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The Great American Domino Effect Engineering Challenge

The Great American Domino Effect Engineering Challenge was a great success at the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington DC during the last week of April, 2012.

Renewable Sources Energy for Farmers in Developing Countries

Farmers in rural areas often do not have access to electricity via the power grid, or large-scale energy sources. These farmers usually gain power from burning wood or charcoal, contributing to pollution and deforestation. Nourishing the Planet is an organization that seeks to bring renewable resources to rural areas to promote sustainability, diversity, ecosystem health and productivity. Nourishing the Planet has worked to introduce five sources of energy to help meet the demands of poor farmers, allowing them to improve the quality of their work.

The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) is a non-profit organization that installs solar energy light systems in rural areas as well as a drip-irrigation system powered by photovoltaics, allowing farmers to grow crops throughout the dry season. Solar Household Energy (SHE) provides solar cookers called HotPots to help households cook without using wood burning ovens.

More information about renewable energy sources, and their many uses in these rural areas can be found at the source below.

Source:

http://allafrica.com/stories/201204170944.html

Interested in teaching your students more about energy? Check out SSR's Volume 41 DVD, episodes "Energy – Understanding Hydroelectric Power, Energy – Transforming Renewable Resources Part I & II". If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about energy via a SKYPE virtual classroom visit? E-mail [email protected]

Asteroid Mining

Space exploration has taken a new twist yet again. Start-up company Planetary Resources announced it is preparing to send unmanned spacecraft to earth-orbiting asteroids for mining. According to Planetary Resources, 1,500 asteroids are “energetically as easy to reach as the moon.” Planetary Resources claims asteroid mining would aid in the retrieval of valuable materials to bring to earth, such as platinum.

Planetary Resources is seeking government support to complement the financial backing already provided by investors. Planetary Resources hopes to send its space craft “Arkyd” into a low-Earth orbit, targeting mineable asteroids, in a few years’ time.

Source:

http://www.examiner.com/article/asteroid-mining-may-soon-become-next-stepping-stone

Interested in teaching your students more about space science? Check out SSR's Volume 41 DVD, episode "Space Science – Everyday Astronauts". If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about space science via a SKYPE virtual classroom visit? E-mail [email protected]

USA Science & Engineering Festival

Come visit SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT this weekend (April 27-29) at the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington DC. The festival will take place in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT will be presenting The Great American Domino Effect Engineering Challenge, at booth 1231. Individuals or teams will have 10 minutes to build the biggest, best domino structure, and test their pattern by knocking it over.

The 2nd annual USA Science & Engineering Festival is a free event, aimed at cultivating an interest in science and engineering for students of all ages and backgrounds. This is the nation’s biggest celebration of science and engineering. The festival will help provide inspiration for undecided students about their career path in the sciences.

Visit the website below to learn more about the 2nd Annual USA Science & Engineering Festival.

http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2012festival/finale-expo/2012-exhibits

Eagle Web-Cam

The Alcoa Davenport community in Iowa has installed a camera to observe a pair of bald eagles, and their nest. The nest measures seven feet and sits on a 400 acre facility in a tree near the Mississippi River. The two eagles, Liberty and Justice, became parents to an eaglet (Freedom) in April 2011.

The eagle cam was recently updated with improved video streaming. To date, more than five million viewers worldwide have visited the eagle cam to observe the eagle family developing within this unique ecosystem. Eagle hatchlings typically appear in late March or early April.

Meet the Alcoa Eaglets:

http://www.alcoa.com/locations/usa_davenport/en/info_page/eaglecam.asp

White Nose Syndrome in Alabama

Authorities have confirmed the presence of white-nose syndrome in the Russell Cave complex in Alabama. The Russell Cave is home to the largest hibernating population of the endangered Large Gray bat.

White-nose syndrome has now been confirmed in 17 states and four Canadian provinces. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that up to 6.7 million bats have died from white-nose syndrome since it was first discovered in the U.S. Northeast in 2006. Every year insectivorous bats save the U.S. agricultural industry at least $3 billion; approximately $74 per acre for the average farmer.

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/16/bats-white-nose-syndrome_n_1350306.html

Interested in teaching your students more about ecology? Check out SSR's Volume 41 DVD, episode Ecology – Bats: Creatures of the Night. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about ecology via a SKYPE virtual classroom visit? E-mail [email protected]

Bay Bridge Safety Inspection

A panel study has revealed that the new Bay Bridge is safe in response to concerns about the bridge's construction. The panel was asked to provide an independent opinion about the bay bridge's safety in light of discussions that a CalTrans inspector submitted fake quality control data.

The Toll Bridge Seismic Safety Peer Reviewed Panel released a report finding no evidence of faulty data on tests checking the structural integrity of concrete in the new Bay Bridge foundation. The panelists also found that the bridge contractor ran a second type of test and found no signs of trouble.

This study reveals the importance of ensuring that bridges undergo extreme inspection procedures to protect the drivers and pedestrians that cross the bridge on a daily basis. This review saved taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, and also ensured the safety of all who use the bridge.

Source:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_20260493/panel-finds-new-bay-bridge-is-safe-although

Interested in teaching your students more about engineering? Check out SSR's Volume 41 DVD, episode Engineering – Bridges by Design. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about engineering? E-mail [email protected]

White-nose Syndrome in Smoky Mountain National Park

Biologists in the great Smoky Mountains National Park have confirmed bat deaths due to White-nose Syndrome. The bats found were a tri-colored bat and a little brown bat. Throughout the WNS epidemic, the little brown bat has suffered the most deaths.

Though biologists were expecting to find WNS, the discovery makes for a very sad atmosphere at the park. Biologists hope to control deaths through continuous monitoring of populations throughout the area caves and forests.

Source:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/smokies-biologist-confirms-finding-bats-with-white-nose-syndrome-in-a-park-cave/2012/03/20/gIQAuFMoPS_story.html

Interested in teaching your students more about ecology? Check out SSR's Volume 41 DVD, episode Ecology – Bats: Creatures of the Night. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about ecology? E-mail [email protected]

Mississippi Bat Working Group Conservation

The Mississippi Bat Working Group is seeking volunteers to build bat homes in Oxford, MS. The MBWG consists of professionals interested in biology, conservation, ecology, and bat management. The MBWG's objective is to conserve declining bat populations, which are now being wiped out as a result of White Nose Syndrome.

MBWG is also seeking volunteers to help construct a database to register all bat houses. The goal of MBWG is to have more than one bat house per county, throughout the state. Mississippi has 82 counties.

Source:

http://www.necn.com/03/22/12/Bat-fans-seek-volunteers-to-construct-ba/landing_scitech.html?&apID=188de0c575fa41e68feba4710d6f3125

Interested in teaching your students more about ecology? Check out SSR's Vol 41 DVD, episode Ecology – Bats: Creatures of the Night. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about ecology? E-mail [email protected]

Alarming Study Reveals Environmental Concerns Declining

A 40 year study has found a decline in youths interested in environmental conservation. This study has concluded that younger Americans are less civic minded than those of generations past.

The results of the study contra indicate widespread belief that younger generations are more environmentally conscious. When surveyed, young voters often cite the environment as a top concern. According to researchers, 1/3 of baby boomers, when surveyed decades ago, listed the environment as a top concern. Comparatively only 25% of millennial's listed the environment as a top concern.

Furthermore 15% of millennials said they made no effort to help the environment. This is compared to 8% of Gen Xers, and 5% of young baby boomers who were surveyed.

Source:

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-03-15/news/31198596_1_millennials-baby-boomers-young-adults

Interested in teaching your students more about the environment? Check out SSR's Vol 41 DVD, episode Environment – Science for a Healthy Planet. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about the environment? E-mail [email protected]

New Circuit Board Measures Force

A new circuit board is expected to soon be released that is designed for OEMs to quickly drop into a prototype or to easily design into a product to obtain force measurements. The circuit board is designed to make the force sensor integration quicker and easier.

The new circuit board can detect and measure a relative change in force, or applied load, identify force thresholds and suggests appropriate action, detect contact. The new circuit board is expected to start selling at $150.

Source:

http://www.virtual-strategy.com/2012/03/19/new-circuit-board-tekscan-makes-force-sensor-integration-easier-oems

Interested in teaching your students more about electronics? Check out SSR's Vol 41 DVD, episode Electronics – The Science of Circuit Boards. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about electronics? E-mail [email protected]

White-nose Syndrome Found in Ohio

Naturalists are warning that bats in Northeast Ohio may be wiped out within three years time. The disease known as White-nose syndrome has spread to parts of Ohio. Currently 7,000,000 bats throughout the U.S., particularly in the Northeast, have died of White-nose syndrome.

The announcement was made after biologists discovered the presence of White- nose syndrome in bats hibernating in caves in the West Woods area of Russell and Newbury, Ohio. Currently there is no cure for White-nose syndrome, and the mortality rate is hundred percent.

Source:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/02/deadly_white-nose_syndrome_fou_1.html

Interested in teaching your students more about ecology? Check out SSR's Volume 41 DVD, episode Ecology – Bats: Creatures of the Night. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about ecology? E-mail [email protected]

Renewable Energy

Over the coming years renewable energy is expected to become quite popular throughout the world. However, across-the-board, many are facing the problem of harvesting renewable energy sources. Experts have outlined five elements to harvesting, and determining the necessary amount of renewable energy sources to meet future demands.

Nations primarily need to outline a method of generating renewable power that is in syncope with the natural resources available. For example, an area that does not have much wind should not aim to generate a wind farm and expect a high output of renewable energy. More information on this can be found at the link below, as well as more methods for generating renewable energy to meet the demands of future generations.

Source:

http://theenergycollective.com/michaelweinhold/79863/piece-still-under-construction

Interested in teaching your students more about energy? Check out SSR's Vol 41 DVD, episodes Energy – Understanding Hydroelectric Power, Energy – Transforming Renewable Resources Part I & II. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about energy? E-mail [email protected]

Stars Reach for the Stars

Ashton Kutcher became the 500th person to place a deposit with Virgin Galactic to take a visit into space. According to Richard Branson, Kutcher is “thrilled.” Kutcher is part of the growing list of celebrities that are getting in line to blast off with Virgin Galactic. According to reports by RedOrbit.com, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Katy Perry will be exploring space as well.

The flight will give astronaut tourists to an altitude of 68 miles into the atmosphere, where passengers will experience zero gravity for a few minutes. Tickets are $200,000, requiring a $20,000 deposit. Flights are expected to take off in 2013 or 2014.

Source:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/kutcher-puts-down-deposit-for-virgin-galactic-space-ride-becomes-ventures-500th-customer/2012/03/19/gIQAJiM6NS_story.html

http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/1112498659/ashton-kutcher-buys-500th-virgin-galactic-ticket/

Interested in teaching your students more about space science? Check out SSR's Vol 41 DVD, episode Space Science – Everyday Astronauts. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about space science? E-mail [email protected]

Gates Speaks on Energy

Bill Gates recently spoke at the Department of Energy’s Energy Innovation Summit, in Seattle, Washington. During his presentation, Gates addressed the matter of the US government’s funding to alternative energy research and development. His concern is that “funding for energy [research] in the US is underfunded by a factor of two.”

In 2010, the US government spent about $5 billion on energy research. On the other hand, the US government spent $30 billion for medical research, and over $80 billion for defense research and development. A continuation of underfunding will slow the development and progress of alternative energy growth in the US.

Source:

http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2012/02/bill-gates-on-insanity-and-energy.html?ref=em

Interested in teaching your students more about energy? Check out SSR's Vol 41 DVD, episodes Energy – Understanding Hydroelectric Power, Energy – Transforming Renewable Resources Part I & II. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about energy? E-mail [email protected]

#energy #wind power #wind turbines #science screen report

Virgin Galactic Test Flight

Virgin Galactic aims to conduct its first test flight by the end of 2012. The first commercial suborbital passenger flight is proposed to take place in 2013 or 2014.

Almost 500 customers have purchased tickets to ride into space on the six-passenger spaceship, SpaceShipTwo. Tickets cost $200,000. The spaceship reaches an altitude around 68 miles into our atmosphere. Passengers will experience a few minutes of zero gravity, and will be able to see Earth against the blackness of space.

Source:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/28/space-business-idUSL2E8DS0M920120228

Interested in teaching your students more about space science? Check out SSR's Vol 41 DVD, episode Space Science – Everyday Astronauts. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about space science? E-mail [email protected]

#space tourism #virgin galactic

3.5 Second Bridge Demolition

An 83 year old bridge over the Ohio River was quickly demolished this week. The Fort Steuben Bridge was closed in 2009 after the Ohio Department of Transportation declared it “functionally obsolete.”

The 1,255ft bridge was loaded with 153lbs of explosives, and was splashing down into the water below 3.5 seconds after detonation. A video, filmed by the ODOT, can be found at the link below.

http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-02-21/news/31081991_1_ohio-river-deadspin-transportation

Interested in teaching your students more about engineering? Check out SSR's Vol 41 DVD, episode Engineering – Bridges by Design. If your school would like to receive this free resource, visit http://www.ssrvideo.com/nhcmsp.html.

Interested in speaking to students about engineering? E-mail [email protected]

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