Disney does animal behavior

This year, Disney's Earth Day series tells the story of a young chimpanzee, Oscar. While the cinematography is of course breathtaking, the soundtrack perfect, and the narration spot on, particularly for the younger set, the movie is an excellent study in animal behavior. There is some fantastic science waiting to be observed during the hour long film. Locomotion, feeding strategies, social interactions are just some of the well documented aspects of the movie. I had the good fortune to watch the movie with a theater full of K-4th grade students. As with any inclusion of media, there was preparation before (How do chimpanzees get around or what form of locomotion do they use? knuckle-walking.) and wrap-up afterwards. (What types of foods do chimpanzees eat? nuts, fruit, leaves, meat) Other discussions about grooming and social interactions, family units, etc. were heard around the school, along with the sounds of boys pounding on trees and tables, just like the alpha male, Freddy. A worthy addition to a school library when it is released on video.

Music delight for the day

This is absolutely beautiful. Symphony of Science videos are downloadable from the project website.

World AIDS Day: Educate, support, prevent.

We spend considerable time during our ICORE: Emerging Pathogens program discussing the clinical and research aspects of HIV. Today marks World AIDS Day. TED has highlighted some jewels from their archives to mark this day. They offer varied perspectives on the current state of HIV/AIDS in the world today.

World AIDS Day: Educate, support, prevent.

Rock Stars of Science

Rock Stars of Science
Who knows? Maybe we will see one of our Bench to Bedside profs in this layout next year!

BSCS Field-Test Opportunity--Online Climate Science Module

I received an announcement from BSCS regarding a new module ready for field testing. Normally these are restricted to the teachers located close to Colorado, but this time, it is expanded to the entire country. There are different levels of participation and incentives.

BSCS announces a field-test opportunity for grade 9-12 science teachers

Scientific studies of land, atmosphere, oceans, and ice caps show that Earth's climate is changing. To understand these changes, BSCS, in conjunction with Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), is developing Carbon Connections, an online module to help students better understand the carbon cycle and the science of Earth's climate. The materials investigate carbon in past, present, and future contexts. The project, generously supported by NASA, consists of three interactive, internet-based units, combined with hands-on investigations.

The field test will take place April through June 2011, with an estimated teaching time of 3-4 weeks. Carbon Connections targets high school Biology (General, Honors, IB, or AP Biology) classes but would also be highly relevant for Earth Sciences or Environmental Sciences classes.

The goals of this three-unit module are to increase
• teacher and student understanding of the carbon cycle, systems-thinking, and climate science,
• understanding of photosynthesis and respiration in a global perspective,
• students' inquiry skills as they explore and interpret cutting-edge data from NASA and other scientists,
• student interest in science and careers in related STEM fields,
• student understanding of the vital role of NASA in monitoring Earth systems, and
• the ability of student-citizens to make decisions about contemporary issues in science.
Teachers and students are valuable, critical friends and help us design and improve programs like Carbon Connections. Teachers like you are key partners in the development process by helping us test what works in high school science classrooms—and what will benefit future teachers and students. Due to the online nature of the new materials, participating teachers will need computer and Internet access at school to complete most of the 15 lessons.

If you are a primary field-test teacher, you agree to attend a one-day field-test orientation in March 2011 (in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; or Orlando, Florida), teach the three units in Carbon Connections, complete brief surveys about the activities, and welcome project visitors to your classroom. You will receive a $500 stipend for your participation.

If you are a secondary field-test teacher, the materials will be available for you to test without attending the field-test orientations. Secondary teachers may choose to teach only 1 or 2 units, but still need to apply. Secondary field-test teachers give us valuable information about the usability of the materials for teachers who have not received professional development on the module.

The completed units will include video clips of teachers using select lessons. This is key support for future teachers using Carbon Connections. During the field test, an additional $500 per day is available for a subset of teachers who allow our team to visit and video their classroom while using the lessons.

If you are interested in field-testing Carbon Connections visit www.bscs.org/carbonconnections for additional information and to complete the application. The field-test application deadline is 17 December 2010. Applicants will be contacted about the field test in mid-January 2011.

If you have questions about the Carbon Connections field test, please contact BSCS Science Educator Steve Getty sgetty@bscs.org, 719.219.4148, or BSCS Science Educator Elaine Howes ehowes@bscs.org, 719.219.4163.

They Might Be Giants - Science is Real

Fun Monday science video

Biomarker for traumatic brain injury

Banyan Biomarkers is a UF Biotechnology Incubator success story. The small start up company has grown into a well-known and established company located in the Progress Park in Alachua. Researchers from their company spoke to our teachers regarding their work to identify biomarkers to indicate traumatic brain injury, allowing faster, more accurate diagnosis and therefore improved treatment and care. Their work has been in the news recently. There is a nice piece here that has many references and original source information.