Experimenting Science in the Classroom

NASA is now attempting to develop "soft robots" to explore other worlds. These soft robots does not have rigid pieces. They are flexible and able to develop to new and different environments. They are able to expand their range of motion and squeeze into tight areas if needed. This development however, is still in its early stages, but NASA scientists are continuing to develop and research how these soft robots are to be used in future space missions. The material of these robots are able to flex and relax, similar to the muscle of a human being. The scientists are currently investigating the following areas; mobility, joining, leveling and shaping.  Once they are able to overcome the hurdles in those four areas, they must find out one how to combine they together. NASA is continuing to research and develop these robotics and are planning to have their interns work over the summer and adjust to the feedback. Attached here is a video about the soft robotics: Lin

Space science includes space exploration and the study of space, also known as astronomy.  Astronomy is the study of the sun, moon, stars, etc. Often times, people associate astronomy with astrology. However, they are far different. As mentioned, Astronomy is the study of space. Astrology is the study of the positions, motions and properties of celestial objects and how they affect people and events. Astrology is no longer considered to be a science. Astronomy is one of the oldest scientists known to man. It dates as far back as the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and the Mayans.  While there was not the advanced technology that we have today, they were still able to observe space with their eyes. Galileo Galilei was one of the scientists who improved the technology of the telescope, allowing closer observations of the planets.  Isaac Newton explained the physics that made up our solar system and the reasoning for gravity. There are several fields of astronomy . They i

Weathering and Erosion are natural elements that occur on Earth. But what is the difference? Weather breaks down the rocks and minerals and turns it into the soil, meanwhile the erosion moves up the contents created by weathering. Weathering creates the mess and erosion cleans it up! There are two types of weathering; chemical and physical (mechanical).  Physical weathering  causes rock to crumble.  It can be caused by: abrasion-->  commonly caused by moving water and gravity temperature--> thermal stress (heat= expand; cold= contract) Chemical weathering changes the molecular structure of rocks and soil Ex: CO2 combines with H20 and creates carbonation; hydration; hydrolysis Can cause sinkholes or caves There is no rock strong enough to withstand the effects of weathering or erosion. Length of exposure contributes to how vulnerable a rock is to weathering Lava and rocks that are quickly buried beneath other rocks are less  vulnerable to weatherin

Below I have attached my Teaching Earth Science Scrapbook!  It includes several slides that have hyperlinks to articles relating to recent news in the field of astronomy as well as articles to introduce astronomy into the classroom! I plan on using this method in my class!

Earth science is the study of our earth, its resources and energy. This branch of science covers everything from the inner core of the earth all the way to the atmosphere. There are various fields of earth science such as Geology (rocks and minerals) Paleontology (fossils) meteorology (weather oceanography (ocean) Earth science is usually divided up into four different spheres: Atmosphere-  the air around the Earth in which is made up of different gasses. Protects the Earth from radiation Keeps the Earth warm Biosphere-  Where life occurs includes the biomes and ecosystems Hydrosphere-  The  areas covered by water Lakes, glaciers, oceans, ect Makes up 75% of the Earth Lithosphere-  Outer layer of the Earth Crust and Mantle made up of tectonic plates Rocks and Minerals Earth Science is important because it involves our daily life. It is the study of weather, climate, resources, etc. The use of Earth Science is critical in predicting weather and