For science project help and ideas

http://sciencebuddies.org/

Zoologger: My brain's so big it spills into my legs - life - 14 December 2011 - New Scientist

Zoologger: My brain's so big it spills into my legs - life - 14 December 2011 - New Scientist

If you like astronomy........

................check out this selection of some of the year's best pictures.

One big animal family | Science News for Kids

One big animal family | Science News for Kids

11-year-old girl’s molecular creation is an inspiration - KansasCity.com

11-year-old girl’s molecular creation is an inspiration - KansasCity.com

WOW!!!!!!

Hat's off to Sophia Porter, Gabrielle Sonnenschein, and Ezra Smith for this fantastic SMA of the electron transport chain.

Showing how it's done!

Should we?

What would it take to resurrect a mammoth?

cool stuff

Inside the geeky, revolutionary world of “Minecraft”

Inside the geeky, revolutionary world of “Minecraft”

Here you go, nerds!

Chemistry and physics at work......

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/06/science/silicons-possible-successors-include-carbon-nanotubes.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimesscience&seid=auto

Ultimate guide to the multiverse - physics-math - 28 November 2011 - New Scientist

Ultimate guide to the multiverse - physics-math - 28 November 2011 - New Scientist

Two of my favorites.........

Amphibians facing 'terrifying' rate of extinction

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/16/amphibians-terrifying-extinction-threat?mobile-redirect=false

Battling Bad Science

Is life on Earth due to a quirk in the laws of physics?

http://theconversation.edu.au/is-life-on-earth-due-to-a-quirk-in-the-laws-of-physics-4153

An Interactive Periodic Table

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=chemistry-the-elements-revealed-interactive-periodic-table

CultureLab: Ready for your Mars close up? The probes that took us

CultureLab: Ready for your Mars close up? The probes that took us

New Scientist TV: Friday Illusion: Pattern causes temporary blindness

New Scientist TV: Friday Illusion: Pattern causes temporary blindness

All classes: follow the link in the article and try one of the online demonstrations designed by the study's author. Email me which you tried and what you thought about it for 5 pts extra homework credit.

due 11/7

Short Sharp Science: Space station may be site for next mock Mars mission

Short Sharp Science: Space station may be site for next mock Mars mission

Could you imagine spending 520 days couped up with only 5 of your friends?!!

Fruit fly intestine may hold secret to fountain of youth: Long-lived fruit flies offer clues to slowing human aging and fighting disease

Fruit fly intestine may hold secret to fountain of youth: Long-lived fruit flies offer clues to slowing human aging and fighting disease

9th graders: email me a paragraph describing the possible relationship between mitochondria and the slowing of human aging to receive 5 pts extra credit on your last exam.

due by class on 11/7

Waste Not, Want Not: Translatin​g What We Learn About Living On Space Station For Life On Earth

Reduce, re-use, recycle taken to the extreme!

Name that pasta - Embedded code - New Scientist

Name that pasta - Embedded code - New Scientist

Fun for nerds!

Who are these two men?

The first one to post the correct answer gets 5 pts extra homework credit. Chag Semeach!

Wild Horses and Hard Choices

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/11/wild-horses-and-hard-choices/#more-117417

Heretical crystal takes Nobel glory - physics-math - 05 October 2011 - New Scientist

Heretical crystal takes Nobel glory - physics-math - 05 October 2011 - New Scientist

"Even our greatest scientists are not immune to getting stuck in convention. Keeping an open mind and daring to question established knowledge may in fact be a scientist's most important character trait."

Vera Rubin and Dark Matter

This past weekend, three astrophysicists were awarded the Nobel prize in physics for their discovery that the universe is accelerating (as opposed to decelerating as had been predictied by big bang theory). Their work builds on that of Vera Rubin, an observant Jew who help discover dark matter.

Bug sucks up worm's guts....

YUMMY!

9th and 7th graders:

Read this article and email to me the answer to one of the following questions for 5 points extra exam credit.

1. Altruism can be defined as: behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its kind, as a warning cry that reveals the location of the caller to a predator. Describe how some slime molds exhibit what may be interpreted as altruism.
2. Imagine you were in charge of planning a high speed train system that links New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Miami, and San Francisco with Kansas City. How could you use slime molds to help you find the most effective placement of tracks.

You must follow instructions and give a plausable answer that demonstrates you have read and understood the article in order to receive credit. Due by 10/7/11.

Back by popular demand!!!!

Mars Surprise! --Atmosphere is Supersaturated with Water Vapor

Mars Surprise! --Atmosphere is Supersaturated with Water Vapor

9th and 10th graders: email me a paragraph summarizing the importance of inferences in the scientific study of Martian water vapor as detailed in the article.

5 pts extra homework credit. Due by 10/7/11

Cosmic filaments

http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2011/09/vast-cosmic-filaments-discovered-that-link-the-universe.html

For 5 pts extra homework credit, email me a paragraph explaining what cosmic filaments are and why physicists believe they exist.

Open to all students. Due by 10/7/11.

Which is your favorite?

http://curiosity.discovery.com/topic/applications-of-quantum-mechanics/10-real-world-applications-of-quantum-mechanics.htm

Post the application of quantum mechanics that most interests you and a sentence explaining why for one point extra credit on your last exam.

Open to all students. Due by 10/5/11

Explain this joke....

and asks the bartender, "how much for a drink?" A neutrino walks into a bar

Email me an explanation for 5 pts extra credit on your next exam. Open to all classes. Due 10/3.

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/basic-space/2011/09/23/faster-than-light-neutrinos-show-science-in-action/

Is the universe expanding asymmetrically? | COSMOS magazine

Is the universe expanding asymmetrically? COSMOS magazine

6th, 8th, and 10th grades ONLY:

For 10 pts extra homework credit, email me a paragraph explaining to me how this might effect the laws of physics as we know them. Due by Monday, 10/3

Need some artificial blood vessels?

Just print them out on your handy 3d printer! Amazing!

Do you have allergies?

Phylogenetic trees can help explain relationships between things to which you are allergic!

What if the moon didn't exist?

Sixth graders
Read this article and email me a paragraph detailing what the author thinks the earth would be like with no moon for 5 points extra credit towards your homework. Due by class on Friday, Sept. 23.

Scientists take first step towards creating 'inorganic life'

Scientists take first step towards creating 'inorganic life'

Would inorganic life still be living? Leave a comment telling me what you think and be prepared to defend your answer!

'Synthetic' chromosome permits rapid, on-demand 'evolution' of yeast; Artificial system has built-in diversity generator

'Synthetic' chromosome permits rapid, on-demand 'evolution' of yeast; Artificial system has built-in diversity generator

7th graders! Five extra credit homework points for any of you who can email me a paragraph describing what this article has to do with Thursday's lecture. Due by class on Monday.

Chemistry....

Remember this? For 5 points extra credit on your last exam, email a detailed paragraph explaining what I did and how it relates to the information in 3.2.

Due by class on Thursday.

Eighth graders....

Reading this article reminded me of something we learned about in chapter one.  Any ideas?

First correct receives 10 homework extra credit points!

For anatomy...

From a fascinating discussion on the ethical considerations of transhumanism:

"Transhumanism as a philosophy argues we can become better than human through technology. Unguided, natural evolution has done all it could hope to do. Transhumanists believe that from here on out, humans should take up the reins and craft the evolution of our species using nanotech, genetics, pharmaceuticals, and augmentations to go above and beyond our biology."


.....issues that will be at the forefront of your generation's struggle to integrate and understand science, technology and society.

Greatest bar/bat mitzvah present...

.....ever!!!

7th graders!

Autotrophic extremophiles are in the news!

Anatomy Extra Credit

Email me a detailed description of how the study of anatomy is used in this research to help scientists better understand human evolution.

Due by 9/14/11

NASA Launches Mission to Study Moon From Crust to Core

NASA Launches Mission to Study Moon From Crust to Core

Even though the shuttles are shuttered, scientific work proceeds.

Extra Credit Opportunity

For 7th, 8th, and 9th grades:

Post as a comment 3 detailed paragraphs that explain:

1. what was being researched
2. how the research was conducted
3. what the research means - the "big picture"

Due by 9/16/11

Kansan dies after being infected by brain-eating amoeba - KansasCity.com

Kansan dies after being infected by brain-eating amoeba - KansasCity.com

Just FYI!!!

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

From a flat mirror, designer light: Bizarre optical phenomena defies laws of reflection and refraction

From a flat mirror, designer light: Bizarre optical phenomena defies laws of reflection and refraction

Eighth graders: post a three paragraph response to this article using the 3R format for 10 points extra credit on today's exam score. Due by Wednesday, Sept. 7.

Chemistry Extra Credit - 10th graders only!

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/333924/title/Fighting_flames_with_greener_materials

Please post detailed summary of and response to this article by Tuesday, September 6th for 10 pts extra credit towards your UP score.

Meat without slaughter: '6 months' to bio-sausages - science-in-society - 31 August 2011 - New Scientist

Meat without slaughter: '6 months' to bio-sausages - science-in-society - 31 August 2011 - New Scientist

*food* for thought....

5 PTS EXTRA CREDIT FOR A THOUGHTFULL RESPONSE THE ARTICLE FROM ANY 7TH OR 9TH GRADER.

For 6th grade only!

Email me one paragraph that

1. defines alloy
2. describes what metals make up steel
3. lists the benefits of using steel in construction

Due by Monday 8/29.

Welcome to 2011/2012!

In an effort to further enhance the Academy science departments use of technology, this blog is now be found at our department website.

I will continue to use this blog as a way to recommend pertinent science news stories and to give extra credit assignments.  As an intro, 5 pts extra credit to any student who posts a comment to this post.

THIS OPPORTUNITY NOW OVER (9/1/11). PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT ONE!

Watch baby hawks hatching on this live webcam!!!

Watch live streaming video from nytnestcam at livestream.com

Environmental Science Lesson Plan for 5/9 and 5/11

For the rest of the year, you will be helping me design and create a website for the HBHA Science Department. This website is intended to be be updated and used daily by students and their parents next year.  Each MS science class will have its own page on the site.  These classes are:  6th grade science, 7th grade science, 8th grade science.  The pages for each should be unique, creative, and tailored to the age group who will be the primary consumers of information on that page.


Here are some examples of other school sci. dept. sites. On many of them, you'll have to click on the website links for the individual teachers.  I'll let you decide how good they are!


http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/mjvl/default.htm
http://pioneer2.aaps.k12.mi.us/dept/sci/
http://lohisci.com/
http://schools.shorelineschools.org/shorecrest/science/
http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/mauldinh/science/science.asp?DEPARTMENT=Science


Hopefully, these will give you an idea of what to include one the page you will be designing.  Here are some other web design tips.


You should also check out this intro to Google sites and this tutorial.


You can find more advanced tutorials here.  Theres even a Google site devoted to teaching Google sites!


Your assignment while I'm gone is research the links above and design a webpage.  You will be working in the following pairs:


Aaron/Matthew - 6th grade (Human Health and Biology, Astronomy)
Rachel/Chandra - 7th grade (Unity and Diversity of Life, Env. Sci, Geology, Meteorology)
Shayna/Molly - 8th grade (Chemistry, Motion and Forces, Sound and Light, Electricity and Magnetism)
Jacob's job is to design the homepage and to ensure that the site is coherent and professional.


This is a graded project.  Your page must include the following sections

• class news 
• homework
• class description 
• You must have a finished and polished webpage by Friday, May13.

What is Jello?!?!?!?

How shall we classify jello?  Solid or Liquid?  Post your opinion and support it scientifically for 5 pts extra credit.

2011 Tornadoes: Is Climate Change To Blame For The Devastating Weather?

"Climate change? No,” said Howard Bluestein, professor of meteorology at University of Oklahoma. "This is something that happens every 10 or 20 years when everything comes together like this. This is just natural variability."

Geologists solve mystery of the Colorado Plateau

Geologists solve mystery of the Colorado Plateau

Just in time for our trip!

Optical Illusions

http://games.yahoo.com/braingames/brain-teasers

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY

Crystal 'eyes' let simple mollusks called chitons see predators

Open to 6th and 8th grade only. Read the article and write in the comments sections how it applies or relates to what we have been studying in class. Due by 4/16.

Very cool article about the physics of pitching.

Trackman charts rpms, spin rate on pitchers like David Robertson - Tom Verducci - SI.com

It's that time of the year!

Chapter 4 Section 5

Optical Instruments on Prezi

Optical Fibers on Prezi

Cool Bald Eagle cam

Visit the site to view archived video of an egg hatching!

  
Free video chat by Ustream                      

EXTRA CREDIT *Personality Test*

Seventh graders please go here and take the test.  Then post your name and personality type in the comments section below.  Worth 5 pts extra credit on the Chapter 4 Exam.

Optical transistor advance: Physicists rotate beams of light with semiconductor

Optical transistor advance: Physicists rotate beams of light with semiconductor

For 5 points extra credit (8th grade): summarize and respond to this article. Also, here's what we've coved in Ch. 4 so far.

Measurements of winter Arctic sea ice shows continuing ice loss, study finds

Measurements of winter Arctic sea ice shows continuing ice loss, study finds

Email me a short summary of the article and your response to it and receive 5 extra credit points on your next exam.

Environmental Science Project

This project is due 4/4/2011.  Please remember that book report digital rough drafts are due on Friday, 4/1/11 (no joke!)


Where are the best renewable and non-renewable energy resources in the US? In the World? 


• Create a map showing the locations of the three best energy resources in our region. The map can be on the scale of county, state, country, continent or world. (Molly and Shayna)

• Create a series of maps showing the distribution of several energy 
resources in our region, with one energy resource depicted in each map. (Rachel and Shandra)


• If you could power an entire region (for instance, the state of Kansas) solely on renewable energy, how would you distribute wind farms, geothermal plants, hydroelectric power, biomass and solar utilities across the region? Create a map showing your plan. (Jacob, Aaron and Matthew).


Resources: 
1. http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/ 
2. http://www.eia.doe.gov/ 
3. http://serc.carleton.edu/research_education/usingdata/index.html 
4. http://www.wattsun.com/resources.html 
5. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt 
6. http://www.ussdams.org/ 
7. http://energy.er.usgs.gov/products/databases/USCoal/index.htm 
8. http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/em/index.html 
9.  Biomass Resource Information Clearinghouse (see www.nrel.gov) 


Hint: Use information about US Agriculture production to map the location of the best biomass resources. 

Plant ID sites

http://plants.usda.gov/java/
http://npdc.usda.gov/technical/plantid_wetland_mono.html
http://www.grownative.org/help/plantid.asp
http://www.kswildflower.org/
http://ed.fnal.gov/help/prairie/Prairie_Res/forbskey.html

More tsunami news

As tsunami cleanup continues, the worry has now turned to possible failure of the Fukushima nuclear energy facility.  Here is why health risks are minimal. This article explains why nuclear fears may be overstated, especially when compared to the risks of oil-based energy that we all take for granted. 


Here is a primer on how nuclear energy is created.

Lots going on in Japan

First, I threw together this short primer on plate tectonic in the area.

Arctic blooms occurring earlier: Phytoplankton peak arising 50 days early, with unknown impacts on marine food chain and carbon cycling

Arctic blooms occurring earlier: Phytoplankton peak arising 50 days early, with unknown impacts on marine food chain and carbon cycling

No global warming here! Move along, nothing to see!

E.O. Wilson Reading Assignment

Here it is.

7th Grade Biome Diorama Project - DUE FRIDAY, 2/18

Biome Diorama

Objective

You will be assigned a biome to research.  After researching your biome you will construct a diorama that accurately represents it.  You will then present your diorama to class.

A diorama is essentially a miniature world in a box.  For instructions and recommendations on how to build a diorama click here.

Rules

Your diorama must be an accurate model of abiotic and biotic factors in your biome and must include the following:

·         At least 3 animal species  uniquely adapted to live in the biome

·         At least 3 plant species uniquely adapted to live in the biome

·         Background neatly depicted on at least 3 sides of the box

·         At least two geographical features represented

·         A neat, professional written (typed) description of the following

§  what the seasons are like and how long they last

§  the 3 animal species shown in your diorama

§  adaptations to life in your biome

§  average temperature

§  average yearly rainfall

§  approximate longitude and latitude of your biome

§  type of soil that can be found in your biome

§  what life is like in your biome

§  unique conditions in your biome such as, permafrost, length of night and day, any other aspect of your biome that is interesting to you

Due Date

Your diorama and presentation are due Friday, February 18.  No late projects will be accepted!  Please remember neatness and professionalism count!  Spelling and grammar mistakes will be marked down.

Poster presentation

Here is the presentation for science fair poster examples.