Greetings Science NetLinks Friends!
We're getting ready for the AAAS Annual Meeting in Vancouver and hope to see some of you there. Here are a few resources we'd like to share with you and your classroom this month.
Black History Month
Highlight the scientific work of African Americans and explore issues of race with your class during Black History Month. With this collection of Science NetLinks resources, students can learn about the diversity of people working in the scientific community, discuss stereotypes, and explore the careers of prominent African Americans in the STEM fields.
For more resources, check out Thinkfinity’s collection here and view interviews with Dr. Ben Carson and Earvin “Magic” Johnson from the Education Speaker Series.
National Green Week
National Green Week kicks off February 6, 2012 and runs until Earth Day (April 22). Educators are encouraged to pick any week during this time to be their school's Green Week. Get your students involved by encouraging them to discuss environmental issues and what they can do to make a difference. Find lesson plans, activities, and participation challenges from the Green Education Foundation. For more ecology and environmental resources, check out our collection for Earth Day. Your class can learn about climate change, find ways to reduce trash, and explore renewable types of energy.
Darwin Day
February 12th marks Charles Darwin’s 203rd birthday and is recognized as Darwin Day, an international celebration of science and humanity. Set aside to honor the life and discoveries of this scientific great, it also pays homage to the benefits that scientific progress has contributed to our society. Explore in your class with Science NetLinks’ collection of resources related to Charlies Darwin and On the Origin of Species. Students can consider what dinosaurs were like, study the human genome, and discuss animal adaptations.
AAAS 2012 Annual Meeting
Will you be in Vancouver, BC for the AAAS Annual Meeting February 16-20? If so, you'll learn about “Flattening the World: Building the Global Knowledge Society” alongside leading scientists, engineers, fellow educators, and the Science NetLinks team! When you aren't attending one of the symposiums designed for education or participating in demonstrations at Family Science Days, stop by booth 427 and say hello.
National Engineers Week
The 61st anniversary of National Engineers Week is February 19–25. This event is designed to raise awareness of all the ways engineering contributes to our daily lives and foster interest in future generations of engineers. “7 Billion Dreams” is the 2012 theme and is based on the projected world population of 7 billion and the challenges facing the world that require immediate engineering solutions. Encourage your class to get involved with this collection of related resources from Science NetLinks. Students can construct model boats, learn about the technology of spacecrafts, and watch a video about the biomechanics of skateboarding.
Looking for more? Explore this collection from Thinkfinity or add your thoughts to the discussion on preparing students for careers in engineering.
