Science Sunday: Estimating the Heights of Very Tall Things

Today, we are going to explore how to measure really tall things (like trees or lampposts) without needing a ridiculously long ruler. Remember, these measurements are estimations, so they are not perfectly accurate, but they will give you a good idea about how tall something is.  Measuring with a triangle Take a piece of …

Take 10: COVID-19, A Teachable Moment?

During the 40 years I’ve spent as a classroom teacher I had my course curricula interrupted many times by weather events, disasters, and tragedy. Needless to say, nothing compares to what my former colleagues are facing during this World Pandemic, COVID-19. I know they are all working in overdrive to put together meaningful lessons that …

Archimedes the Mathematician

Like the number Pi, his influence lives on FOREVER π ≈ 3.14159265358979323846264338327950… Close your eyes.  Block out all of the noise around you.  You know the noise: social media, earbuds, TV, radio, telephone and more.  Now that you’ve quieted your mind, imagine an original idea and wonder if anyone else in all of civilization is …

A Few Pieces of Pi!

Pi Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. It ranks right up there with the Fourth of July and Christmas. It is a holiday that I often shared with my students.  Now that I am retired, I’ve decided to share a few Pieces of Pi with you.  In the past, my students would …

Women in Science Spotlight: Dr. Shelly M. Jones

As part of the Connecticut Science Center’s Women in Science Initiative, each month we will highlight local Connecticut women in a variety of science fields. This month’s Women in Science Spotlight features Dr. Shelly M. Jones, a Professor of Mathematics Education at Central Connecticut State University. She is the author of Women Who Count: Honoring …

Down to a Science Book Club

If you’ve spent many afternoons getting lost in a good book, it’s not hard to imagine how a compelling narrative can transport you to another world. When it comes to science, both non-fiction and science fiction books can inspire you, freeing your imagination to explore limitless scientific possibilities. Reading a great science book can even …