The Art of Scientific Illustration
Scientific illustration is more than just cool artwork. It conveys technical details about research that other tools cannot.
Read MoreTag: science education
Earth School: Take a Nature Quest
Over 1.5 billion children can’t go to school right now. An online program from TED Education, The United Nations Environmental Programme, and other hopes to help by offering dozens of science “quests.”
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Why do people mistrust science?
To most of us, uncertainty means not knowing. To scientists, uncertainty expresses how well something is known—and research reduces uncertainty.
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Virtual Dissection: AnimaLEARNing from Home
Can you teach life science without animals? Yes, with VR, simulated bodies, and other cool tech. Here is a list of free and affordable resources to teach anatomy without taking the lives of animals, provided by our friends at AnimaLEARN.
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7 Scientific Urban Legends Debunked
How reliable is common knowledge? If a large number of people believe something, that doesn’t make it true. Dr. Joe Hanson of the It’s OK to Be Smart series from PBS Digital Studios debunks seven scientific urban legends. He also makes a compelling argument for why we desperately need open-access science information and effective communication. Sometimes common knowledge is wrong. For common knowledge to be right, then knowledge needs to be, well, common. It sounds like such an incredible fact. “Our own cells are outnumbered by our microbes 10 to…
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Book Review: World Without Fish
By Patricia Balbon Day-to-day encounters of fish—at the grocery store, visiting an aquarium—passively reinforce a notion of triviality about aquatic life until we are prompted to take a pause and spare a thought for a breathtaking world beyond the shore. This month’s selection in our ongoing book review series, World Without Fish, prompts such reflection; however, as the pages turn, we witness the marine world’s vulnerability alongside its majesty. Through Mark Kurlansky’s words and Frank Stockton’s art, we are challenged by the crisis of disappearing biodiversity in our oceans. This…
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Cyberchase Makes Math and Science Exciting, Fun, and Relevant to Kids
By Bob Krech Based on my many years of teaching elementary math and science, I know that when kids are bored with math and science, it’s usually because they don’t see the point of how these subjects could be useful or interesting in the context of their real lives. Kids want to apply their math and science skills to make things happen! One great way to help them do this and see the value of these subjects is to introduce the idea of citizen science. Citizen science creates connections for…
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Track the Mosquitos with Mosquito Mapper
You can use this mosquito mapper tool to track when mosquitos are breeding in your area. Spring is a great time to start!
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Citizen Science: Public Participation in Environmental Research
Citizen Science: Public Participation in Environmental Research is a foundational text for researchers, educators, and volunteers. Dickinson, Janis L. & Bonney, Rick. (eds). Citizen Science: Public Participation in Environmental Research. Cornell University Press, 2012. 279 pages. Though it was published in 2012, Citizen Science: Public Participation in Environmental Research continues to be relevant. As discussions of environmental research increase in frequency and urgency, institutions at all levels will continue to raise questions about the public’s scientific literacy and the best methods of mobilizing scientific knowledge. This text works through these…
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Interactive, Educational Theater with Jargie the Science Girl
By Shayna Keyles (@shaynakeyles) Since Jocelyn Argueta was young, science has been fun for her. It’s a creative endeavor that allows her to push forward and create new things. Most of all, it’s inspiring. That’s one of the inspirations behind Jargie the Science Girl!, an interactive science performance produced by Phantom Projects Theater Group. The nonprofit troupe, based in the La Mirada Theater for Performing Arts, has been producing educational, hard-hitting theater for teens and youth since 1997. Their shows cover themes including bullying, racism, prejudice, and tolerance, and are…
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