science
Science Outreach with Teachers, Dinosaurs
The fossils and data collected all help UW scientists investigate the extinction that ended the age of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. DIG teachers aren't just adding to paleontology research - they're a part of it.
Infographic: The Value of a STEM Education
This great infographic from Edutopia highlights the value of educating students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. US students are slipping behind other countries on assessments like PISA in STEM categories while 80% of fast growing occupations will require these skills.
Product Review: Cyber Science 3D
Cyber Science 3D offers a wide variety of 3D and 2.5D (more about that in a minute) manipulable anatomical models. The range of models available is impressive, including chemicals like acetaminophen and adrenalin, cells, mammals, fish, dinosaurs, invertebrates, plants, earth science models like a volcano and a geyser, planets, and mechanical elements like a satellite and a turbine engine.
PLTW Chooses Instructure for Active STEM Learning
After two successful data startups Josh Coates turned his attention to another category with a capabilities gap--learning management systems. I caught up with Josh at SXSWedu earlier this month.
Hacking the Scouts
In the world of DIY, “hacking” is the idea of taking something and modifying it to fit your needs. With the spread of maker culture (think Maker Faire, makerspaces, or the proliferation of knitting clubs), many parents have found benefits beyond the ability to build Arduino-based gadgets. They’ve found a way to engage with their kids in “STEAM” – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math – while at the same time building their kids’ confidence, resourcefulness, and ingenuity.
Closing the STEM Gender Gap in K-12 Education: How Teachers Can Help
It is, unfortunately, no surprise that the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) still exists – from primary school right up through STEM-related careers. Recent reports (call attention, once again, to the statistics: women earn disproportionately fewer STEM undergraduate degrees; women hold nearly 50% of all jobs in the US, but less than 25% of the STEM jobs; women with STEM degrees are more likely to work in education or healthcare than their male counterparts.
Learning By Doing: The Neurology of Math
“Schemas are context-sensitive connections that help us understand,” said Matthew Peterson, Chief Scientist and co-founder of MIND Research Institute at a recent Neuroscience Symposium. “Experiences that build and apply these connections are called learning.”
One Game Fits All?
Is gamification the solution to student engagement? Gamification – the addition of game elements such as points and badges to non-games like ad campaigns, household chores, or public education – would seem to offer schools the perfect blend of engagement, entertainment, and education.
Neuroscience Symposium
MIND Research Institute, the makers of ST Math are hosting a Neuroscience Symposium: The Neural Foundation for Learning Math in Los Angeles, Calif. on Wednesday, February 20th. ST Math is a visual based blended learning math program. Founder Matthew Peterson will lead the events of the day with a hands-on experience for the audience.
In the News: Existence & Immigration
Return on Science. The giant Hadron Collider in Switzerland just paid a big dividend. Scientists are pretty sure they finally found evidence for the Higgs particle (or so-called God particle) which explains why we’re all here. NPR said the announcement “had profound implications for understanding our universe and explains the basic…