Earth Day is a great reminder every year on April 22 that we need to take care of the our planet because resources are limited. And it’s awesome that there’s a special day to celebrate with special events, but what about the rest of the year? How can this reminder be made part of everyday life and the lives of your students? Let’s take a look at projects that could make it an Earth Year.
Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Culture, Social and emotional learning, Activities
Author’s Note: This blog was co-written with Educational Consultant Preston Frazier.
This month marks the 45th celebration of National Peanut Month (Nationalcalendarday.com). As the title suggests, and as many of you might already know, peanuts aren’t actually nuts, they’re legumes. Unlike its kidney bean, lentil, and pea cousins, the peanuts enjoy the limelight as one of America’s favorite snacks and food sources (Peanut-institute.org); it’s an important ingredient in several mainstream candy brands; and need I mention that it inspired a pretty catchy song and dance in 2001 (Peanutbutterjellytime.net)? In honor of National Peanut Month, we’re spreading the science (along with the tech and engineering) behind what it takes to make this infamous legume jelly’s other half.
Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, Technology, STEM, Engineering, TETRIX Robotics, Hands-on Learning
I love popcorn. Microwave, stove-top, movie theater, street- and store-bought popcorn. I love it all. And I’m not keen on sharing my popcorn with others either. I’ll buy – or pop – you your own bowl, bag, or bucket, but I want my popcorn all to myself. I’m a generous person, but hey, this is popcorn we’re talking about! So, when I heard there was a Popcorn Lover’s Day, I happily volunteered to research and write about this awesome snack food.
Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, STEM, Resources, Physics
For much of the country, it feels like winter is still in the forecast. That can be discouraging and even disappointing for some. It even seems like the groundhog got it wrong this year. However, we know as calendar days tick by, spring and summer are right around the corner. And with more sunshine and better conditions in sight, that means outdoor activities and camps are on the horizon.
Topics: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Camps, STEM, Coding, Activities, TETRIX Robotics, Hands-on Learning
March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD). “IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity” (IWD). It’s been celebrated since 1911, and we’re excited to share a special take on IWD here on the blog. We’re shining the spotlight on the women working at Pitsco who help make #handsonmindson happen.
Topics: ADMINISTRATION & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, STEM, Trends, Careers, Women in STEM
