Idaho Astronomy in March

I realize the month is about over, but Venus has been so bright in the western sky that I wanted to give you some context.  This video from JPL (Jet Propulsion Lab) is a great review of our night sky, and it covers a special moment scheduled for TONIGHT right after sunset.    Fast forward to 1:54 in the short video clip for a preview of March 28. 

https://youtu.be/wf5ZE15ocCo

Science Literacy and Life Hacks for School at Home

Years ago I received great advice from a teacher.  Since I have less time to read large volumes of biographies, histories, and other non-fiction sources, she reminded me to check the teen section at the local library.   Countless books exist for young readers that distill stories into shorter and easier to read excerpts.  Since taking her advice, I have gathered more copies of these books so that I can read them in one sitting when I need a break.  As much as I appreciate the broad access to ebooks, I love to grab a book from the physical bookshelf and learn something new.  Check your collections and read for at least 15 minutes!  Your brain will thank you!
 

All this talk about Vaccines!

When I returned to the college Biology classroom about 12 years ago, I went searching for reliable and thorough online teaching resources.  I found Goldie's Room!  Mr. Goldberg is a high school teacher based in New York and his website was and still is AWESOME.   So when I realized last week that my own kids have probably not heard all the stories about the heroes that discovered how to combat infectious diseases by developing vaccines, I knew Goldie's Room would have some great resources.  I have been using his Video Archives for years, especially because it's a great collection of Bill Nye videos.

So check out his class notes and lecture sets and videos...I  recommend them to any student in advanced life science classes.

If you scroll down to the video titled Vaccinations, Bill Nye will explain the work of Edward Jenners in the late 1700s when he discovered an effective therapy for Smallpox.  Vaccines save lives, and I am grateful for the countless researchers who are working around the clock to find solutions to the COVID 19 Coronavirus.

http://www.goldiesroom.org/

And if you want to watch all the Greatest Discoveries episodes, they are available on YouTube and divided by scientific categories.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpZlbSosECWWChD7sK-BkIGLfUfRnqcsI

Exploring City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park virtually with the Junior Ranger Program

Last month, I visited Castle Rocks State Park near my home and went for a snowshoeing adventure.  I met Kate, a new Ranger in charge of Visitor services, including educational programs.  She has invited kids K-6 to watch a series of YouTube videos that will help them participate in the Junior Ranger program.  For years, we did that program with our kids during our regular visits to Yellowstone National Park, and I am excited to support our local National Reserve and State Park again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhQKe_AhXL4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2pRnLxEKN-hOLAMWh8p_BOFaUQ_tvCymOUja8_jhFTJXx15izkBu0wb34

"Junior Rangers! Join City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park Rangers over the next few weeks as we virtually explore the natural and historic resources of the parks. Each week we will be exploring different subjects and doing activities that you can follow along with at home.

Like us and subscribe on YouTube to make sure you don't miss any of our videos. Questions, comments, and suggestions for future videos can be posted to Facebook or YouTube."

Kool Aid Play Dough and Squishy Circuits

When my kids were little, I was taught by amazing friends how to make cool things in the kitchen.  Frankly, that has continued for 20 years.  But one of my favorite recipes was Kool Aid playdough.  We would make huge batches in a variety of colors/flavors, then play an adapted game of Pictionary using the clay to make the words.   You can find recipes online, so I am including my original recipe card because it brings me joy!

Now I make different clay recipes for science/circuitry activities because of Squishy Circuits.  I have posted about that resource before, and the tools and products are way more extensive now, but the fundamental ideas are the same.  Kids can learn about currents and energy using homemade playdough.   Check out their website!   This science activity is a hit with all ages!

"Good energy is contagious"

https://squishycircuits.com/

STEM @ Home with Idaho STEM Action Center

You may not be aware of how much good the Idaho STEM Action Center does for teachers and students in our state.  They offer grants, training, and partnerships in all things STEM.  They took over iSTEM workshops, and each summer hundreds of teachers receive amazing training with experts at 6 different college sites.

They have added the STEM @ Home section to their resources page.  Check out free activities that are meant for home-based exploration.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”

Rachel Carson

https://resources.stem.idaho.gov/

Loving all the Science sharing out there!

Welcome back to the Science of My Life!  It's been too long, and it took a global pandemic to bring me back to one of my favorite hobbies.  Hopefully, my daily posts will help spread good news, amazing resources, and fun examples of science learning during this global crisis. 

For the past few weeks, I have been sharing basic handwashing protocol with classes using Glo Germ and my handy dandy black light.  So I am sharing this informative video as my first post.  Stay aware, seek credible information, and spread knowledge not fear! 

"Creativity is contagious.  Pass it on."  Albert Einstein

https://youtu.be/I5-dI74zxPg