It’s True – We’re Better Together!
Some of our Challenge Organizers, volunteers from all over the country who make the program possible, joined CEF staff in Alexandria, Virginia for the 2015 Organizer Conference earlier this week!
What’s New
September Supermoon!
Hold on to your telescopes: the upcoming lunar eclipse on September 27 will coincide with a supermoon, which is when the moon reaches its full phase at its closest approach to earth! This rare event is known as a “supermoon blood moon,” as the moon will appear larger than usual and reddish in color due to the eclipse.
Parents Want Hands-On STEM
The most recent Bayer Facts of Science Education Survey found that 85% of parents said they would support hands-on experiences in the classroom and at home, with the right resources.
Free Professional Development: Check!
Looking for hands-on teaching methods that encourage student-led science exploration? Our Essential Elements professional development workshops are perfect for educators in grades K-8 who are looking to improve their ability to lead students through hands-on science activities.
The Internet Heads Back to School
Are you always looking for the pockets of the internet that will engage, entertain, and excite science students of all ages? Edutopia’s got you covered, with their handy list of “Ten Websites for Science Teachers.”
Periodic Table in Your Pocket
Britain’s Royal Society of Chemistry has turned their interactive online periodic table into an smartphone and tablet app! Available for free, the app allows users to see elements in their natural state, learn about real-life applications, use an interactive slider to see how elements change state as temperature increases, or explore the discovery of the elements through history.
Watch: Project MC2
A new Netflix original series “features four brilliant, science-skilled girls who are recruited to join a top-secret spy organization.” Launched in conjunction with a set of dolls who love math and science – and come with their own experiment kits! – the three-episode show is aimed at ages 6-13, with the goal of proving that “smart is the new cool.”
Science + Baseball = Smiles All Around
We’ve been excited about this event for weeks – as the science education sponsor for the Charlotte Knights’ August 10 home game, Clariant wanted to engage young fans in hands-on exploration. They enlisted us to bring some crowd-pleasing science activities!
Next Generation Science What?
Developed by a collaboration of state representatives and based on a framework created by the National Research Council, the NGSS is not a curriculum – but it might be shaking up the way science is taught in states that adopt it.
Lights, Camera… 2015 National Challenge!
Whether you attended the 2015 National Challenge or followed the news and photos from afar, you can relive the excitement in our new highlights video!
