Temperatures are dropping (in the Northern Hemisphere, at least . . . ) and winter is coming. (The winter solstice, marking the beginning of the season, is December 22.) Warm up your classroom with these frosty winter wonders! 1. The City of Ice (Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China) For more than 30 years, the city of Harbin in Northeast China has hosted the Harbin International Ice … Continue reading Weekly Warm-Up: Five Winter Wonders
HEALTH A new study indicates that men have better spatial recognition skills, and a more effective strategy at using them. (Tech Times) Use our resources to introduce spatial recognition strategies to both boys and girls. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in today’s Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Why did the new study conclude that men have a better sense of direction … Continue reading Do Men Have a Better Sense of Direction than Women?
HEALTH Scientists may have found the oldest-ever evidence of the plague, locked away in an 20-million-year-old flea. (Washington Post) See more fleas and other bloodsuckers in our fantastic photo gallery. Discussion Ideas The Washington Post article lists three major infections known as the plague: bubonic plague, pneumonic plague, and septicemic plague. What is the difference? The major difference is where the infection is located. Bubonic … Continue reading Plague’s Patient Zero?
HEALTH Normally, pouring water onto a book is an unfortunate accident. But with pages that can filter out bacteria, the drinkable book may solve a major public health problem for the 750 million people worldwide without access to clean drinking water. (Christian Science Monitor) Use our activity to better understand “Water Treatment for Human Consumption.” Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources … Continue reading ‘Drinkable Book’ Could Give Millions Access to Clean Water
Have you ever wondered what kinds of pollutants are hiding in the air around your home or community? Or whether you live near a toxic waste site? Well, now you can find out by using the Environmental Protection Agency’s EJSCREEN tool. The EPA has shared this mapping tool with the public, allowing anyone to learn about the environmental conditions in their community. EJSCREEN uses environmental … Continue reading EPA Shares the Dirt on Pollution
