So I decided to roll out a BIG interesting science topic to my students each Monday morning. We agreed that Monday mornings are kinda awful, just by the nature of the day and time, so I thought it might be a fun way to re-motivate us for a fun week of science. And it doesn't have to be chemistry related. High interest topics that will get my kids thinking and talking science and marveling at it, as I do on a daily basis! Today was the very first day, and I "launched" it by having students watch and then discuss this video. It is a couple of years old, and some of the info is already a little outdated, but it has a whole lot of good stuff in it as well! My students were busily working stoichiometry problems, but the vast majority were stopping to watch and were tuned in. Since my brother-in-law, Patrick Whipps, is intimately involved in the production of the "giant rockets" of the NASA SLS, it seemed only fitting! How amazing is it to think about the possibility of going to Mars IN MY LIFETIME?
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My mom got her degree in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska Omaha when my brother and I were kids and we had a pretty amazing childhood because of it! I got to meet Sally Ride; the University's science department and the Omaha Children's Museum were pretty much our playgrounds, and dry ice was as normal a find in our kitchen as milk (for the most part). And my dad has a degree in Biology so we were pretty lucky to have two parents who really encouraged and supported us in our love of science. While I did have the support at home, I felt extremely discouraged in my high school science classes and really struggled with it. I've always thought of myself as more of the liberal arts minded sort but I don't think it helped me at all to label myself, because in college I discovered Feminist Studies that encourages us to explore all fields of study and to examine the connections between them. My senior thesis was a combination of science, legal studies, political science, religion, etc. It was such an empowering experience to deconstruct and consider power dynamics within scientific epistemologies, and to look at the ways all of these studies intersect. I guess my point is that we shouldn't limit ourselves especially when it comes to our education. I was able to fall in love with science all over again because I didn't see it as this field "over there" that was too intimidating for me to understand. When I looked at it from another point of view - from a place that was less intimidating - it really inspired me again and I can totally see why my mother is so in love with it. More girls need to find that love for science and math and I'm hopeful that all the work educators are doing to promote women in STEM fields will really help us to reexamine our approach! Rock on, ladies! xo Jenavieve “We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but is somewhat beauty and poetry.” - Maria Mitchell I'm not really into the whole New Year's Resolution thing but if I were, I would've resolved to acquire & not kill more house plants! They're becoming quite popular what with all the fun ways to display them (thank you, Pinterest) but also because of the mental/physical benefits of keeping them in your home & workspace! Since I work from home, I'm always looking for good ideas as to how to create an inspiring + productive environment. House plants are an easy & stylish way to mix things up and really improve a space. I'm completely in love with these planters and they were super easy/cheap to make! Hope you all find this tutorial helpful! Email us or leave a comment with any questions! :) XO, Jenavieve Once you have your supplies, you're ready to begin! Tips: + Make sure you wear protective eye wear when using the drill! + Read the instructions for the sawtooth hangers + Select plants that can survive with the amount of light available in the room (ferns & succulents do well with indirect sunlight). + Measure twice, cut/drill once! And The Oatmeal...His love for Nikola Tesla is the best. Oh, and this: |
Julie and JenavieveA geeky mother and daughter working to bring science and art together. To get to know us better, check out our about page! Archives
January 2017
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