March 14 is notable for two things: being the birthday of Albert Einstein, and because it is abbreviated 3.14, it is a day to celebrate Pi, Pie, Math, and strange things about circles. Here is what Einstein thought education was. Do you agree? What is education to you?
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
Oobleck, Slime, and Dr. Seuss
Ok, I do Pinterest (doesn't everyone these days?) and found something fun I just couldn't resist sharing. It all started with Dr. Seuss. His 108th birthday is this week (March 2), so classrooms everywhere are doing many Seussical things to celebrate. In what might be the most awesome combination of chemistry, physics (sound waves), music … Continue reading Oobleck, Slime, and Dr. Seuss
Science through Children’s Literature
Every year in my course for teachers, we have a book fair. Each participant (and yes, everyone participates) has to bring at least one book and describe how that book could be used to teach science at their chosen grade level. There's the easy stuff: the encyclopedias, Eyewitness books, Magic School Bus... but what else? … Continue reading Science through Children’s Literature
Gardening with many kids
Watching seeds grow with small children can be particularly enlightening for them. Some kids just don't get to see the start of life, or understand what that means. Some good things to do are sprout seeds in baggies or grow them so they can be taken home. Scaling up to make this cost effective can … Continue reading Gardening with many kids
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
Tis the Season!
For candy in my kitchen! And its true. My favorite people to cook with are other scientists, its a lucky by-product of graduate school friends. Unfortunately, making candies and baked goods doesn't always translate well in the classroom (except, of course, for homeschoolers) but here's another chance to use something you're going to do anyway … Continue reading Tis the Season!
Science and the ELA Common Core
No, the common core for science has not been approved. Apparently, there is some controversy swirling around the Common Core in English. Many teachers are changing their English and Literature courses by removing some fiction and poetry to make room to teach students to read "informational text" according to this article by Lyndsey Layton at the … Continue reading Science and the ELA Common Core
An Urban Bird Mini-Grant!
I just discovered this one! Cornell Lab sponsors and event called "Celebrate Urban Birds", where communities of people come together to learn about their local birds. If you are interested in hosting an event (perhaps with your classroom or homeschool group?) you are encouraged to apply for a mini-grant of $100-$500! Check it out. How … Continue reading An Urban Bird Mini-Grant!
Better Science Teaching 