Grant Funded Neuroscience!


By: Will Wharton, Backyard Brains

Looking to impress your grant providers with DIY neuroscience? With Backyard Brains kits, it’s easy!

Recently, biology teachers at Okemos High School (Ann Arbor, Michigan) requested and received grant funding to introduce several Human-Human-Interfaces into their classrooms. The results left their students stunned…

 

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The Magic of Spring, Seeds, and Science!


Priscilla Robinson, Educational Innovationsby Priscilla Robinson

Spring in the Pacific Northwest comes with a fanfare of germinating seeds, blossoming flowers, and budding trees. As a science educator, I like to jump on Mother Nature’s bandwagon to bring this burst of plant life into my classroom with a variety of biology experiments and activities. What your students see every day can bloom into teachable moments. These learning ideas will help you make the most out of the magic and science of spring.

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Join Our Elementary Science Club Today!


Tami O'Connor, Educational Innovationsby Tami G. O’Connor

As elementary school teachers, we aim to help our students become scientifically literate (among many other things).  But let’s face it:  too often we have limited time for science instruction during the school day.  Still, we know that kids just love science!  They’re always eager to learn more about the world around them, especially when they’re having fun while they’re learning.

But what can we do when our science teaching time is so limited in school?  How do you get students involved in scientific discovery outside the classroom?  Sure, you can give them homework, but many kids find simply reading about science unappealing.  You want your students to LOVE learning more about science… not dread it.

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Fossils and Dinosaurs Discussion Starters


Discussion Starters - Educational Innovations NewsletterIt’s easy to start a discussion about fossils and paleontology.  Just ask your students to name their favorite dinosaurs.  Almost everybody has a dino fave!

Depending upon the grade(s) you teach, your discussion may revolve around characteristics and classification of specific dinosaurs… the concept of extinction… or even the field of paleontology.  We’ve amassed a wealth of links and ideas that will help you get your class excited about learning more.  So… start digging!

If you have any ideas for new discussion starters on this topic, share with us in the comments section below, and be sure to browse our selection of fun and educational paleontology and life science experiments!

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Fossils and Dinosaurs TV


EI TV - Educational Innovations BlogAn astonishing amount of information can be learned from fossilized bones that are millions of years old, but what about the many questions that we can’t know for sure?  How fast did dinosaurs move?  Did any species have feathers?  Who picks the names of newly-discovered species?  We may not have any living specimens around to observe, but there are hundreds of excellent videos that share information about what dino life might have been like.

If you find a video that you’d like to share with us, please leave a comment!

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