News articles and posts about astronomy and astronomy education
There are many science fiction novels--notably by Robert Heinlein and later by other "hard" science fiction writers-- which postulate rich people will invest in space technology to make it a commercial success. Interesting to see how that's turning out. I wonder if these men read such novels, and were inspired by them?
AP Wire | 11/25/2005 | New entry in orbital launch business ready for first flight
Even if we do establish a lunar base, you're going to have to be kind of paranoid about how clean you keep your suit. And no tromping in dirt from outside, young man!
NASA - Mesmerized by Moondust
Science Service and Intel are proud to announce that The Discovery Channel will broadcast Generation Genius, a documentary that follows seven remarkable students on their journey to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in 2005.
Please forward this announcement to family, friends, students, teachers and other fair participants who may also have an interest in science education and the Intel ISEF.
TUNE IN TO
GENERATION GENIUS
SATURDAY
DECEMBER 3 - 12 NOON e/p
ON THE
DISCOVERY CHANNEL
In addition, the Science Channel will broadcast the documentary on the following dates:
Monday, Dec 5 at 4PM /1PM Pacific
Sunday, Dec 11 at 7PM /4PM Pacific and 11PM/8PM Pacific
Saturday, Dec 17 at 9AM/6AM Pacific
Sunday, Dec 25 at 10PM/7PM Pacific, 1AM/10AM Pacific and 5AM/2AM Pacific
(Please be sure to check your local listings as listings are subject to change.)
Generation Genius: The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
More than 1400 finalists from 45 countries and territories gather in Phoenix, Arizona to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, the world's largest high school science and engineering competition. Millions of dollars in scholarships and prizes are at stake, but only a select few go home as winners of this elite competition.
"Generation Genius" follows seven of these remarkable students on their journey to ISEF and witnesses the hard work and determination it takes to make it to this prestigious event.
In Chillicothe, Missouri, inseparable friends Rhett Rhumery, John Thurmon and Lucas Gavin have built a scuba leg prosthesis for above-the-knee amputees. The three seniors competed in ISEF in 2004, but this year they are much more confident that their design will win a prize – and, they hope, even be patented.
In Herndon, Virginia, identical twins Rachel and Brittany Koffer are among the youngest competitors. They're just 14 and this is their first time away from home without their parents. Their project investigates whether the old twin is more dominant and competitive than the younger one.
In Denton, Texas, senior Courtney Rafes divides her time among school, horseback riding, and cheerleading. She still finds time for science and came up with a project that got her into Intel ISEF for the second year in a row: using ultrasound to pinpoint dangerous weaknesses or cracks in railroad tracks.
And in Charlotte, North Carolina, Alison Siler, a talented young singer and piano player, has spent much of her time in the past year doing research and looking for a new diet pill.
Over the course of one week, "Generation Genius" follows these finalists as they travel from their home states to Phoenix, Arizona, and navigate the Intel ISEF competition. As judgment day nears, their nerves are tested. They worry not only about their peers and the judges, but also about college scouts and corporate recruiters. For these students, future careers can be determined right there. The pressure to impress is high and at the end of their journey, we'll find out if one of the chosen few has what it takes to take home the grand prize or go home with the hope of winning next year's competition.
This site has comments about technology applications in the classroom. Take a look!
http://www.pluggedinteacher.com/
Design a Planet Completes NASA's Astro-Venture Web Site
http://astroventure.arc.nasa.gov
Grades 5-8 can now test their ability to design a planet that would be habitable to humans on the newly released Design a Planet module. Students can also study the habitability requirements of other living creatures in the newly released Biology Mission module, and teachers will find a wealth of standards-based, inquiry activities in the revised educator guides.� Astro-Venture is an interactive, multimedia Web site in which students role-play NASA careers, as they search for and design a planet that would be habitable to humans. After designing their planet, cla! ssrooms can submit their solutions and interact with astrobiologists through a one-hour NASA Quest Webcast on Nov. 17, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. PST.
NASA Quest
http://quest.nasa.gov
The most interesting thing about this technobabble-filled article is the fact that the word "exponential" is never mentioned, let alone explained. Any time you see the words "Coast to Coast," take heed.
WorldNetDaily: 'Hundreds of years' of oil available