Star Wars Biomes
Biology

Star Wars Biomes

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Luke, Han and Yoda explored planets with alien societies and life forms. We’re restricted to exploring Earth (for now), but we are lucky to inhabit a planet that is full of diversity....

Light(saber) Emission Spectroscopy
Chemistry

Light(saber) Emission Spectroscopy

Lightsabers are not only the weapons of choice of Jedi Knights and those that have fallen to the dark side of the Force, they can also be great tools to introduce emission spectroscopy and atomic theory to the Padawans in...

Impulse Control - Studying Collisions
Physics

Impulse Control - Studying Collisions

The unit on impulse and momentum is always a fun one to teach since it involves memorable demonstrations— like throwing an egg at a bed sheet. It also has great applications to driving safety, something that can never be...

Inflate their knowledge of Gas Laws
Chemistry

Inflate their knowledge of Gas Laws

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons an annual US holiday tradition, but not all spectators realize that they are also a great example of science and engineering at work. You can use these multi-storied helium-filled...

Watershed Studies: Oh-no! Where's my DO?
Earth Science • Environmental Science

Watershed Studies: Oh-no! Where's my DO?

Earth disturbances are fairly common in areas with construction or mining, but what exactly is the impact of this type of disturbance? And how can you show your students about the chemical changes that are taking place and...

Mechanical Bull Riding
Physical Science • Physics

Mechanical Bull Riding

We had a great time at CAST in Fort Worth, Texas last week. We had some fantastic BBQ and Tex Mex, but to really experience the cowboy scientist’s lifestyle we decided to investigate Forces and Motion by trying our hand...

Tricks with Treats— Halloween Science
Chemistry • Physical Science

Tricks with Treats— Halloween Science

Students always get excited as Halloween approaches. The thrill of collecting treats is real, but as teachers, how can we take a pile of sugar and turn it into a lesson? A really great science teacher trick is to use some...

Trick or Titrate!
Chemistry

Trick or Titrate!

Your students may have outgrown getting dressed up to go trick-or-treating, but they haven’t yet outgrown the desire to collect and consume as much candy as possible. So what can you do to help them avoid a belly ache and...