 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Earth and Environment |
 |
|
|
What is a Flood Plain?
Students will: View flooding scenarios and hypothesize how much risk they are at for flooding in their home or school, using maps as data; Estimate the expense of living through a flood; Compare the price to the cost of insurance to the cost of repairing damage due to flooding.
Capping and Cleaning Up The Oil Spill
Students study the solutions to end the Gulf oil spill, and discuss how these are determined to be safe or successful.
Exploring
Alternative Energy Sources
Students do research to determine the types
of energy currently used in the U.S., study
the economic effects of rising energy costs
on average households, and come up with ideas
for alternative energy sources.
Alternative
Fuels and Choosing a Car
In this activity students examine alternative
fuels and using critical thinking skills choose
the right car in a buying and selling simulation.
How
Much Energy Does Your School Use?
In this lab-based lesson students audit their
school to determine how "green" it
is.
Are the World's Weather and Climate Changing?:
Students use prior knowledge to answer questions
on a weather quiz then conduct research in how
and why weather patterns and the global climate
may be changing.
The
Gulf Coast Region
Students study the history, topography, economics,
and demographics of the Gulf Coast Region/New
Orleans, then use their knowledge of current
events to participate in a class discussion
about the facts surrounding Hurricane Katrina.
Mercury
in the Environment:
Through hands-on activities, help your students
understand the new EPA regulations on mercury
emissions, identify a major human-related source
of mercury in the environment and summarize
the dangers of mercury in humans.
The
Science of Tsunamis
After learning the fundamentals of the physics
of waves propagated through water, students
will seek to understand the nature and causes
of tsunamis.
You
Don't Need a Seismograph to Study Earthquakes
Students simulate p waves & s waves, the
three types of lithospheric boundaries and investigate
plate tectonics around the world.
Hazardous Chemicals in Your Neighborhood
Students examine the dangers of hazardous chemicals
and their effects on human health and look at
various cases of pollution in the environment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| Body and Brain |
|
|
|
The Human Genome Project, A Decade Later
Ten years ago, top scientists from around the world participating in the Human Genome Project declared that they had cracked almost the entire human genetic code (DNA), therefore essentially opening the “key of life”. 07.07.10
New Studies of Adolescent Brains Challenge Assumptions
Until recently, many people -- including many neurobiologists -- thought that the adolescent brain was much the same as an adult brain only with "fewer miles on it," but new studies show that the teen brain is fundamentally different than older brains.
03.09.10
Scientists Discover Oldest Human Ancestor, New Link in Evolutionary Chain
Anthropologists have found a skeleton of a human-like creature that lived more than a million years before "Lucy," opening a window into the early evolutionary period when humans diverged from a common ancestor with chimpanzees.
10.06.09
HIV Vaccine Trial Shows Positive Gains Via Negative Results
Results released this week from an HIV vaccine trial in the Southeastern Asian country of Thailand suggest for the first time that a vaccine to prevent HIV infection may be possible. 10.25.10
President Obama Lifts Controversial Restrictions on Stem Cell Research
In a reversal of a Bush administration policy, President Barack Obama signed an executive order this week lifting restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, and called for government to renew its commitment to scientific inquiry.
03.10.09
Swine Flu Sweeps Across Globe, Raising Fears of Flu Pandemic
A new strain of the swine flu, a disease in pigs that sometimes infects humans, has killed more than 150 people in Mexico and has spread to Europe, Asia and the United States. 04.28.10
200 Years Later, Darwin’s Theories Still Inspire Science, Economics and Politics
On the 200th birthday of the famous and often controversial biologist Charles Darwin, his ground-breaking work on the origins of the human race still reverberates in the worlds of science, economics, politics and religion. 02.13.09
Genomes Offer Murky Clues to Personality, Physical Traits
Advances in genome sequencing are making it possible for people to learn about personality traits, such as thrill-seeking, physical attributes, such as "fast-twitch muscles" or hair loss, and diseases inherited from your biological parents.
01.29.09
DNA Discovery May Bring Long-extinct Wooly Mammoth Back to Life
Scientists have mapped out most of the genetic code of the wooly mammoth, marking the first time an extinct animal’s DNA has been decoded and raising the possibility that the creature could be cloned and return to life. 12.09.08
New 'Fun Biology' Video Game Lets Players Tinker with Evolution
The video game Spore allows players to create a tiny organism and help it evolve into an entire civilization, transforming the concept of evolution to a playable adventure in an online virtual universe. 10.07.08
Cloned Meat: It's What's for Dinner?
Cloning is usually the stuff of science fiction or Hollywood cinema, but if some in the food industry have their way, cloned animals could be the stuff you eat for dinner.
08.19.08
Schools
Fighting Deadly "Superbug"
Schools in the northeastern U.S. are using Lysol
and better hygiene to combat outbreaks of a
bacteria known as the MRSA "superbug."
10.22.07
Doping Scandal Tests Cycling's Mettle
Performance-enhancing drug scandals at this
year's Tour de France bike race raise questions
about cycling's integrity and the sport's future.
08.01.07
Owners,
Vets Question Pet Food Safety
As the list of recalled dog and cat food continues
to grow, pet owners and veterinarians are questioning
the lack of manufacturer regulation. 04.09.07
Dogs
Give Researchers Clues on Cancer
Researchers are finding that purebred dogs may
help provide answers about the genetic basis
of cancer -- in dogs and humans. 04.04.07
The
Mystery of the "Gyroball" Pitch
New Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka claims
he can throw the fabled "gyroball,"
an elusive new pitch developed in computer simulations. 12.20.06
Biologist
Wins Nobel Prize for DNA Work
American Roger Kornberg won the Nobel Prize
in chemistry for his work explaining how cells
use genetic information to make proteins. 10.09.06
Animal
Rights Activists Target Research
Some scientists say animal rights activists
who use extreme tactics stand in the way of
scientific progress. 10.04.06
Vaccine
for Girls Prevents Cervical Cancer
A new vaccine approved for girls aged 11 to
26 can prevent a sexually transmitted disease
that sometimes causes cervical cancer. 07.03.06
Judge
Rules Against 'Intelligent Design'
"Intelligent design" cannot be taught
in public schools, ruled a federal judge who
called the theory "a mere re-labeling of
creationism." 12.21.05
Bird
Flu Spreads from Asia to Eastern Europe
Health officials fear a deadly strain of bird
flu that has infected humans in Asia could spread
to the rest of the world, infecting millions.
10.12.05
Parents
Fight 'Intelligent Design' in School
A group of Pennsylvania parents are suing to
stop their school district from teaching intelligent
design, which challenges the theory of evolution.
09.28.05
Stem
Cell Research Bill Sparks Debate
Proponents of a new bill funding stem cell research
say that it could help cure diseases, but President
Bush says it destroys innocent life. 05.27.05
Is
Terri Schiavo 'Starving' to Death?
Doctors and pro-life advocates debate whether
the removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube
amounts to a cruel death by "starvation."
03.28.05
Students
Debate Gender Gap in Science
Comments made by the president of Harvard University
sparked heated debate over biological differences
between males and females. 01.24.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Earth and Environment |
|
|
|
Mild Winter, Early Spring Bring Talk of Climate Change
Unusual plants are thriving, flowers are blooming early and the map of what plants can be grown where has been updated for the first time in more than 20 years in a winter that has been unusually mild for most of the U.S. Although people are enjoying the early bursts of color and warm temperatures, scientists warn that a consistent warming trend could be problematic for plants. 03.09.12 .
Secret Lake Buried Miles Under Antarctic Ice Could Hold Clues to Life
After nearly 20 years of drilling, Russian scientists have reached a crystal clear underground lake -- two miles beneath the solid ice of the continent of Antarctica. The breakthrough could unearth creatures that have survived 20 million years without seeing daylight and give clues about life elsewhere in the solar system. 02.09.12 .
Keystone Pipeline Fuels Debate Over Energy Policy
A proposed oil pipeline that would run through America’s heartland from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico has fueled major public criticism and debate over the future of U.S. energy policy. 11.07.11.
Nuclear Power Plant Failures in Japan Raise Safety Questions
Radiation leaks and fires at Japan's nuclear reactors following a massive earthquake and tsunami have refueled the debate over whether nuclear power is a safe option for generating electricity. 03.17.11.
Natural Disasters Are Fact of Life in Indonesia's 'Ring of Fire'
Thousands of people were displaced and hundreds died after a pair of natural disasters struck the Southeast Asian country of Indonesia. The island nation's most active volcano, Mount Merapi, continues to spew hot ash and lava into a farming region, following an earthquake that sent a tsunami toward remote villages. 11.05.10.
Calif. Voters to Choose Between Economy and Environment
This November, California voters will head to the polls to decide the future of Proposition 23, a measure designed to undo the state's landmark clean air law passed in 2006. 09.28.10
Oil Leaking into U.S. Gulf Threatens Wildlife, Seafood Industry
An explosion at an oil drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico off the U.S. coast created a leak that is threatening wildlife, beaches and ecosystems near the mouth of the Mississippi River. 04.30.10
Ash Cloud From Icelandic Volcano Disrupts Global Trade
An erupting Icelandic volcano has sent clouds of ash spewing into the atmosphere, triggering massive and costly airline delays starting earlier this month. Researchers are trying to figure out how long the disruption will last and if a more dangerous eruption from a neighboring volcano is possible. 04.20.10
Climate Change Summit Ends With Lukewarm Statement of Intention
After two weeks of tough negotiations, heated protests and frantic deal-making, the United Nations climate change summit in Copenhagen ended with a final accord that President Obama called a "modest step" towards slowing the rate of global warming. 12.21.09
Pollution Cap and Trade System is Major Feature of Energy Bill
One of the Obama administration’s biggest legislative priorities is a comprehensive energy bill, known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, or ACES. July 22, 2009
Polar Bear Listed as Threatened Species
Polar bears are now on the threatened species list after the Bush administration ruled Wednesday that their habitat near the Arctic Circle is deteriorating due to global warming. May 14, 2008
Beetle
Infestation May Impact Climate Change
A pine beetle infestation ravaging a Canadian
forest may have an impact on the earth's ability
to process carbon dioxide and exacerbate climate
change, a new study shows. April 28, 2008
Dozens of Pharmaceuticals Detected in Drinking
Water
Low concentrations of a range of drugs, including
antibiotics, birth control and anti-convulsants,
are present in the drinking water supplies of
24 major cities. March 12, 2008
California
Recycles Water 'Toilet to Tap'
In response to Southern California’s dwindling
water supply, several California cities are
trying out new water reclamation projects that
turn wastewater into drinking water. February 11, 2008
Race
to Secure Arctic Riches Heats Up
Countries are racing to claim areas of the Arctic
seabed, which could become more accessible as
global warming melts the polar ice. 09.10.07
States
Seek Stricter Car Emissions Standards
Following a Supreme Court decision that called
carbon dioxide a "pollutant," California
is leading the charge for stricter car emissions
standards. 05.29.07
Daylight-saving
Time Lasts Longer This Year
Most of the United States begins daylight-saving
time three weeks earlier this year -- Congress'
attempt to save energy and money. 03.09.07
Global
Warming Report Blames Humans
The world's top climate scientists said last
week that human activity, such as the burning
of fossil fuels, has caused the Earth's temperature
to rise. 02.05.07
Green
Buildings Take Root in Cities, Schools
"Green" buildings -- environmentally
friendly and energy efficient -- may be the
next new trend in school renovation. 12.26.06
Earth
Day Intensifies Global Warming Debate
Different themes chosen for this year's Earth
Day by the U.S. government and international
organizers highlight the global warming debate.
04.19.06
Fossil
Discovery Could Be Missing Link
Scientists have discovered the fossils of a
375-million-year-old fish that may be the "missing
link" between fish and walking land animals.
04.10.06
Tornado
Season Starts With Deadly Force
Violent weather, including hail as big as softballs,
caused flooding in Indiana, grass fires in Texas
and deadly tornadoes across five states. 02.15.06
New
England Survives Red Tide Scare
Shellfishing resumed in seven New England coastal
communities following the worst red tide toxic
algae bloom in decades. 07.01.05
Can this Light Bulb Save the Environment?
A new light being developed for use in American
homes could save billions of dollars in wasted
electricity and help protect the environment.
06.13.05
Senate OKs Oil Drilling in Alaskan Refuge
With gas prices continuing to rise, oil industry
advocates and environmentalists battle over
the right to drill for oil in the Alaskan wildlife
refuge. 03.23.05
Mercury
Spills Raise School Safety Concerns
Recent spills of toxic chemicals like mercury
in schools from Washington, D.C. to Wisconsin
raise concerns about student safety. 03.16.05
Global Warming Fears Lead to Ratification of
Kyoto Protocol
In the world's first major attempt to control
climate change, the Kyoto Protocol, a pact that
sets country-by-country limits on greenhouse
gas emissions, will become law on Wednesday.
02.14.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Space |
|
|
|
Swiss Create ‘Janitor’ Satellite to Clean Up Space Junk
Space engineers are making plans to clean up their room. According to the NASA Oribital Debris Program, there are over 19,000 piece of space junk in low orbit around Earth that could cause harm to satellites or the space station. To help tidy up, Swiss research institute EPFL is creating a satellite designed to clean up all that floating junk, dubbed CleanSpace One.02.27.12
Satellites Orbit the Sun to Better Predict Solar Storms
For the first time, NASA scientists have generated a full image of the sun, front and back, using twin orbiting satellites. The new view of Earth’s star will allow for the study of solar weather events like coronal mass ejections that can disrupt communications, power grids and other human activities. 02.08.11
Supernova 'Star Guts' Give Clues to Galaxy Evolution
Supernova 1987A, the first star explosion to be studied from the beginning, is teaching scientists new lessons about the evolution of galaxies and the formation of chemicals critical to human life. November 16, 2010
Newly Discovered ‘Goldilocks’ Planet Has Potential for Life
Scientists are always on the lookout for planets with the right conditions for liquid water and life. Now, American astronomers have discovered Gliese 581g, a planet 20 light years away that is the perfect distance from its sun and therefore not too hot and not too cold -— just like porridge Goldilocks found at the home of the Three Bears. October 8, 2010
NASA Probes a Step Toward Moon Base
The National Aeronautic and Space Administration launched a pair of lunar probes June 18 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., as the first part of a plan to build a base on the surface of the moon by 2020.
June 23, 2009
U.S.
Military Intentions in Outer Space are Focus
of U.N. Debate
Outer space is emerging as the newest frontier
in the quest for a technical military advantage,
sparking a war of words between the United States
and Russia. February 13, 2008
Sputnik
Launched 50 Years of Space Race
When the Soviet Union launched a basketball-sized
satellite into space October 4, 1957, it shocked
the world and set off a space race. 10.03.07
Number
of Planets Likely to Increase to 12
The solar system may gain three planetary
members as an international gathering of astronomers
debate how to define planets. 08.21.06
Comet
Probe Seeks Clues to Solar System
NASA's Deep Impact probe hit a comet this month,
giving scientists information about space objects
and the origins of our solar system. 07.11.05
NASA
Prepares for New Shuttle Launch
NASA prepares to launch Space Shuttle Discovery--
the first manned mission since the Columbia
disaster. 04.18.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Technology |
|
|
|
Google Augments Reality with Futuristic Glasses
Google has unveiled a prototype of futuristic glasses that allow users to seamlessly integrate technology with their everyday lives. Through a small piece of glass worn above the right eye, a “Project Glass” wearer could see the weather forecast by looking outside or find out if there are subway delays by approaching the tunnel. 04.10. 2012
Watson Wins: Computer Beats Human Trivia Champs
Scientists building computers that can simulate the workings of the human brain scored a major victory when their creation, Watson, beat the greatest "Jeopardy!" winners of all time. 02.17. 2010
New FCC Rules Aim to Keep Internet Free and Open
The government agency in charge of communication, the Federal Communications Commission, will push for "net neutrality" rules banning service discrimination from cable and Internet companies in an attempt to "be a smart cop on the beat preserving a free and open Internet." 09.22. 2009
President Obama Lifts Controversial Restrictions on Stem Cell Research
In a reversal of a Bush administration policy, President Barack Obama signed an executive order this week lifting restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, and called for government to renew its commitment to scientific inquiry.
March 10, 2009
Old
Phones, Computers Harm Environment
Discarded computers, televisions and cell phones
are flooding developing countries, exposing
people and the environment to harmful toxins.
February 26, 2007
GPS
Technology Helps Parents Track Teens
Parents are signing up for services to track
their children in cars and on cell phones, sparking
a debate over the lines between privacy and
safety. 02.19.07
'Very
Light Jet' Makes U.S. Debut
A new class of very light jets -- resembling
minivans with wings -- will soon take flight,
perhaps changing the way Americans travel. 08.07.06
School
of the Future Inspires Philly Students
A $63 million experimental high school is using
state-of-the art technologies to train tomorrow's
scientists and mathematicians. 01.27.06
Iran's
Nuclear Program A Concern To U.S. And Europe
Talks between representatives of the European
E3 and Iran over that country's desire to develop
enriched uranium, a material used for nuclear
power and potentially nuclear weapons, have
stalled. 01.26.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Teen Scientist Develops Device to Fight Terrorism
Taylor
Taylor Wilson was 11 years old when he decided he wanted to pursue something only the highest-level scientists were doing: nuclear fusion. He became the youngest person in the world to achieve fusion and was recently honored at the Intel International Science Fair for his work on creating a device that can detect possible weapons in shipping containers. He told NewsHour Extra about his project and about why he thinks science is cool.
Young Scientists Tackle Cancer Treatment
Matthew and Blake
Teen scientists Matthew Feddersen and Blake Marggraff set out to find something researchers have been working on for decades: a cure for cancer. They came up with a way to inject tin into a tumor, using metal particles to focus radiation treatment. They spoke to NewsHour Extra about their project, why they do science and what it was like to display their work at the Intel International Science Fair, where they took home the top prize of $75,000 in scholarship funds.
Kids Explore Off-beat Science Careers
Robots, car crashes and dummies that mimicked human patients were all part of a high school science, technology, engineering and math exploration day at George Washington University. Through hands-on activities, students learned about possible careers in the sciences and also heard from Dr. Robert Ballard, who discovered the Titanic wreck and now heads the JASON Project.
Young Gulf Coast Resident Sees Recovery on the Horizon
IBasch Jernigan, a high school student in Gulf Shores, Alabama who shared his experience with NewsHour Extra in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, recently took an in-depth look at how his region is doing seven months after the disaster. After speaking with scientists, area residents and family members, he’s come to the conclusion that things aren’t as bad as the media makes them out to be and that the Gulf is well on its way to recovery.
High School Engineers Build Revolutionary Assistive Writing Device
In Boise, Idaho, a group of aspiring engineers teamed up with Bill Clark, a businessman in their community who suffers from hand tremors that keep him from being able to write legibly. They set about designing an easy-to-use, portable device that would steady Mr. Clark's hand and, after many hours working with prototypes in their garage, came up with a design they call the PAWD - a Portable Assistive Writing Device.
Teens Explore Dangers of Too Little Sleep
“The Sleep Project,” a documentary exploring the science behind sleep and the consequences of sleep deprivation, is a contender in the "Fresh Cut" high school film competition currently being hosted by KLRN, a PBS affiliate in San Antonio, Texas. The student team behind the project shared their video and spoke with NewsHour Extra about the inspiration behind it, what they learned in the process, and what advice they would give to aspiring young filmmakers.
Young Scientists Discuss Their Winning Projects
In March, 2010, Intel announced the winners of the 2010 Intel Science Talent Search at a black-tie gala in Washington, D.C. Selected from 40 finalists, these high school seniors presented original research projects to esteemed judges and showcased their work at the National Academy of Sciences. The top three winners explain their projects.
Eighth Graders Launch Stratosphere Balloon, Capture Photos of the Earth
Caroline Francisco, Age 13
Inspired by a Massachussets Institute of technology project, Springville-Griffith Institute Middle Schoolers in Springville, N.Y., launched a weather balloon and camera into the sky to take photographs of Earth's stratosphere. Caroline, 13, who worked on the project with about 40 other students, describes how they were able to do it.
Small Changes Can Help Curb Climate Change
Arielle
Arielle describes some of the ways climate change is already affecting the United States and her home state, and suggests some ways for students to improve their carbon footprints.
Students Spread Awareness of Climate Change
Dmitry, Kate, Sveta and Nidhi
A group of high school students were selected from 13 countries across the globe to act as International Climate Champions and get other students involved in stopping climate change.
Digital
Dissection is a Promising Alternative
Heather
Heather writes about the ecological consequences of
dissecting frogs and other animals in the classroom.
Digital dissection computer programs could replace
the traditional version, she argues.
The
Illusion of a Clean Future with Ethanol
Will
Ethanol produced from corn is hailed by some as a
fix-all fuel. Will writes that ethanol doesn't live
up to the hype.
Is
Convenience Worth the Cost to the Environment?
Yoko
A student from Japan launches a campaign to raise
awareness about the effects of disposable chopsticks
on the environment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
