Science in Action

It seems every day I am asked by my four year old daughter some science question about a typical object that I have just taken for granted. The other day she asked me about why the stop glowed at night. Fortunately, I had just been given the answer by 3M for a project we did focusing on the science behind everyday items. The answer lies within the concept of retroreflectivity. Sound confusing? Here is a wonderfully simple little PowerPoint that will help you to better understand retroreflectivity and prepare you for the next some an inquiring young child asks you about a stop sign.

retroreflectivity.ppt

Learning magazine has honored Discovery Education with a 2008 Teachers’ Choice Award, recognizing Discovery Education Science as an exemplary product.  For the last decade, the Learning magazine Teachers’ Choice Awards have heralded the very best in classroom-tested, teacher-recommended products.  Each year the program’s nationwide panel of teacher-judges names the standouts in books, classroom supplies, educational games, software, Web sites, and more.  For more information about the awards program and the winners of the 14th Annual Teachers’ Choice Awards for the Classroom, visit www.theeducationcenter.com. 

It has been almost two weeks since we wrapped up the first ever Discovery Education Science Connection Summer Institute and I am still feeling the excitement of those four days in Valley Forge. 
We had a great group of educators from all over the country who made it a fun and funny time. 

Our special guest, Mr. Wizard IV, was a huge hit and we hope to do more with Jake in the future.  His presentation was very thought-provoking, inspiring and timely as a new school year begins for teachers across the country. 
It’s always a good thing to get adults to stick a balloon on their foreheads,
or see a smoke ring (or 30) travel through the dining hall, or even start a controlled fire for a great photo opp. 

Our STAR Discovery Educator bloggers will begin their regular posts in the coming month to show how off the creative ways they are implementing DESC in their schools. 
Many, many good things to come on the Science blog.  Stay tuned!

It’s not often that you get to learn about a new product from the person who created it, but that’s how today started with Bob Onsi (mastermind of Discovery Education Science Connection) giving a great overview of the content in Science Connection.  For those interested, below is the Curriculum Connection document Bob shared with us (PPT coming soon).

Download ScienceConnection_CurriculumCoverageMarch2007.pdf

After a morning full of DESC content, we ventured out for some field experience in Valley Forge National Park.  Lots of interesting connections to middle school science instruction plus we saw tons of deer as promised

This evening we covered some of the professional development resources you can use to get your colleagues excited about the program.  For a great kickoff, show the video below. 

Download science.wmv

The STAR DEs who will be leading this blog also had a chance to get together and discuss ideas for the coming school year.  Lots of great ideas and much more to come.  We’re all getting ready for the morning sessions and a much anticipated presentation from Steve "Jake" Jacobs.  Stay tuned.

Survey

Tonight the Discovery Education Science Connection Summer Institute commenced with educators from nine different states making the trek to Valley Forge, PA.  We spent the evening getting to know each other better and gearing up for DESC workshops in the morning. 

Here’s what a few attendees have to say so far:

Three undisclosed participants (mostly from Michigan) say, "The King of Prussia mall is awesome!"

STAR DE Janet Hallstrom is very excited about the agenda and loves the group that has gathered here. 

Ben Smith says, "It has been a fun group of people so far.  I am really excited about working with the Camden-touring GA crew."

Much more to come tomorrow!

Join us on August 15, 2007 in Valley Forge, PA for a special presentation by Steven "Jake" Jacobs.  In addition to being Mr. Wizard IV, Jake works as a science writer for the Mythbusters, judges the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, has worked extensively with Nickelodeon, and much, much more!

We’ll start the evening with dinner at 6 pm followed by an informative, entertaining and interactive presentation from Jake.  Feel free to invite your colleagues.  All the information can be found below.

Download desc_si_event.pdf

I spent the day in scenic Hagerstown, MD with a group of dedicated middle school teachers who were wrapping up a week of professional development.  After taking an exam this morning (a Physics exam no less), they jumped into Science Connection. 

Read their comments to see what they thought.

Just a quick reminder that if your school is interested
in taking us up on the special
STAR pricing for Discovery Education Science Connection, the deadline is
June 15, 2007.  If you want a run-through via webinar, have a special request or
just have some questions, contact me (lance_rougeux@discovery.com). 

We still have some space available at the DESC Summer
Institute (August 13-16, 2007), so if you decide to go with DESC I’ll find room
for you or a colleague at this exclusive professional development event.

I just got an email about Space Week on The Science Channel that included a link to some pretty cool resources you might be able to use in the classroom.  The Constellation interactive is definitely something to explore.  Check out the site.

Wow!  We have another great addition to tomorrow’s webinar that you and your
students will definitely love.  Allan Butler, Producer for The Science Channel,
will now be joined by astronaut Ken Reightler. 

Join
us tomorrow, May 4th at 1 PM (EST) for this really special webinar and make
sure to invite your colleagues as well.  Click
here to register.

About Ken
Ken is currently Vice
President and Program Manager for Lockheed Martin Space Operations in Houston,
Texas, a part of the Technology Services business area.  He is responsible for
the Science, Engineering, Analysis, and Test (SEAT) Operation which employs over
2000 employees in support of NASA at the Johnson Space Center, and other space
related customers.

Ken was commissioned as a naval officer in 1973.  Upon receiving his  "Wings
of Gold" in 1974, he began a series of diverse aviation assignments including
duty aboard aircraft carriers and flight testing.  In 1987, he was selected by
NASA for the astronaut program and began an eight-year assignment at the Johnson
Space Center.  He held a wide variety of technical assignments and participated
as pilot on two space shuttle flights.

Ken graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1973 with a BS in Aerospace
Engineering.  He earned an MS in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval
Postgraduate School in 1984.  In the same year, he also completed the
requirements for an MS in Systems Management from the University of Southern
California.

Please submit your questions to me (lance_rougeux@discovery.com) in
advance.