!), and is expected to TODAY (March 8) be more easily visible to us in the Northern Hemisphere. My husband has our telescope and binoculars … Continue reading The Comet C/2011 L4 Pan-Starrs
Spring is coming…
How do I know? My Burpee catalog has arrived! I get several every spring, including White Flower Farm and van Bourgondien. Planning, planting and caring for a garden can be such a special activity to share with children. I try not to worry too much when we are outside. Just running around, I'm always worried that … Continue reading Spring is coming…
Snowflakes
Beautiful, calming and serene... who wants a white Christmas? In our home, we have a thing for symmetry. And lets face it, snowflakes are full of it. Check out these images from Cal Tech. In what ways are these snowflakes the same? They have a 6-part symmetry (like other minerals in the hexagonal crystal system), … Continue reading Snowflakes
For the Birds
Its that time of year again. The time of the year when everyone wants to start feeding birds. Maybe its the chilling frosty cold outside, or the bird-themed snowy holiday cards. Personally, I love bird feeders. They were always outside the biggest window of my childhood home, and in college I logged dozens of hours … Continue reading For the Birds
Better Science Teaching 