The oceans cover nearly 71% of Earth’s surface. Approximately 80% of our population lives within 60 miles of the Ocean (or the Gulf of Mexico). Their average depth is over 3700 meters and the deepest trenches reach 11,033 m (over 36,000 ft) below sea level! Oceans represent a food source, a control on climate, and […]
Just how is local weather driven by global forces? In order to understand what is happening at home as we dress for school truly depends upon what is happening all around the world! Record snowfall and cold temperatures hit much of the United States this winter. Even so, it is not unprecedented. A similar pattern […]
NASA has some exciting news! On March 18th, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft is scheduled to arrive in orbit around the planet Mercury. This spacecraft will transition from orbiting the Sun to being the first spacecraft ever to orbit Mercury. One of the mission’s goals for MESSENGER will be to study and image Mercury from orbit for […]
Crisp air, low humidity, and chilly water make for an exhilarating experience for those who visit the beach in the winter. With foliage off the trees and vines, new opportunities for discovery exist at this occasionally tranquil and peaceful time of year. The beach is one of the most dynamic places your students may ever […]
Make Earth Day–or any day–meaningful by revving up your students to launch a local Reduce-Reuse-Recycle campaign. Every year, Americans generate more than 250 million tons of waste. In 1980, Americans were generally recycling or composting only about one-tenth of their garbage, meaning that most of it got dumped in the local landfill. Data from 2008, […]
Clear skies, calm winds, and long nights. Yes, it is a bit cold, but with proper clothing you and your students have a natural laboratory to explore to your heart’s content! Teaching a unit like this enables your students to dream and imagine. The distances are so vast in space that “the amount of space […]
The Big Bang is a high-energy story for explaining the origin of the Universe, but what is the evidence that supports that theory? Take students on a tour to explore these observations, while demonstrating that this story’s end remains unwritten. Humans are curious creatures, infinitely seeking to explain the world’s workings in familiar terms and […]