Science Literacy article

Please, whoever is out there reading this blog that I never have time to write for anymore, take 10 minutes to read this great article.

A few years ago, I read "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks."  I really responded to the whole experience from the author's point of view.  It was very difficult to imagine what it would have been like for the Lacks's family, then and now.  I assigned the book to my college students who are on a path to biology majors, and I recommended it to my nonmajor students who are just as capable of understanding the relevance of this story.

I love teaching students of all ages.  But I am drawn to the adult population because the lessons I teach them can be immediately passed to other family members around the dinner table.  It can immediately impact their choices and knowledge base as they try to understand their medical histories and futures.  And I love it when a random comment or example in class turns on light bulbs in their heads.

Now, I recognized that this subject is important to me.  Others are just as passionate about history and politics, math literacy, economics, civil responsibilities and law, arts and philosophy, and all the wonderful areas of knowledge that exist.  Good for them.  May I be as willing to be literate in those subjects as I am asking my friends, family, and students to be in science.  It really does all matter.

http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/7810/

Here are a few images from an activity I do in Biology class called Iron Scientist.  The groups are given a topic and a secret ingredient to use as they demonstrate and teach the rest of the class.  For instance, balloons become the frame of a Punnett Square and they teach us a genetics cross.  By far one of my favorite days in class.

Home Schoolers Visit CSI for Science

Yesterday I had fun with a great group of students of all ages.  I was asked to present to some home-schooled kids, and I was so glad they asked me to visit with them for awhile.  Secretly, I wish I could do what some families have made the decision to do...educate their children in a way that best fits their children's needs.  The friends that have sacrificed and fought for their children in this way are such heroes to me.  Anyway, I did my Fun with Fluids show, and made a mess.

We covered cohesion, air pressure, buoyancy, mixtures, density, and change.  My favorites still have to be the bouncing egg, the poppers, the lava lamp, and of course, Oobleck.  I emphasize with each activity that science is not magic, and there are reasons why water especially is the coolest molecule out there.   As kids get older, they are taught higher level concepts, but my goal is explain the foundational science to the youngest among us so they can understand the tougher concepts later. 

I look forward to meeting with them again.  So much to cover!

New to me radio program~ el.e.men'tal Idaho

http://elementalidaho.org/

I have been teaching Environmental Science at CSI for years and did not know about this program.  I will look into it as a possible source of information.  I like the idea that they clearly state they are nonpartisan and their goal is present facts from a variety of viewpoints about the issues facing Idaho.

The rebroadcast on June 6 highlights MOSS, the only outdoor school of its' kind in Idaho.   In May, I finally stopped for a visit in McCall and took a picture at their school.  Someday I hope to take a workshop or take a class of students there.  The people who run that program are awesome!

Back to blogging thanks to NSF!

Thanks to an NSF Workshop at BSU, I am back in the blogosphere.  The workshop dealt with effective communication strategies that scientists need to use so their message is shared with nonscientists.   Our last session tackled blogs.  I have missed sharing all the great STEM events and personal experiences I have had this past year so here I go again.

Today I remembered the cool people involved with Idaho EPSCoR.  I saw a  few friends from Idaho universities.  I met Joan from Idaho PTV D4K.  Most importantly, we had 5 faculty from CSI attend.    It's been a good day.

iSTEM Registration opens on March 1, 2013

Teachers, this is such a great week at CSI!  I have been involved with iSTEM for 4 years, but this year I will not be teaching a strand because of schedule conflicts.  Please look into this free workshop full of free materials and amazing presenters!  The teachers throughout Idaho that I have worked with are truly the kinds of teachers we want to support as parents.  They get it!!

http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/istem/teachers/docs/i-STEM_2013-_Announcement_Letter_-FINAL[1].pdf

Free Upcoming Events at CSI

There are several cool events happening in Twin Falls next week that I want to share!


What is geothermal energy, how does it fit into the renewable energy portfolio, and why are western states so promising in terms of future geothermal energy resources. Former Boise State University professor Walter Snyder will explain these questions and more at the Herrett Forum at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Snyder was a research scientist at Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University and then with Phillips Petroleum before joining the faculty of Boise State University in 1984. He is now retired. His science research has focused on stratigraphy, tectonics, and economic geology, mostly of the western United States but also in Russia, China, and Canada. He has been active nationally and internationally in promoting the development of the geoinformatics community, which includes the National Science Foundation and the Geothermal Data Exchange.

In 1923, Austrian scientist Rudolf Steiner predicted that within 100 years, honeybees would disappear as a result of increased mechanization and industrialization. In recent years, a startling honeybee decline known as colony collapse disorder appears to be giving credence to Steiner’s prediction.

The College of Southern Idaho Sustainability Committee will show the documentary ‘Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us?’at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. The film traces the link between bees and man over the last 10,000 years, revealing bees as a barometer of the health of the earth. While it deals with the dark reality of the honeybee crisis, the film also brings the viewer into the secret wonder of the hive and the good humor of devoted beekeepers. It also documents the efforts of Gunther Hauk, who is creating a 600-acre farm dedicated to helping support the bees.

The Sustainability Council has also invited a local beekeeper from Tubbs Berry Farm to bring and display a hive that film attendees can see up close. Admission is free of charge and the presentation is open to everyone of all ages.