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Nottingham, NH, United States
I'm a middle school science teacher at Nottingham and I love biology!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

What Color Eyes will your Children Have? | Understanding Genetics

What Color Eyes will your Children Have? | Understanding Genetics:  Try this genetics calculator to see the probability of the eye color of your future children!

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About Genetics | Understanding Genetics

About Genetics | Understanding Genetics:  The Tech Museum has a terrific website with all sorts of information to help you understand genetics.  There are videos, photos and helpful information to help you understand what makes you unique!

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Understanding Genetics

Understanding Genetics: "How are two headed snakes possible?

-A middle school student from California

February 5, 2009

Wow, there aren't just two-headed snakes, but two-headed sheep, pigs, cats, dogs, fish, and even people! With two separate heads (and two separate brains), how can they survive? Wouldn't the two heads fight with each other? And how would they control their body?"

Click on the Understanding Genetics link above to read the rest of the article.  It answers the question that was asked in class today about conjoined twins.

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How does someone get two different-colored eyes?: Scientific American

How does someone get two different-colored eyes?
Susan J. Gross, co-director of the Division of Reproductive Genetics at the Montefiore Medical Center and an associate professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, provides this explanation."  How does someone get two different-colored eyes?: Scientific American:

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Maths and Stats by Email | Different types of distance

Maths and Stats by Email | Different types of distance: "How does a fish measure distance?    
How far away is the other side of a hill? If you’re looking at a map, it might be a few kilometres. If you’re a fish, the straight line distance doesn’t mean very much. What matters is the distance along creeks and rivers. Two streams on opposite sides of a ridge might not connect for hundreds of kilometres, or in some cases, they never meet at all!
 "

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Monday, January 28, 2013

NASA - Image of the Day - Gallery

NASA - Image of the Day - Gallery: "Remembering the Challenger Crew
The NASA family lost seven of its own on the morning of Jan. 28, 1986, when a booster engine failed, causing the Shuttle Challenger to break apart just 73 seconds after launch. "

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Sunday, January 27, 2013

Cool Jobs: Crime scene investigators | Science News for Kids

Cool Jobs: Crime scene investigators | Science News for Kids: "TV shows such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Bones make forensics look exciting — and in many cases, using science and technology to investigate crime is exciting.

Some crime scenes come loaded with clues: fingerprints, bullet holes, blood spots and even a body or two. Others have almost none: Maybe just a small swath of an escapee’s clothing snagged on a fence, or a tiny scrape where a burglar jimmied a window. In still other cases, the clues can be so minuscule that they require a microscope to reveal."

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Twins don’t share everything | Science News for Kids

Twins don’t share everything | Science News for Kids: "It’s often difficult to tell identical twins apart. They can sound alike and look alike. It’s particularly confusing when they wear the same clothes. But scientists have now identified one way in which these twins always differ.

In a new study, biologists investigated the genes of newborn twins. They found that it’s here that young siblings begin to go their separate ways. The newly identified differences aren’t actually in the babies’ genes but in molecules attached to those genes. Those attachments can exert a large influence on a person’s life."

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Science Update: The Science Radio News Feature of the AAAS

Science Update: The Science Radio News Feature of the AAAS: " MEDICINE & MEMORY - Scientists have developed a test for Parkinson's disease. Also, drugs for the condition may have beneficial side effects. There's good news about cancer. And, researchers say babies start learning their native tongue before they're even born. Also: why grown-ups don't form long-term memories as well as kids do."



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The Scientific Method According to Monty Python


What do you think of the scientific reasoning in this video clip? https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/xythoswfs/webui/_xy-57765002_1-t_YR5ZuHZZ

Friday, January 25, 2013

Science By Email: Hot Rocks and Hot Chocolate

Science by Email | Hot rocks and Hot choc:  Read about geothermal springs - from Roman times to the present, humans have taken advantage of hot water that bubbles up from the earth.  Try an experiment that involves hot chocolate and marshmallows - perfect for a day like today!  You can also watch a video that shows what happens when you drop a watermelon on jelly - what happens to all that kinetic energy? 'via Blog this'

Cool Jobs: Delving into dung | Science News for Kids

Cool Jobs: Delving into dung | Science News for Kids:
What's a coprolite?  Would you believe it if I told you that it was fossilized poop? Or that you could get paid for studying fossilized poop?

 "Scientists like Jamie Wood are used to being teased about studying poop. “I’ve pretty much heard every single joke there is,” says Wood, who works at Landcare Research in Lincoln, New Zealand.

Poop wasn’t part of Wood’s original plan. As a child, he joined a nature club and became intrigued by the many unique animal and plant species in New Zealand. In college, he decided to be a paleontologist, someone who studies ancient plants and animals."  Read the entire article to learn more!

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

Shall I Encode Thee In DNA? Sonnets Stored On Double Helix : NPR

Shall I Encode Thee In DNA? Sonnets Stored On Double Helix : NPR:  Data storage is quite a problem - particularly if you are a large research facility storing huge data files.  Scientists have found a way to store data on DNA - listen to this remarkable story to find out more!

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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Neuroscience For Kids - free stuff

Neuroscience For Kids - free stuff: Posters, screensavers, all sorts of stuff!

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The Learning Zone: Mineral Games & Activities

The Learning Zone: Mineral Games & Activities:

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AMNH.tv

AMNH.tv:  For all you dinosaur fans out there, check out the AMNH video series "Dinosaurs Explained" and learn about how these animals lived, moved and behaved!

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Home | MIT + K12

Home | MIT + K12:  MIT experiment videos - check these out! Bridge Design (and Destruction), how to make a soap propelled boat, 2D equilibrium balancing games and more! Wow!!

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Media Gallery - STEM Flix™

Media Gallery - STEM Flix™:  Meet Science Bob and check out some science videos - like Fun with Microelectronics!

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Inside Life Science Series - National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Inside Life Science Series - National Institute of General Medical Sciences:  Read about some of the awesome research done at NIGMS, check out questions that other middle school students had, learn about the flu and more!

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Rocket Science 101

Rocket Science 101:  Thanks to NASA's new Rocket Science 101 site, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to build a rocket!  Check it out!

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Wonderopolis » Wonders

Wonderopolis » Wonders: What do YOU wonder about? Check out some cool wonders and add one of you own!
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Aviation & Space Careers

Aviation & Space Careers:  Do you dream of flying or leaving Earth's atmosphere? Then you may want to check out some of the careers at the FAA!
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Coaster Crafter

Coaster Crafter:  Like rollercoasters? Try your hand at building your own in Bruno's World!!

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Engineer Girl - Homepage

Engineer Girl - Homepage:  Check out careers, enter the essay contest and see what women in engineering have to say about their careers!

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Girls Intro Page - Aspire - Society of Women Engineers K-12 Educational Outreach

Girls Intro Page - Aspire - Society of Women Engineers K-12 Educational Outreach:

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Space Place apps for iPhone and iPad :: NASA's The Space Place

Space Place apps for iPhone and iPad :: NASA's The Space Place:  This is a great app for your phone or iPad! Content is updated daily by NASA!

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Material Blvd | NanoSpace!

Material Blvd | NanoSpace!:  Check out the nanospace molecularium themepark - you can learn about all sorts of microscopic items here!

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Molecules to the MAX!

Molecules to the MAX!:  new 3D movie - you can check out the trailer here!

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Frostbite Theater

Frostbite Theater:  Ever wondered about what you could do with liquid nitrogen? Check out some of these awesome experiments!

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Games and Puzzles- Jefferson Lab

Games and Puzzles: Bored? Jefferson Lab offers tons of math and science games - all free (you need a JavaScript enabled browser) - speed math, Top Quark, hangman, crosswords, Who Wants to be a Millionare? to name just a few!


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Student Zone - Jefferson Lab

Student Zone: Well, if you thought cells were small, visit the Jefferson Lab student zone to learn about atoms!


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Monday, January 21, 2013

Colors in Motion | Density science experiments, teaching & education tools: Educational Innovations

Colors in Motion | Density science experiments, teaching & education tools: Educational Innovations:
Hey Kids! You know the fun density column "toy" that I keep on my desk?  Some of you had asked where you could get one - this is the company I got mine from - they are $7.95 plus shipping and handling.  They have some neat stuff!

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Camouflaged Cuttlefish: Don't Mind Me; I'm Not Here : Krulwich Wonders... : NPR

Camouflaged Cuttlefish: Don't Mind Me; I'm Not Here : Krulwich Wonders... : NPR:  Wow! Cuttlefish are smart! How smart? See for yourself!

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Science Update: The Science Radio News Feature of the AAAS

Science Update: The Science Radio News Feature of the AAAS:  Why are hyenas anything but funny?
Can animals dance to a beat? Using sound to save the whales. And physical fitness worsens hearing, but estrogen improves it. Encore presentation from May 22, 2009.
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It's Legal For Some Insurers To Discriminate Based On Genes : Shots - Health News : NPR

It's Legal For Some Insurers To Discriminate Based On Genes : Shots - Health News : NPR:

Would you like to find out if you may be predisposed to health issues later in life? The Pandora's box of genetic testing - you may find out something that could help you live a healthier, longer life but you might also find that your insurance company won't cover your treatment.  Find out more here!

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Figuring How To Pay For (Chimp) Retirement : NPR

Figuring How To Pay For (Chimp) Retirement : NPR:  What happens to chimps after they are retired from being used in experiments? Learn about these retirement homes for retired chimps! They are moved into social groups of 10-12 and some are able to go outside for the first time in their lives.  Read the article online or listen to the story!

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Could Some Midwest Land Support New Biofuel Refineries? : NPR

Could Some Midwest Land Support New Biofuel Refineries? : NPR:
You can listen to the podcast or read the article here!
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Understanding Climate Change, With Help From Thoreau : NPR

Understanding Climate Change, With Help From Thoreau : NPR:  Listen to the podcast or read the story yourself!

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J-aRT Contest 2013 | JOIDES Resolution - Ocean Drilling Research Vessel

J-aRT Contest 2013 | JOIDES Resolution - Ocean Drilling Research Vessel:  Science and Art contest!!

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Science News for Kids

Science News for Kids:  You can sign up to get the latest science news emailed to you or just visit their site and browse some new science findings or learn about science and math careers!

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Secret signals | Science News for Kids

Secret signals | Science News for Kids:  Animals respond to chemical messages they may not even know they are swapping! Check out this article published 1/15/13 in Science News for Kids - there is a video of male squid fighting, too!

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National Geographic Education

National Geographic Education:  Explore outer space and a career in engineering with NASA, meet some of National Geographic's explorers and check out a neat try at home activity!

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Science Fair Project Ideas, Answers, & Tools

Science Fair Project Ideas, Answers, & Tools:  How to create a great display for your science fair project, project ideas and more!

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Science by Email | Bushfire season, Spinning balls

Science by Email | Bushfire season, Spinning balls:  In Australia's dry season, they face drought and bushfires - learn more here!  Also, learn about the physics of cricket and how to put spin on a ball!



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STEM Virtual Tour - Public Outreach - Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology

STEM Virtual Tour - Public Outreach - Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology:  Check out this virtual tour of Illinois State University!

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Nobelprize.org

Nobelprize.org:
 Watch the Unlocking the Secrets of our Cells video!


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Gray Seal Pupping Cam - Guardians of the Sea - explore

Gray Seal Pupping Cam - Guardians of the Sea - explore:  It is time for the mother gray seals to give birth! Check out this webcam to see the new pups!
This webcam is located on Seal Island, off the coast of Maine. Some of the babies are so fat they can hardly roll over!
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A New Look


Hi! I noticed that the load time of the blog was really slow, so I've set up some new pages for the videos that I'd posted - they took a long time to load. I'll post new videos in the column on the right, then after they've been up a few days, I'll move them to an archive page. Videos are sorted by category - look on the links on the right side of the page. You'll see different topics - Cells/DNA, Life Science (Plant, animal, fungi...)Fun Stuff - this is where I'll put videos like NASA Johnston Style. Thanks for checking in! Let me know what you think of the new look!

nsf.gov - Discoveries - US National Science Foundation (NSF)

nsf.gov - Discoveries - US National Science Foundation (NSF):  Have a few minutes to spare? Browse through some of the NSF's news videos to learn about some of the latest scientific discoveries!


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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Mitosis Rap


Mitosis Rap I is for Interphase – it’s step one. The step before mitosis has begun. P is for Prophase – it’s step two. The chromosomes double, dawg. That’s what they do. M is for Metaphase – it’s step three. The chromosomes line up as you can see. A is for Anaphase – it’s step four. As chromosomes pull away from the core. T is for Telophase – it’s step five, right. Two daughter cells are made and both are alike. A’ight? Break it down: Mitosis tells all my cells to divide. Each cell puts chromosomes to opposite sides. It makes daughter cells that are two of a kind, two of a kind.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

May the Best Plant Win! Experiment With Genetically Modified Seeds

May the Best Plant Win! Experiment With Genetically Modified Seeds: Here's a cool project that would be great for the Science Fair!

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Antibiotic Attack - Science NetLinks

Antibiotic Attack - Science NetLinks:
Hey! Can you save the patient? Finish up your homework, wash your hands and then see what you can do!
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Science on the Brain - What do yeast like to eat?

Science on the Brain - What do yeast like to eat?:  Check this out! If you were intrigued by the Cellular Respiration lab we did last week, you may want to design your own experiment to learn more.  This might be the start of a cool project.  A project that could be entered in the Science Fair... You see where I'm going with this, don't you?!

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A Touch of Class

A Touch of Class:  Here's a cool game for you to practice your classification skills!

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Nikon | Feel Nikon | Universcale

Nikon | Feel Nikon | Universcale:  Here's another really cool interactive website that helps you understand the scale of everything thing around you!

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Baruch's Biology Lab Safety Tutorial

Baruch's Biology Lab Safety Tutorial:  Are you up to date with all the lab safety practices that you need to know? Take this tutorial and find out!

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The Scale of the Universe 2

The Scale of the Universe 2: How small is a bacteria? How big is the universe? Find out here!

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Bill Nye the Science Guy

Bill Nye the Science Guy: Check out Bill's Official Website!  He's got a new Did You Know That question each week and all sorts of cool science info!

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Tutorial 7.1 Electron Transport and ATP Synthesis

Tutorial 7.1 Electron Transport and ATP Synthesis:
How does cellular respiration work?  Well, there is more to the story that what we learned in class!  We've talked a little bit about cellular respiration but you will be learning more about the process once you reach high school.  This is for those of you who had questions and wanted to know more now!
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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Mitosis: An Interactive Animation

Mitosis: An Interactive Animation: Mi- What?? Mitosis - cell division!  You've read about it in 2.3 of your text, now check out a short animation that shows you the steps!



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Maths and Stats by Email | Pop-up tents and curved origami

Maths and Stats by Email | Pop-up tents and curved origami:  Check out this edition of Math and Stats! Have you ever noticed the wiggly line on a tennis ball? A group of Belgian scientists was researching buckling and folding of ring shapes. They noticed that many bent rings, from those in pop-up tents to broken bicycle wheels, had similar shapes. They all looked a bit like a line on a tennis ball.  How come? Read this issue to find out and make your own cool curved origami!


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Friday, January 11, 2013

Science by Email | Heatwave, Sand castles

Science by Email | Heatwave, Sand castles:  In this issue of Science by Email, learn about some of the record breaking high temperatures we experienced in 2012, explore what a career in meteorology would entail and try a do it your self sand castle project!

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Tuesday, January 8, 2013

NHEE Newsletter

Are you interested in the Middle School Enviro-thon?  Learn more here!  This year's challenge focuses on sustainable agriculture!

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Monday, January 7, 2013

Energy Lab | NOVA Labs | PBS

Energy Lab | NOVA Labs | PBS:  While we are done with our energy unit, I thought some of you might enjoy this website - you can explore alternative energy sources and try out some virtual labs.  This might give you some ideas for the upcoming Nottingham Science Fair in March!

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NOVA | Decoding Neanderthals

NOVA | Decoding Neanderthals:  Check out PBS NOVA's links to learn about Neaderthals genetics and watch a three minute preview of their new film Decoding Neanderthals!

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Create A Graph

Create A Graph:

This is a quick and easy site to use to create simple graphs.  Give it a try!

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Saturday, January 5, 2013

Science Fair Project Websites


Here are some websites that have interesting project ideas and how to get started with a project: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/ http://www.sciencefair-projects.org/ http://www.sciencefairadventure.com/ http://chemistry.about.com/od/sciencefairprojects/Science_Fair_Projects.htm http://www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/ - a how to guide that will help with displaying results These websites have tons of project ideas. You don't have to spend a lot of money to learn something through a hands on project! Pick a topic that interests you and start exploring today!

Nottingham School Science Fair

Nottingham School Science Fair:  Have you picked a project yet? This year's science fair will be held Thursday, March 14th - which is also Pi day!  See me if you'd like some help choosing a project or you can look through the Science Buddies website - I'll post some links to help you get started! Stay tuned for more information.

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Science Update: The Science Radio News Feature of the AAAS

Science Update: The Science Radio News Feature of the AAAS: "OLD & NEW - Why we might be better tree climbers than we think, what ancient wells can tell us about Neolithic technology, and plants that sense pests. Also: exploring the growing link between fructose consumption and obesity."

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Friday, January 4, 2013

Science by Email | Striking gold, Bird nests

Science by Email | Striking gold, Bird nests:  How can you find gold? Believe it or not, termites may know the answer to this! Find out more and learn how to build your own bird nest in this issue of Science by Email!

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Exploring Nature Educational Resource: A Natural Science Resource for Students and Educators

Exploring Nature Educational Resource: A Natural Science Resource for Students and Educators:

If you are looking for life science resources, Exploring Nature has a wealth of beautifully illustrated materials available.  The website is easy to navigate and can be accessed by grade level.  Level 1 is geared towards K-2, Level 2 is for grades 3-6 and Level 3 is for grades 7+. There are movies, handouts, labeling pages, and worksheets available, as well as over 100 inquiry based science activities - linked to National Science Standards.

This is a great resource for students to use for research or just to learn some fun facts about the world around them, too!

Check it out today!





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Thursday, January 3, 2013

oneTesla: a DIY Singing Tesla Coil by oneTesla — Kickstarter

oneTesla: a DIY Singing Tesla Coil by oneTesla — Kickstarter:  Interested in learning about electricity? You can by a Singing Tesla Coil kit and build a very cool science project that plays music and shoots out two foot long sparks.  You'll need a parent with a credit card... even if you can't buy the kit, the video is worth checking out!

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Tagxedo Word Cloud


http://www.tagxedo.com/artful/ca34529a61dd41e9 After clicking the link, you can click on any of the words in the word cloud and google will search pages that match the word - try it to see how it works!

Cell Wordle Word Cloud


Wordle: cell

peter blaskovic | escape motions

peter blaskovic | escape motions:  So is your homework all done? Check out what you can do with this flame art!

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Many Eyes

Many Eyes: Check out this website- you can create or explore visualizations using data sets!


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