Molly Niese, who has field tested my last two books, has created some amazing adaptations of readings from Once Upon an Earth Science Book. Each one is contained in a Google Slide show that students copy and complete. They open with a video showing how to use the slide show, and then have slides like … Continue reading Amazing Distance Learning Adaptations from Molly Niese
It’s time to answer the age-old question of who would win between an Olympic sprinter, tortoise, car, you, and a volcano. Science Friday, Explosion Math Science Friday launched an educational division last year, in which they have classroom educators build classroom activities around content from the show. Explosion Math is one of my favorites: definitely … Continue reading Science Friday Boards the School Bus
Here's a random bit of news that might lead to a little summer get-away: teachers in Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands can get an "Educators Pass" to get in to the Kennedy Space Center for free. You need a note on letterhead from your principal, so secure that before the school year … Continue reading Take a Trip to the Kennedy Space Center
Here’s an adventure I would do in a heartbeat: spend the summer with 29 other teachers and scientists in Hell’s Creek, Montana on a dig site. You have to get to Montana, but after that, room and board and a $5000 stipend are provided. This opportunity is open to teachers from kindergarten all the way … Continue reading Paleontology—Go on a real DIG!
With the eclipse less than two weeks away, I'm compiling all of the resources I have posted about into one place. Do you have a favorite eclipse resource I haven't discussed? The Exploratorium has a ton of resources, including a "live streaming" of the event and this video explaining why the eclipse is occurring and … Continue reading Eclipse Resource Roundup
If you plan to watch the eclipse, you need to watch this video. My cousin Mark (see some of his writing here) brought this to my attention. It's on the long side--the key information starts about 1:47 and runs about 10 minutes. But it explains several things to watch for in addition to totality, and … Continue reading Play-by-play guide for Eclipse watching
Teachers (those of you in the South who start before labor day...), get your eclipse-explainer hat on! This is your chance to finally help your kids understand the Earth--moon-sun relationship. You'll never have them this motivated to understand it again. NASA has a huge collection of materials--you can access all of them from this launch … Continue reading NASA Eclipse Resources (plus MATH!)
It's exactly one month until Solar Eclipse 2017--time to figure out your viewing site. NASA has a fantastic collection of libraries, museums, national parks, and other places where groups will gather and experts will be on hand to answer questions. Search their official NASA event locations at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/event-locations!
Deciding on the best place to watch the eclipse? Use this map. And get any travel reservations SOON! Lodging in total eclipse areas is booking fast. (This is image is from the Exploratorium's fabulous total eclipse coverage!)
Everybody knows you can't just stare at the sun, with an eclipse being no exception. The Washington Post helpfully explains about a program in which libraries are helping spread safe eye wear for the big event. Take a look, and get your free eclipse glasses today!
Once Upon a Science Book 