Plastic Egg Genetics


Donna Giachetti, Educational Innovations

By Donna Giachetti

Never doubt our slogan, Teachers Serving Teachers®.  It’s the reason we come to work every day, and it’s certainly the reason for this blog.  On any given day, we actively search the Internet for nifty, new science gizmos, exciting new science discoveries, and as-yet-undiscovered (by us) teachers in the trenches of today’s classrooms.  We love exploring other teachers’ science blogs, videos, and lessons—and we send fan mail applauding their work more often than you might imagine. 

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Build an Artificial Hand


Donna Giachetti, Educational Innovations

by Donna Giachetti

Designing and building an artificial hand is a great science fair or classroom project.  It’s also a vivid, “hands-on” way to get your students thinking about how such robotic limbs are used in society and industry.  Whether your students work individually or in teams, this activity is a fantastic experience in creativity, problem solving, STEM, and engineering.  Plus, for some students, it may even lead to a future career inspiration!

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The Paper Balloon Paradox Mystery


Educational Innovations Blogby Nancy Foote

Two of my favorite things are bubbles and balloons.  I once had a part-time job delivering balloons.  How I loved that job!  I learned a lot about gas laws.  I found out balloons take up less volume in cold weather and expand in hot weather.  (Some of those lessons I learned the hard way.)  I gained plenty of insight into people… and tips… and, of course, balloons!

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Sound and Waves TV


Sound and Waves TV - Educational Innovations Blog

Most of us know what a sound is… but what’s the science behind it?  And what can you do with sound (besides listen to it)?  Plenty!  We’ve selected some fascinating videos that explore the science of sound and waves.  One of the most fascinating things about these videos is that they demonstrate how many unexpected ways we use sound—in our daily lives, in the lab, and beyond.

If you’ve enjoyed other videos on this topic, please share them with us!

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Sound and Waves Discussion Starters


Sound and Waves Discussion Starters - Educational Innovations NewsletterIf a tree falls in a forest and there’s no one to hear it, will it still make a sound?  This is an old question, but what’s the answer?  Sound can be a difficult concept to portray because the waves cannot easily be seen or touched.  What is sound, and why do we care about it?  There is plenty of vocabulary associated with sound waves, including frequency, amplitude, longitudinal waves, transverse waves… the list goes on.  So how do you introduce and teach this topic?  We scoured the Internet for great ideas.  Hope you enjoy them!

If you have other ideas or websites you’d like to share, please write to us in the Comments section below. Read the rest of this entry »