Updated 5/24/24

At the beginning of April, we celebrate April Fools’ Day, but, on March 31, there’s a little-known holiday called World Backup Day. It’s a good reminder to back up your computer before any pranksters accidentally destroy your data or – even worse – your computer!

Topics: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, Teacher Resources, Culture, Technology, Trends, Resources, Engineering, Coding, Workforce Development

Updated 6/5/24

January 19 is National Tin Can Day. Yep, there really is a day for everything it seems. So why recognize this one? Well, we can’t pass up the opportunity for some hands-on learning! Tin cans are celebrated for the advancements they brought to food preservation in the early 1800s. Outside of their primary purpose, I’m thinking about celebrating the science of the tin can telephones. The Guinness World Record for the longest functioning tin can telephone is 1,226 feet!

Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, STEM, Resources, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Physics, innovate

Updated 6/4/24

It’s the time of year when many of us are thinking about gratitude and things to be thankful for. November is National Gratitude Month – what a great way to kick off the month with a whole lot of gratitude in your classroom. When we think of gratitude, one thing we think of is social and emotional learning (SEL).

Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Teacher Resources, STEM, Trends, Resources, Authentic Learning, Social and emotional learning, Activities, Hands-on Learning

Updated 6/10/24

What’s more refreshing than a cold, foamy root beer float on a warm summer’s day?

Imagine escaping the squelching summer heat by heading into a cool fountain shop for a creamy, foamy, fizzy treat. Root beer floats made an appearance into American culture at the soda fountain counters of the early 1900s long before air-conditioning.

Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, STEM, Trends, Resources, Hands-on Learning

Updated 6/12/24

We’re all familiar with the static cling when we forget to put the dryer sheet in the dryer, especially during the winter season. Or maybe you’ve gotten shocked as you touch a door handle or pet your dog. These shocking experiences are due to static electricity, which is a buildup of electric charges. Winter is a great time to learn about static electricity because the air tends to be drier along with our skin and hair. There are many simple experiments you can do with students or children in your life to connect everyday experiences to science.

Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, STEM, Resources, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Physics