On Saturday morning miles off the coast of Chile and 22 miles under the surface of the earth there was a shift in the plates that form the boundaries of our planet. This shift released some pent up energy, much like snapping a global size rubber band. That energy was felt as an earthquake in Chile.

Outside my home and classroom the birds are slowly starting to return. It is easier to see them against the backdrop of snow that still remains from the winter storms. The kids in your classroom will be anxious to turn their attention outside and birds are a perfect focus for a late winter science lesson.

Many times we insert a famous scientist into our curriculum to satisfy some state or district level requirement. The students learn about Einstein, Franklin, Galileo or maybe Marie Curie. However, there are thousands of others who had contributions that just might ignite a spark in some of our kids. I still cover the big 4 we mentioned but I also bring in some unique characters. John Dalton was a scientist who studied chemistry. He was actually the father of our modern atomic theory. But, he was also an avid bowler (who knew) and he kept a weather journal that helped form the basis of the weather forecasts for decades after he was gone.

It is winter and if you live in the Midwest or the east you are about ready for spring to melt the 3 feet of snow outside your door and watch the bulbs bloom.  But, the long term forecast you we may have to live with the snow for a bit longer. I know the kids are restless and recess is either canceled or held inside. Science, however can live both in and outside at this time of year.

The Olympics are here soon and the excitement in my classes is electric. How could I not capitalize on that enthusiasm? So, for this week’s blog it is all things scientific about the Olympics.

First, I love alpine skiing. There is a whole science about the wax and surfaces on the bottom side of the skis. Likewise, the alpine skiing folks also study different types of snow.

January is usually a time when people begin diets and try to work off the extra cookies and snacks they ate over the holidays. Students are interested because either they are looking more closely at their own nutrition or their parents are on diets. Healthy eating is always a good focus and in January you have every news report and major advertising campaign supporting your efforts.