All articles tagged with #science education
A study by Byron Hyde suggests that honesty about scientific failures can decrease public trust, but the solution is not to lie; instead, improving public understanding of science's imperfect nature and normalizing mistakes can foster trust. Hyde emphasizes that overidealizing scientists leads to unrealistic expectations, and better science education is needed to address this issue.
Steven Rose, a neurobiologist and political activist known for his reductionist approach to memory and his critique of genetic determinism, has died at 87. He was influential in science education through the Open University and authored significant works challenging sociobiology, advocating for environmental and developmental influences on human behavior. Rose combined scientific research with passionate political activism, emphasizing the importance of democratic access to scientific knowledge.
Thomas Lin, the editor-in-chief of Quanta Magazine, reflects on his journey with the magazine, highlighting various achievements and collaborations over the years. He expresses gratitude to the team and announces his departure to build a science book imprint at the Simons Foundation. Lin emphasizes the magazine's commitment to public service and fostering a newsroom culture of journalistic integrity and open collaboration. He encourages submissions for popular science book proposals and expresses confidence in the exceptional team to continue Quanta's journalistic mission.
A new study led by Jon D. Miller from the University of Michigan reveals that the attitudes of Generation X Americans toward evolution evolved as they aged, with uncertainty in middle and high school solidifying into more defined beliefs as they entered adulthood. Factors such as education and fundamentalist religious beliefs strongly influenced acceptance or rejection of evolution. The study, published in the journal Public Understanding of Science, used data collected over 33 years from about 5,000 Generation X participants, shedding light on the development of attitudes toward evolution in the same individuals over formative decades.
The upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse presents a great opportunity to engage kids in space and science. To explain the solar eclipse to children, use simple terms and interactive models, show the eclipse path using NASA's map, make pinhole viewers, shop for safe eclipse glasses, and create sun prints. Emphasize the rarity of the event to get kids excited, as the next total solar eclipse visible in North America won't occur until 2044.
Schools in the path of April's total solar eclipse are preparing to use the event as a teaching opportunity, incorporating lessons in science, literacy, and culture. Some schools are organizing group viewings for students to experience the eclipse together, while others are rearranging the school day to remain in session and not miss out on the learning opportunity. Educators are using the eclipse as a "teachable moment" to engage students in science and inspire a love for learning, with activities ranging from crafts and games to outdoor viewings and literacy lessons.
An iPhone reportedly fell 16,000 feet from an Alaska Airlines flight and survived intact, sparking discussions about its resilience. Scientists explained that phone manufacturers' efforts to make devices stronger, along with the phone's crash landing location and the use of phone cases, likely contributed to its survival. The phone was found by a man and turned over to the National Transportation Safety Board. The physics of momentum and air resistance also played a role in the phone's survival, prompting discussions on how cell phones are aiding science education.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a weeklong high school curriculum that combines color chemistry and artificial intelligence (AI) to engage students in science. The curriculum involves using pH test strips and machine learning software to predict pH levels in various liquids. The student-trained AI model was found to be 5.5 times more accurate than visual interpretations. The curriculum not only improved students' understanding of chemistry and AI but also motivated them to learn and explore innovative solutions. The researchers believe this approach can be scaled up to include more students and teach other color chemistry concepts.
Linda Pistun, an 11-year-old aspiring astrophysicist, is on a mission to end world hunger and improve science education in public schools. She recently became a published author and is determined to change the world by teaching young girls science and pursuing her dreams of exploring Mars.
The Texas State Board of Education has approved new science textbooks but faced divisions over how to address climate change and fossil fuels. Some Republican board members criticized certain textbooks for being too negative towards fossil fuels in the state. The board voted to reject textbooks from one publisher that included a lesson on climate change, while other publishers were asked to make changes to content related to energy, fossil fuels, and evolution. The decision highlights ongoing curriculum battles in Texas, where the state's textbook choices can influence what students learn in other states.
Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a space scientist and science communicator, argues that science needs to be viewed through non-Western perspectives to avoid a blinkered view of the world. She believes that a lack of diversity in science may discourage young people from ethnic-minority backgrounds from studying the subject. However, the underrepresentation of black students in the sciences may be influenced by cultural beliefs and a shortage of math teachers. The article argues that forcing diversity in science may not address the underlying issues and that diversity should not be prioritized over the pursuit of accurate and reliable knowledge.
Astronomers are encouraging people to use a disco ball to safely view the upcoming partial "ring of fire" solar eclipse on October 14. By reflecting multiple identical eclipse images onto various surfaces, the disco ball provides an interesting and accessible tool for larger groups to observe the eclipse's progress. This method eliminates the risk of eye damage associated with directly staring at the sun and offers a unique way to engage schoolchildren and the general public in physics demonstrations.
Florida's Department of Education has approved the use of videos produced by the conservative advocacy group Prager University (PragerU) in public school classrooms. These videos, which education experts say distort science, history, and gender, could potentially be spread to classrooms in other states. PragerU CEO Marissa Streit claims that the videos will provide a "healthy balance" to counter what she perceives as left-leaning education. However, researchers warn that the videos present extreme ideas as common beliefs and could influence impressionable children. Critics argue that Florida's approval supports climate change-denial and undermines accurate climate science education. PragerU aims to develop a curriculum that can be expanded to other states, and more states are expected to approve PragerU content for classroom use.
Bill Nye, the Science Guy, believes that fusion energy is the ultimate gift for Earth Day, as it would provide clean, nearly limitless energy. In an exclusive interview, Nye discusses his latest TV series, "The End is Nye," which details how a multitude of planet-wrecking disasters could play out. He emphasizes the importance of having an evidence-based plan to protect against such disasters and elevate humanity, including investing in fusion energy to combat climate change and provide clean water for everyone on Earth.
A review of 109 studies involving over 11,000 participants by Dr. Daniel Sanabria Lucena, a professor at the University of Granada, found that there is no definitive evidence to support the claim that physical activity has a positive effect on brain performance. Sanabria's team discovered various problems with the studies' methodologies, leading them to conclude that the evidence for the supposed cognitive benefits of exercise is far from conclusive. Sanabria emphasizes the need for more science education and understanding of how science works, and warns against overlooking contextual factors in interpreting results.