One topic engineers often work with now is renewable energy. Look at some of the types of renewable energy available and how engineers work to harness that energy for people to use. Some online resources about different types of energy: A simple information and worksheet page about different forms of… Continue reading
What is an earthquake? An earthquake is movement of the earth that causes shaking and rolling of the earth. This is generally the result of movement of the tectonic plates of the earth, though some recent quakes where I live have, some say, been caused by unsafe methods of… Continue reading
All of the things we make are made from materials of one kind or another. Sometimes they’re made from raw materials, and sometimes we have to make the materials first before we can make objects from them. The science of materials at its simplest is suitable for preschool classes,… Continue reading
Engineering for k-12? It’s not that wild an idea, especially with math and engineering magnet schools springing up around the country. Engineers are problem solvers who use math, science, and creativity to make things work better. These are skills we’ll all find useful in the 21st century. As it happens,… Continue reading
Learn about Greek mythology and the earth science explanation of the seasons by studying the story of Persephone, the goddess of spring. In Greek mythology, Demeter was the goddess of the harvest. She had a daughter, Persephone, whom she loved dearly. As Persephone grew up, she became so lovely that… Continue reading
St. Patrick’s Day is an extremely popular holiday in the United States, in part because such a large number of Irish people immigrated to the U.S. More than 45 million Americans can claim Irish heritage, making this group the second largest in the nation. And yet the chances are good… Continue reading
Jump!, by Scott M. Fischer, is fun any time of year, but we see it as a great choice for the beginning of school, when we all have to get used to getting up and getting going again. The book shows one creature after another sleeping or going about its… Continue reading
“18 Wheels on a Big Rig” was produced with permission from Trout Fishing in America and composer Heywood Banks, and you have our permission to use this in your classroom, too. Animation by Sean Sallings of Silver Fox Design Group. Continue reading
March 31st is the birthday of Robert Wilhelm Eberhard von Bunsen, so it’s also Bunsen Burner Day. Bunsen was a modest, sensible man who did plenty of important scientific work in addition to inventing the Bunsen Burner. The big deal about the Bunsen Burner is that it mixes the fuel gas… Continue reading
Pi Day is 3/14, and I’m sure you’re planning to celebrate it in your classroom. I’ve got a collection of links for you, all of which can be used spontaneously, without prep, in some little snippet of time left over during the day. Then, when you’re home with the family,… Continue reading
