Today’s Champion tree is in Monroe County Florida. It is the Wild Banyantree or Ficus citrifolia. The trunk circumference on this Wild Banyontree is 244 inches and it reaches a height of 42 feet! The crown spread is 83 feet!
Larvae stage of darkling beetle credit: wikimedia commons
Have you ever discovered a bag of cornmeal or a box of cereal that was shoved to the back of the pantry for long enough to forget, looked inside, and found it crawling with some sort of worm or beetle? Chances are this is the mealworm or darkling beetle. They are commonly found around any grain storage areas due to the larvae’s insatiable desire for vegetative remains and delicious grains. Good news though: if food is what you were after when you discovered them, they can be eaten too!
Pupa stage of darkling beetle credit: wikimedia commons
Let’s start from the beginning. The oldest known record of mealworms was found in archeological digs exploring bronze age Turkey. This means mealworms have been munching on our cereal for thousands of years! Though they originated in the Mediterranean region, due to colonization and trade, they can now be found just about anywhere on earth.
Final stage of darkling beetle credit: wikimedia commons
The lifecycle of this insect begins as an egg that is about 0.05 mm and oval shaped. After about 4-19 days, depending on temperature consistency, the eggs hatch. They prefer a temperature from 77-81 degrees. The female beetle lays about 70-100 eggs at a time. The newly emerged larvae are light orange or whitish and are about 3mm long; tiny! The baby larvae feed on vegetation and dead insects. They eat almost constantly and molt between each stage or instar. They go through about 9-20 instars through the duration of about 90-114 days. After the final molt when the larvae have reached the grand size of one inch it enters a pupate stage. The larvae will undergo a drastic change of physical features and attributes. The pupa is whitish and color and grow for about 3-30 days, once again depending upon temperature, they emerge as an adult darkling beetle!
The habitat of a darkling beetle in nature is dead grasses, leaf litter, decomposed organic matter, under old logs, and any other form of decomposing vegetation. Most often though they can be found near animal enclosures and food storage site including your pantry at times.
Noisy Miner with Mealworm credit: wikimedia commons
Uses for mealworm larvae include food for poultry, livestock, pigs, fish, reptile, pet birds, fish bait, and humans! They are packed with nutrients with every 100 grams of larvae raw having 206 calories and 14-25 grams of protein as well as potassium, copper, sodium, selenium, iron, and zinc. Compared to beef, mealworms are much more sustainable and occupy a much smaller amount of space. In May of 2017 Switzerland approved mealworms as a food and in 2021 they were approved by the European Union. Here in the U. S., there isn’t a specific regulation, and they can sometimes be found in novelty shops, or perhaps on sustainable homesteads if you search.
credit: wikimedia commons
For commercial or mass production, the space and energy required to raise mealworms is very little compared to livestock farms. You can raise them on oats, wheat, sliced potatoes, carrots, apples and just about any organic vegetative material.
Mealworms can also be used to recycle polystyrene! They can consume polystyrene at a rate of 34-39 mg per day. Specifically, the microorganism inside their gut is responsible for this action. They of course don’t prefer polystyrene and overall, it isn’t good for their long-term health, however it is possible and could be a source of recycling in the future
The possibilities of mealworm use may bring us closer to sustainability as we change towards mindsets and habits conducive to the preservation of the earth. You could easily set up your own mealworm operation to aid in supplementing your backyard chickens or ducks. All you need is a few plastic bins and a few mealworms and some grain to start the process. Even their “waste,” known as frass, can be used as a fertilizer. As we examine possibilities for a more sustainable the future, one thing is for sure: mealworms can teach us so much about ecological cycles. Incorporating these models in our lives as we approach sustainability is key.
Why do we want cookies or cake after a Meal? Is there something physiological that makes that happen? Max Planke, from the Florida Institute for Neuroscience, decided to find out. It was already known that there is a group of nerve cells, called the POMC neurons, that make us feel full after a meal. But what Planke discovered was that these same nerve cells are responsible for sugar cravings. After eating the sugar treat there is a release of opiate endorphins giving a satisfying feeling. When studying this process in mice it was discovered that the endorphin release happens just by anticipating the sugary treat! Scientists think understanding this process could help with obesity.
So, this explains what and why for dessert cravings but is there science in the dessert itself? Of course, there is because cooking is chemistry! Let’s bite into this by analyzing chocolate cake. To create the perfect moist soft chocolate cake the protein gluten in flour must be processed perfectly. When mixed with water the gluten is activating creating a web like structure that traps air bubbles. If you look at cake with a magnifying glass, you can see the results of those bubbles. When sugar and chocolate are added the sugar caramelizes adding flavor and texture. Then when butter or oil is added it inhibits the gluten formation. Once again, the amount of each ingredient is crucial to get the desired flavor and texture.
Between the ages of 2-4 children ask why repetitively. This is because the world around them has come into focus and they want to understand All Of It! That curiosity can be nourished by presence and wonder all through our lives. So, when you have a craving for that perfect chocolate cake after a wonderful meal, we know it’s because of the neurons in our stomachs and if you are curious why a chocolate cake from your grandma tastes best it is because she has repeated a recipe that is tried and true!
Indigenous Americans have contributed in the field of science in numerous ways. Here are just a few of the many indigenous scientists to highlight.
Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte (June 1865-Sep.1915) was one of the first indigenous people and first indigenous woman to earn a medical degree! She worked diligently on public health reforms such as school hygiene, food sanitation, and combat tuberculosis.
Dr. K. Tsianina Lomamawaima was born in 1955. She researched indigenous studies, anthropology, history, and political science. She is currently a professor at Arizona State University! She wrote the book They Called it Prairie Light: The Story of Chilocco Indian School in 1994.
Dr, Leroy Little Bear went to the University of Utah in 1975. He up until 1977 was a researcher at the University of Lethbridge where he is the founding member of the Native American Studies Department. He has received awards such as the Officer Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.
John Herrington, born 1958, served in the U. S, Navy and also was a mission specialist at NASA on the Endeavor space shuttle! He also did work in the Aquarius underwater laboratory simulating survival during extreme conditions.
Mary Golda Ross Aug 1908-April 2008) was an Aerospace Engineer who helped design planes and spacecraft. She was from the Cherokee Nation. She was a founding member of the Society of Women Engineers.
Feel free to follow any of the links below to learn more!
What is STEAM? STEAM stands for: • Science – Understanding natural phenomena and scientific principles. • Technology – Utilizing tools and resources to solve problems. • Engineering – Applying design and construction principles to create solutions. • Arts – Incorporating creativity and design thinking into projects. • Mathematics – Using quantitative reasoning and analytical skills.
Let’s dive into how each part of STEAM plays a role in the world with one powerful image: The STEAM engine! ________________________________________
Imagine a steam train chugging along the tracks. It’s powered by hot steam produced in a boiler, where water is heated by coal, wood, or natural gas. The pressure created in the boiler moves the pistons, which in turn gets the wheels turning. Now let’s look at how each component of STEAM is at work in the steam engine:
The steam engine demonstrates the understanding of physical and chemical reactions (e.g., heating water to create steam).
Science is the systematic study of natural phenomena through: • Observation – using senses to understand a subject • Questioning – asking “why” and “how” •Hypothesis – making predictions based on prior knowledge •Experimentation – testing predictions through trials •Analysis – drawing conclusions from data
Do scientists always stop at conclusions? Of course not! Repeatable experiments lead to more questions and deeper understanding. Technology From Hero of Alexandria’s early steam devices to modern trains, technology evolves over time. Like bricks building a taller house, each innovation builds on the last.
Technology isn’t just about computers. It’s the application of knowledge to solve real-world problems in every field, including: • Agriculture • Medicine • Transportation
Engineering The steam engine itself is an amazing example of mechanical engineering. The field of engineering applies scientific knowledge to design, build, and maintain systems. Engineering has many branches, including: • Civil Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Electrical Engineering • Chemical Engineering
Through collaboration and education, engineers refine and improve existing designs, pushing innovation forward.
Art Art may not seem like an obvious player in the evolution of the steam engine—but it’s absolutely essential! Art brings imagination to reality. Before anything is built, it’s imagined—drawn, modeled, or sculpted. Scientific illustrations have helped us understand: • Microorganisms • Plant structures (botany) • Insects (entomology)
Art has also: • Depicted future technology before it existed (Star Trek!) • Influenced the aesthetics and design of functional machines A drawing of an early steam engine could have been the first step in making it real.
Mathematics Math is often called the language of science. It can be: • Utilitarian – for everyday functions like budgeting or measuring • Theoretical – existing purely in the abstract, yet influencing real-world inventions Much like art, theoretical math often becomes practical. Inventions like the steam engine required: • Calculations of pressure • Mechanical measurements • Geometry in design ________________________________________ Conclusion: STEAM Powers Progress!
STEAM is more than just an acronym. It’s a framework for innovation, problem-solving, and creativity. Whether it’s a train moving across the tracks, a new invention, or a scientific discovery, each discipline works together to fuel progress. The steam engine is just one powerful example of how Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math come together to shape the world.
I suspect that almost everyone has a story of an amazing teacher who took the time to give them the extra support they needed in their life. Perhaps they still know that teacher today. Here are a few amazing teachers from around the world!
Maggie MacDonnell teaches in an Inuit community in Salluit. Salluit is a northern community in Quebec Canada. The area she works in has a high suicide rate, so she strives to bring hope to the community. She incorporates a project based on art and therapeutic methods. One project is called Student feeding Students where a group of students create a healthy snack for all the other students. Getting the students involved in the community helps with connection and gives a sense of purpose. A fellow teacher, Ian Cambell, said,” She is really an expert at having a more open learning environment.” Another project MacDonnell is involved in is The Runners project where students have somewhat of a running club. She says, “When you run by yourself you go fast! When you run with others can go far.” She also says the students she works with are the true northern lights.
Michael Wamaya from Kibera Kenya is a ballet teacher. Micheal had to drop out of school when he was young due to financial hardship. However, he had a chance audition with a visiting Kenya Performance group that set him on a path to live in Nairobi and learn dance! He now teaches ballet to children and he’s very good at it. One community member said, “If you take your kids to Mike there is some future in that kid.” One parent has noticed how her daughter is more focused and organized since being in Mike’s class. Mike believes ballet helps the children get their voice due to the confidence acquired through ballet training. Leonard Wawire, headmaster at valley View Academy, says that Mike has helped make education available to everyone in the area! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAufiNM3Aus
Salima Begum is from Pakistan. She received an education from a two-room private school with very little resources. That did not impede her love of learning! Salima says,” Education is abroad concept that teaches a child humility, harmony, and love for others.” Before Salima girls could not complete their education due to cultural roadblocks. Salima met with the community to create a solution for a way for girls to continue their education. One problem in the community was the accumulation of garbage and debris in the streets. By working with the students and allowing them to come up with creative solutions they began creating compost and then fertilizer from the waste. The classes are activity based. One student says, “’ Ma’ams classes are always fun and interesting, never boring, time flies by” Another says,” My parents brought me into the world, but my teacher has lifted me up and made me reach for the skies”
Tracy-Ann Hall is from Spanish Town Jamaica. She teaches automotive technology at Jonathan Grande High School. Most students are from the low-income bracket. Once they leave high school most students go directly to work. Once they have taken the automotive technology course they will be prepared to work for an established automotive business or begin one of their own. Hall acknowledges that there are students with different learning styles. She incorporates music in the class as well as field trips She has lunchtime instructions where they catch up on current affairs. She tries to prepare them with skills that will get them ahead in life. Daphne Clayton, the Chair of Governors, says “Here is a woman in a man’s world but knows exactly what she was doing!”
Marie-Christine Ghanbari Jahromi majored in mathematics and sports at the University of Munster. She received the Future leader award at Africa’s Go FPEP in 2014. She operates a collaborative sports project helping students build self-esteem. She teaches students that keeping fit strengthens bodies and minds. She works with refugee children in groups with the German students helping them learn different cultures and helps the refugee children integrate more easily into German society. This also makes it easier for them to learn faster.
Boya Yang is in Cumming China with a background in teaching as well as psychology. Both parents were teachers. She uses a technique where she incorporates games so that students will find it easier to participate. She also makes sure to give time to each student individually. She feels in general that China’s education system focusses too much on exams. She hopes to work with other teachers to explore the psychological aspect of learning. She incorporates art drama and music. If the kids seem interested in something she sees that as an opportunity to incorporate learning alongside that interest. She even incorporates parents in the learning process. They too have been learning a lot! Yang says she loves having the freedom to be innovative in her job!
There are many qualities that make a great teacher and from the examples here observation an innovation as well as focusing on each students learning style and needs plays a large part in being a successful and admired teacher. One exceptional teacher I remember is a Western Civilizations teacher in community college who was also head of the drama department. His classes were like one man shows where he acted out the history lesson with a powerful stage presence. It’s hard not to learn history when it is dramatized right before you!
The tree highlighted today is in Ware County GA. It is a Live Oak or as the botanists call it Quercus virginiana. The trunk circumference is massive at 440 inches and reaches a height of 78 feet! The crown spread is a majestic 161 feet!
Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova Tereshkova was born in Russia in 1937! She is an engineer and cosmonaut who orbited the earth 48 times in June of 1963. She was an amateur skydiver before joining the air force and was commissioned as an officer after training. She later became a cosmonaut instructor!
Sally Ride Ride was born in Los Angeles in 1951! She began working for Nasa in 1978. In college she did research on the interaction of X-rays with interstellar medium making her an excellent choice as mission specialist in 1983!
Helen Patricia Sharman Sharman was born in Britain in 1963! She was a chemist and a cosmonaut who spent time aboard the ISS in 1991 doing research. Before being an astronaut, she worked for the General Electric Company in London and worked as a chemist for the Mars chocolate bar company.
Roberta Bondar Bondar was born in 1945 in Ontario! She was head of international medicine research for the space station for ten years before becoming the payload specialist on a mission in 1992. She was also the first neurologist to go to space.
Mariam H. Fardous Fardous was born in Saidi Arabia in 1884! She is an epidemiologist, humanitarian (serving as Ambassador for African Impacts), scuba diver, and worked as a doctor. She later became a cosmonaut and flew aboard the Axiom Mission in 2023!
Trees are extremely important! We here at High Touch High Tech want to highlight trees and all the things they do! Have you heard of the heat island effect? This is where hot pavement and reflection from buildings increase temperature in urban areas. Trees help counteract this!
When we think of innovators many people may come to mind suck as Nikoli Tesla, Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. However, these popular innovators are simply the ones that have received the most “publicity”. Many more throughout history have been overlooked.
In Honor of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, we here at High Touch High Tech would like to honor a few Latinx Innovators! Dr. Ynes Mexia was a botanist from Mexico who started her career late in life at 51. She collected specimens of plants from N and S America. She discovered close to 500 new species! Many of them were named after her!
Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena was an electrical engineer born in 1917 in Guadalajara, Mexico. He was fascinated with electrical engineering at a young age, which fostered a talent for the field. He studied Electrical engineering in Mexica Cito at National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City. His passion led him to create a chromoscopic adaptar that could easily be added to black and white televisions and in 1940 a patent was filed! The first color image in Mexico was broadcast on Channel 5 with his invention! In 1979 during the Voyager mission his system helped convert images of Jupiter into color! Camarena was also a strong advocate of educational television.
Julio Palamaz of Argentina made advancements in angioplasty surgery! Working with Richard Schatz, a cardiologist, he parented an expandable stent to open heart arteries! He earned a place at the National Inventors Hall of Fame!
Maria Isabel Amorin is a chemist from Guatemala. She recognized the severe devastation caused by the fast fashion industry. Micro plastics and dyes were contributing to severe pollution in rivers. She designed a polymer filter to absorb the contaminating dyes. These filters are created from shrimp shells, which are a waste in the Guatemalan shrimping industry. What better way to utilize a “waste” into a product to eliminate pollution!
Dr Grisel Trujillo is a professor at the School of Engineering and Sciences at Tecnologico de Monterrey. Along with having a PhD in Biotechnology she invented a 3D printer that could print organs! This invention is patented and could save many lives as they wait for organ transplants!
There are many more contributions from Latinx innovators including Helen Gertrude Dominguez who contributed greatly to higher education, Ellen Ochoa who went on several space missions, Arturo Arias Suarez who designed earthquake sensing technology, and Albert Vinicio Baez who helped invent the X-ray reflection microscope! We here at Science Made Fun hope you get curious to discover more innovators! Please follow the links below to learn more!
