science education

On a recent flight to Los Angeles, I was able to take the nice photo of the world outside the window, as attached. Notice that, even from this high up, the land does NOT appear to be curved? Well, I got to thinking that this OBVIOUS lack of curvature is a signature problem in all photos taken...

Building blocks would be cool, even just carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. My 7 year old homeschool grandniece was asking about 'chemicals', and it seemed a good moment to explain how bonds hold molecules together. Sure wish I could remember my high school chemistry from 45 years ago. I just ebayed a...

Science works because scientific institutions create environments where bad ideas can’t survive. On the other hand, bad ideas thrive in other environments such as social media, news media, and other forms of public discourse. There are many topics of importance where public opinion is...

I don't know if this is allowed, or some breach of protocol, but I thought I'd post this anyway, and if the mods get upset, I'll take the slings and arrows as they come. https://www.gofundme.com/mcaullifeshepard-discovery-center In 2012, the New Hampshire legislature stopped funding the...

As part of a class I'll be teaching this year I introduce high school students of 15-16 year old to the basics of inorganic chemistry. (Salts, crystal water, solubility vs temp of solution, acid/base interactions and crystallization) The methods and theory I've given a few years now and are for...

I ask this question because I have been teaching physics for decades, and I have yet to find a suitable "theory" for my discipline. I teach in the traditional way: lecture, homework, and exams consisting of show-your-work problems. I have heard people from other disciplines talk about things...

I just put together the following blog post. It ends up that creationists have actually infiltrated the National Education Association by having booths in the vendor area during meetings, but now a group of science teachers is starting to push back. Read on for more information...

I'm often disheartened at yet another piece of evidence that most people in our society don't have a clue what science actually is, although they don't hesitate to reap the benefits of what it has discovered. I had another one of those moments last night while watching "The Middle", one of my...

This seemed like a good place for the topic. The Committee for the Advancement of Scientific Skepticism, part of the Centre for Inquiry Canada, has just released a report exposing a course being taught at Carleton University that's little more than a cover for pushing every long-debunked...

Seven partners (five corporate, one university, and one foundation) have teamed up to provide $1 million to the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA to create a new center to improve science, technology and math education in the region. The three-year initiative is designed to steer more...

I'm interested in the best ways to present a certain idea to kids 8-12: What is the simplest, clearest way to tell kids why the scientific method and critical thinking are important? I'm working on a show to present to school groups that underscores the importance of the scientific method as...

Hello everyone. I have a daughter in 9th grade, and she's a critical thinker. We've spoken about skepticism and critical thinking often. She has the opportunity to do a science project/experiment in the near future, and we've been discussing how helpful it would be to the advancement of...

Every year I have to help my kids come up with two science fair project ideas and I get tired of flipping through all the same old ideas. We have done a couple of really creative ones over the years, and one kid already picked a pretty good one for this year, but I am having trouble finding...

Phil Plait writes about this on his Skeptologist blog this week and I think this commencement speech deserves discussing... I'm including the link to the video as well as the transcript of the speech itself. Lets have it...

Due to deficits in the Texas state budget, Texas will be cutting funding for education. Public schools will be getting less money. In order to stay within the available budget for next year, what does my Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) elementary school cut? A: Art Teacher B...

Insane Clown Posse's Miracles song has lyrics that read, in part: All the so-called "miracles" are easily explained with science, in some cases rather basic science, whether it be genetics, evolution, or skepticism. MTV decided to explain the "miracles" they sang about: Full: MTV.com The...

I don't think this addresses the root of the problem. Instead of cutting back on science education, wouldn't it be more beneficial to address whatever factors are potentially reducing the number of non-white students in the science labs...

So, I get this e-mail at my school account from someone (not sure if he's a teacher or not; lists as in our district but I can't find a location for him): As a philosopher of science and as an individual interested in the education of our children, there is an issue that needs to be considered...

My two favorite science books are Genesis:The Scientific Quest for Life's Origins by Robert Hazen This does an amazing job explaining various experiments scientists have done to try to figure out the origin of life. It explains how the knowledge is gained, not just the theories. It is...

Teaching evolution now protected Maybe a bright note: although the vote on evolution was 8-7, "The final board vote to adopt the new standards [was] 13-2, with dissenting votes by Rene Nunez, D-El Paso, and Mary Helen Berlanga, D-Corpus Christi. Everyone across the nation who is in favor of...

Are any forum members going to be at the Scientific Citizenship: Connecting Physics and Society conference at Fermilab 11/6-11/8? I will be there with some college students in tow. I doubt I will be able to get into Chicago proper as conference events start early and run late every day. Join...

I recently discovered the WNYC/NPR's Radiolab via its podcast. (It has been mentioned here before in the "favorite podcasts" thread). It's a neat show with a unique style and a very scientific bent, though they seem conflicted as to whether they are actually a science show. They're on a summer...

Howdy all, There is a very interesting new development in the fiasco of the firing of Chris Comer, the former Director of Science at the Texas Education Agency for her lack of "neutrality" over ID-creationism. The other shoe has dropped, and she has sued the TEA. Read more about it here...

http://www.photobasement.com/41-hilarious-science-fair-experiments/ The future of science?

There was an editorial on Nature.com yesterday about how the Texas Higher Education board is evaluating an application by the Institute for Creation Research to allow it to grant online master's degrees in science education, and that some advisors are recommending that Texas should accept. Read...

There are some rotten things going on in within Texas education right now. I am sure many of you have heard some or all of this. I will just provide a bullet summary of the history here. Then I'll provide resources to do something about it. I'll be linking extensively to our friend the Bad...

There are some rotten things going on in within Texas education right now. I am sure many of you have heard some or all of this. I will just provide a bullet summary of the history here. Then I'll provide resources to do something about it. I'll be linking extensively to our friend the Bad...

http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/13772.html Makes me mad.

Mr. Wizard is gone--probably the greatest influence in science education in the 50's died at 89. Anyone else always look forward to his shows every week? I couldn't wait--he made it so exciting, and so simple! IS Bill Nye filling his shoes well?

Hello, everyone. Mariah (Sherry Austin) here with another science education project that I want you to know about. Remember Alan Hale, co-discoverer of Comet Hale-Bopp back in the late nineties? Well, he's started an educational enterprise called Earthrise Institute and "Countdown to 500...