This year's National Chemistry Week is going to be pretty sweet. In 2014, NCW's theme is all about candy and the role of chemistry in the confections industry. Yum! Here's a homemade gummy candy kit that I did with my Food Science team a while back. Homemade gummy candies, FTW Get a jump start on the week by finding a candy recipe at Instructables or go more upscale with these ideas from Saveur. ... [ Read More ]
Carnegie Science Center Disses Girls?
Last night my friend Sherry shared a photo from the Carnegie Science Center on Facebook. It was a picture first shared by Tishka Miller of a museum flyer noting the Center's workshops for Boy Scouts: Chemistry Engineering Astronomy Weather Scientist Robotics And Carnegie Science Center's workshops for Girl Scouts Science with a Sparkle "Egad!" I commented. And then I thought, maybe this is a photo from 2001 or something ... [ Read More ]
Back to School STEM: #STEMchat Recap
Thanks to our sponsor, Texas Instruments, we had one of the best STEMchats ever with more than 150 participants resulting in 12.8 million impressions! What a great discussion full of ideas and resources for STEM education for middle school students and beyond! I appreciate the help of panelists Kelly Kutach, Emily Calandrelli, Kris Cain, Leticia Barr, and Shelly Kramer for keeping the conversation moving and props to Brandie Langer for helping ... [ Read More ]
Back to School #STEMchat with Texas Instruments
It's back to school and back to STEM, as if we ever left it behind. On Tuesday, we'll be partnering once again with sponsor Texas Instruments to talk STEM inspiration! Join us on Twitter Sept. 16 from 9-10 PM Eastern. What's new with Texas Instruments? Or should I say, what is TI giving away to STEMchatters this year? The answer to both of those questions is the colorful new TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition! No worries if you've already ... [ Read More ]
Microbes: The Next Big Thing
I'm not kidding when I say that microbes are the next big thing. Barely a week goes by without some new report discussing our microbiomes, linking gut health with mental health or chronic illness. Take this piece from last week's Science Friday show (bonus you can listen to it; no eye strain required). That's why I'm excited about this: A book about microbes for young children. Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies, ... [ Read More ]
Abril Vela, Founder of Chicago Girls in Computing: It’s STEM Girl Friday!
Abril Vela is the founder of the non-profit organization Chicago Girls in Computing, which aims to support high school girls in the Chicagoland area who are interested in technology. A FIRST robotics alum, Microsoft Youthspark Star, and a 2013 Awardee of the National Award for Aspirations in Computing from the National Center for Women & Information Technology, she will be attending the University of Michigan for Computer Engineering in the ... [ Read More ]
Summer Science Fun for Kids
I'm heading out for a celebration with my Science Olympiad Entomology team. Did I tell you they placed 5th in the state? We're going kayaking and are sure to see several of our favorite insects while paddling around. Summer is a great time to celebrate nature and the wonder around us. In my latest post at Sylvan's Mom-Minded blog I shared several family-friendly science ideas that are perfect for summer. If you hold a Bugs' Life party, be sure to ... [ Read More ]