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July 2011

It’s a Small World After All

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2011-07-30 14:45


In the 1980s, a new branch of science emerged that seemed to be straight out of the pages of a science fiction novel. While the new science didn’t initially garner much attention from the general press or population, scientists and ethicists were all abuzz about nanotechnology. Despite some news items that occasionally crop up in the mainstream media, nanotechnology has quietly continued to evolve and impact our everyday lives.

Resources mentioned in this post: 
Sugar Crystal Challenge
Introduction to Nanotechnology Lesson Plan
Nanofibers On Your Clothes

A Priest, a Rabbi, and a Buddhist Walk Into a…

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2011-07-23 14:34


For the past several years, the intermediate public school in my town has hosted a World Religions Day for the 6th graders. For an entire day, sixth grade classes move with their teachers from classroom to classroom every 40 minutes or so to learn about different religions and cultures. Each presentation is led by either a local religious leader or a practicing member (usually a parent) of a particular faith. There is absolutely no proselytizing, “recruitment” efforts, or one-upmanship regarding the speakers’ personal faiths in relation to other faiths.

Resources mentioned in this post: 
The Golden Rule of Reciprocity
Five Major World Religions

Bill and the Fed’s Excellent Adventure

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2011-07-16 23:25


Younger students don’t spend much time thinking about laws, or how they are created. They understand laws as “rules” that are meant be followed, and that the appearance of police officers and general unpleasantness may occur if the rules (laws) aren’t obeyed. It’s not until upper elementary and middle school that students really start to grasp the notion that laws don’t just arbitrarily happen, but are in fact the result of a lengthy process that often takes unexpected twists and turns.

Resources mentioned in this post: 
How a Bill Becomes Law: Charting the Path
Congressional Committees and the Legislative Process

A Slow Burn

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2011-07-16 23:09


In the 1920s, French fashion designer Coco Chanel inadvertently started a trend when she was photographed with a suntan. Previously dismissed as the badge of farmers and laborers, suntans suddenly became the emblem of luxury and leisure, and everyone wanted one. Nearly a century later, tanning is still popular. Despite all the research linking sun overexposure to skin cancer, the tanning industry continues to grow, and grosses about $5 billion annually. What’s wrong with this picture?

Resources mentioned in this post: 
Exploring Solar Beads
Protect the Skin You're In