Archive for August 23rd, 2008
Interesting Magnetism Movie
Posted on: August 23, 2008
This is an interesting video I found somehow. I seem to be surfing a bit too much lately. Actually, I don’t surf, I Stumble! Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.
Anyway, this video uses animation of magnetic field lines to enhance live video. The result is so realistic I’m worried my students will think this is something we can see with the right kind of filter.
Take a look for yourself and give me some feedback.
http://www.semiconductorfilms.com/root/Magnetic_Movie/Magnetic.htm
PITSCO Catalog
Posted on: August 23, 2008
A friend of mine who teaches Middle School Technology gave me this catalog a couple of years ago. There is actually a series of catalogs for different areas. Their web site is a bit confusing, it seems they are a series of companies, all with the goal of improving technology and science education.
The “PITSCO Ideas and Solutions” catalog is a perfect fit for this web site. The catalog is organized into activities such as Robotics, Sustainable Energy, Physical Science, etc. Under each subheading is one or more activities. Under Physical Science, they have kits and materials for Mouse Trap Vehicles, Catapults, Trebuchet, and Egg Drop Vehicles.
I really like their ideas, and there are a lot of them, but they seem totally focused on Middle School. The materials are very expensive and can often be easily found for much less money. For instance, you may have read my post about building Hot-Air Balloons. They have a material kit that has enough tissue paper, glue sticks, etc to make 25 balloons for $99. I’m pretty sure you can do that for less than $20 with no difficulty. They have a propane burner launch station designed with safety in mind for $345. Don’t get me wrong, great stuff, just pricey.
You can find them on the web at www.shop-pitsco.com. I suggest you start by ordering a catalog.
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