Blog Posts

Revealing five sunscreen myths with STEM: Science-backed protection

Posted by Kate Radell on June 10, 2024

In today’s blog, we’re going to be bustin’ myths about sunscreen so you can enjoy soakin’ in the Sun safely! Now, trust me, I get it – applying sunscreen might not be the most exciting part of your day, but, as we all know, it is crucial we try to protect our skin in the best way possible! That’s why we are going to take a deeper look at five popular sunscreen myths and use our STEM knowledge to either debunk or confirm these claims, ensuring you have all the facts necessary to keep your skin heathy and safe all summer long.

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Topics: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, Camps, Science, STEM, Trends, Resources, Authentic Learning, Future Ready, innovate, Inquiry-based Learning

Activity: T-Bot® offers leverage for exploring simple machines

Posted by Admin on January 19, 2022

Updated 5/30/24

A great physical science education tool isn’t just exciting while you’re using it; it continues to provoke thought and make real-world connections well after you’ve placed it back on the shelf. Case in point: I recently spent time exploring Pitsco’s T-Bot® Hydraulic Arm. It was a fun challenge using the hydraulic robot arm to pick up and move blocks, and I thought about links to automation and heavy machinery as I used it. But, to my surprise, after I put the device away, what I really couldn’t stop thinking about was my own arm.

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Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, Middle School, Elementary School, High School, ROBOTICS, Teacher Resources, Science, Technology, STEM, Authentic Learning, Activities, Hands-on Learning

Kid Inventors’ Day: Celebrating creativity in all young inventors

Posted by Admin on January 17, 2022

Updated 6/17/24

Kid Inventors’ Day, a day to celebrate young inventors of the past as well as encourage today’s inventors, falls on January 17, each year – a fitting nod to inventor Benjamin Franklin because its the same date as his birthday.

Franklin, most famous for being one of the founding fathers of the United States, is also known for several inventions, including the swim fins he created when he was only 11 years old!

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Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, Middle School, Elementary School, High School, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, ROBOTICS, Resources, Authentic Learning, Activities, Hands-on Learning, innovate

Youth racing program creates new career opportunities for underprivileged communities

Posted by Admin on November 11, 2021

Updated 6/11/24

Since its founding in 1998, the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS) in Philadelphia has earned a fair amount of publicity for the spectacular opportunities it offers to inner-city students. Sneak a peek during the school’s Build A Dream summer program, and you’re likely to see students learning about engines, designing cars, and racing go-karts as part of a simulated racing team.

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Topics: Middle School, High School, BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, Competitions, Science, STEM, Dragsters, Engineering, Careers, Authentic Learning, Activities, Future Ready, 21st Century Skills, Maker Ed, Hands-on Learning, STEAM, Workforce Development, Art

STEM/STEAM inspires students! Let’s innovate (N-OV-8)

Posted by Corinne Pachl on November 08, 2021

Updated 6/17/24

It’s a bit hazy and, arguably, debatable as to when STEM actually became a “thing.” Some contend it’s been around since the race for space was initiated in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Others say it‘s been present since the 1970s/1980s when huge technological advances were occurring (i.e., the Macintosh and first cell phone). Still others will proffer it was the 1990s when education councils were setting curriculum standards with more emphasis for science, technology, engineering, and math.

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Topics: Middle School, Elementary School, High School, ROBOTICS, Science, Technology, STEM, Engineering, Coding, Authentic Learning, Activities, TETRIX Robotics, Hands-on Learning, STEAM, innovate, Inquiry-based Learning, Art