Blog
The sonic boom problem – Katerina Kaouri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO4_VHM69oI Objects that fly faster than the speed of sound (like really fast planes) create a shock wave accompanied by a thunder-like noise: the sonic boom. These epic sounds can cause distress to people and animals and even damage...
SciNews Feb 26
Stem cells, 3d printers, hadrons I have known, and Mars science mysteries - cool stories to share with your science students. This eclectic collection of current science news stories is brought to you by STAOBlog. SciNews is published every Monday and Thursday. Stay...
Exothermic Reactions
Overview Several components in a plastic bag are exposed to water. Upon mixing, a slow and steady evolution of heat occurs due to the oxidation of iron and reduction of oxygen in the presence of sodium chloride and calcium chloride catalysts. Curriculum Connection:...
Doppler Shift – An Astronomy Experiment
Purpose To discover the Doppler Shift. Materials • glass of water • 8 ½” x 11” black construction paper • flashlight Procedure Place the flashlight on one side of the glass of water and place the black construction paper on the opposite side. Have students make a...
SciNews Feb 23
Screen time and body clocks, e-cigarettes, a chem bond being born and a stellar happy face - what more could your science students want to get revved up about your class! This eclectic collection of current science news stories is brought to you by STAOBlog. SciNews...
Oh! My Aching Feet
...connecting force, area, and pressure? That’s some feat! Contributed by: Catherine Little Grade 8: Structures and Mechanisms Systems are designed to accomplish tasks. All systems include an input and an output. Inquiry Skills Used This activity uses scientific...
Sighting of Northern Saw-whet Owl
Imagine our excitement when a Northern Saw-whet owl was discovered near our school property! When my Environmental Science class examined the beautiful creature closely, we saw that it had been banded as part of a U.S. Government program. We reported it, using the...
Making a Baby With Three Parents – World Science Festival
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPAg50-ciZM&w=728&h=408] This week, British legislators in the House of Commons voted to enact laws that would make the U.K. the first country to allow the in vitro fertilization technique known as mitochondrial...
Chemist Axel Becke wins $1M Herzberg Medal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW89ED8iGuA A Nova Scotia researcher who helped make it practical to predict and explore the chemistry of complex molecules such as proteins using computers has won Canada's top science prize — a medal and $1 million. Read more ...
SciNews Feb 19
Beaver teeth, the hazard of soft drinks, black holes, smart windows and a Mars mystery - everything you need to get your students excited about science. SciNews is an eclectic mix of current science news stories with strong ties to the curriculum. SciNews is...
Safety Questions – Ductless Fume Hoods
The STAO Safety Committee frequently responds to questions that Ontario teachers pose regarding safety in their science facilities. Here is a sample: Question Are ductless fume hoods a good alternative to traditional fume hoods? Since the summer, we’ve been taking an...
Polaris Institute: Teaching Resources for Water Issues
An excellent water resource in both English and French has just been made available through Polaris Institute. It specifically addresses Grade 9 science, Grade 9 geography and Grade 10 civics curriculum expectations, but can be used for interactive activities across...