Time to Register for iSTEM!!

Follow the link to read the announcement for the Summer Institute.  Registration opens March 1 and you need to sign up this week.  The website also has the strand descriptions, which are the classes you can sign up to take.  You stay in the same class all week.

http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/istem/teachers/docs/letters/2012%20i-STEM%20Announcement%20Letter.pdf

Leap Year Science and Math

I happen to love Leap Day, and my family opens a time capsule and adds new items every 4 years to commemorate the occasion.  I wanted to post a description of the purpose of leap day, and this post from the Science Museum of Virginia hit the mark.  Enjoy your extra day tomorrow!

http://sciencemuseumofvirginia.blogspot.com/2012/02/question-your-world-leap-day-science.html

Why Science Matters Lecture in SLC

This looks like a great lecture hosted by the Natural History Museum of Utah on the U of U campus in SLC.  Sounds like a good way to spend Leap Day!
http://nhmu.utah.edu/events/why-science-matters

IdEEA Conference next weekend in Boise

I have just confirmed my plans to attend the Idaho Environmental Educators Assoc Conference in Boise.  The theme is "Natural Partners: Environmental Education and Green STEM" and the workshops, field trips, and other activities look great!  I am very excited to here from state leaders in EE and STEM programs.  It is not too late to sign up, although the fees have risen.  Teachers can also pay for 2 PD credits as well.
http://www.idahoee.org/conferenceagenda.htm

Google Celebrates Physics today with Google Doodle

I am enjoying the creative google doodles that come up from time to time.  Today, Google is using the wavelength to celebrate the birthday of German physicist, Heinrich Hertz. 

http://techland.time.com/2012/02/22/whats-the-frequency-heinrich-google-doodle-celebrates-father-of-hertz/

Predators Episode on Idaho PTV...Dialogue for Kids

Tomorrow is another great episode on Idaho Public Television.  Check out Joan's blog for more information.

http://idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/season13/predators/

The Science of Valentine's Day

This is a week late, but I wanted to post just the same so you have these ideas.  I am a poor man's Steve Spangler, since he sells products and workshops for hundreds of dollars a pop.  But I do love his blog because he shares experiments...hoping you will go to his website to buy the materials.  Many of his experiments can be replicated with household materials, and that's what I do.

Last week, I helped with my 1st grader's Valentine's Party.  Of course, I did a science station.  Of course, I colored carnations for the kids.  And I do have some of these hand boilers...and I will buy the friction pens as soon as I find some.  I will have to make a call for liquid nitrogen!  :)  So thanks Steve...you really are bringing science to the masses.  Someday I hope to be able to afford one of your workshops!  The cruise one sounds fun!

The Science of Valentine’s Day – Love Potions, Love Meters and Hidden Messages