Discuss the Applications and Implications of Metal Foam
What responsibility, if any, do scientists and the public have to make sure new technologies are developed for the purpose of good? Have students discuss this issue by brainstorming possible uses for a new metal foam and then deciding who should address unintended uses of that technology.
Sampling and Estimation With Bountiful ‘Beetles’
In this activity, explore the science and the math behind sampling. Use your data to make predictions about the most common color in a population of candy beetles.
Protected Pitfall Traps
In this activity from the book “Outdoor Science Lab for Kids” by Liz Heinecke, learn to make a pitfall trap to safely capture and observe arthropods.
Twitter Polling and Sample Bias: A Case Study
As part of our #TakeASample Science Club, Science Friday asked its Twitter audience a few simple survey questions, and they answered by the thousands. But do the data mean anything?
Discussing the Impacts of Social Media Algorithms
Students use an excerpt of Science Friday as a springboard to discuss and write about algorithms used in social media and their impact on the user experience. Common Core aligned discussion and writing for grades 9-12.
Discussing What Can Be Done About Mass Extinction
After listening to E.O. Wilson talk about mass extinction, students discuss the problem and possible solutions. They then write a response to E.O. Wilson’s ‘Half-Earth’ proposal. Common Core aligned discussion and writing for grades 9-12.
Scientific Inquiry With Poetry
Explain and engage in scientific inquiry with this poem and investigation from The Poetry Friday Anthology for Science for Kids by Pomelo Books.
Design a Better Vortex Cannon
Build an air vortex cannon that shoots air across the room, then modify and test your design to make an air cannon that shoots even farther.
Live Online Discussion: Bringing Climate Science Into the Classroom
On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, Science Friday hosted a live online web panel to discuss challenges and approaches to teaching climate change science in the classroom. Led by passionate educators who are committed to best practices in climate education, this discussion provided strategies for bringing climate change data into the classroom.
How Do You Create Moral Robots?
As we move towards self-aware artificial intelligence, engage students in discussion and writing about teaching robots the difference between right and wrong.