Fund Your Next HTHT Workshop With a Grant!!

Start the 2012-2013 school year off with excitement! There’s no better way to get students out of the “summer slump” and back on track than with High Touch High Tech! 

Looking for ways to fund your next High Touch High Tech workshop? Whether your looking to fund your next exciting elementary programs or upcoming senior science, the grants listed below are a fantastic resource for all educators!

August 2012

The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program assists with community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives. RTCA staff provide guidance to communities so they can conserve waterways, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways. Apply by August 1, 2012.

The American Honda Foundation awards grants of up to $75,000 to youth education programs focused on STEM and the environment. Apply by August 1, 2012.

The Expanding Capacity in Environmental Education (EECapacity) Project is announcing a call for applications for its second year of state consortia grants. Up to five new states can receive funding to develop capacity building and networking for environmental education and related practitioners. Applications due August 12, 2012.

These grants support nonprofit organizations, public schools and public service agencies that use volunteers to improve the physical health of their communities. Funds may be used for planting trees or community gardens, landscaping community facilities, or developing community parks or green spaces. Apply by August 13, 2012.

Patagonia seeks proposals from organizations working on the root causes of environmental problems and approaching issues with a commitment to long-term change. Most grants are in the range of $3,000 to $8,000. Applications are accepted year-round at Patagonia retail stores; otherwise, applications are due August 31, 2012.

The Gopher Turtle Council’s environmental education grant supports educators and organizations committed to developing educational projects about the gopher tortoise and the world in which it lives. Apply by August 31, 2012.

September 2012

The Ocean Project works with zoos, aquariums and museums around the world to advance ocean conservation. Grants are available to members of the Project’s network to develop a demonstration project that best integrates and tests the Project’s research findings and to enhance meaningful participation in conservation action by youth and/or minorities. Apply by September 1, 2012.

Educators who are fluent in Spanish and have at least three years teaching experience are invited to apply for a two-week summer educational seminar in Uruguay focused on sharing best practices and professional development. Apply by September 15, 2012.

The Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation invites K-12 teachers to apply for grants up to $1,500 to develop or implement environmental curricula that integrate hands-on ecology exercises into the classroom. One-page pre-proposals are due September 23, 2012.

If you are a college student with an idea for a project to benefit your community, you could win up to $1,000 for your venture from mtvU. Applicants must be at least 16 and be a part- or full-time student at an mtvU school to be eligible for a grant. Apply by September 30, 2012.

Sponsored by North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy® cooperatives, Bright Ideas education grants provide funding for hands-on classroom projects that fall outside normal funding parameters. Each year, about $600,000 is given out to teachers across the state by our state’s electric cooperatives.

The Kids in Need Foundation provides grants toward the purchase of supplies for students to participate in special classroom learning experiences. Approximately 200 to 300 grants ranging from $100 to $500 are awarded each year. Apply by September 30, 2012.

Project Learning Tree (PLT) GreenWorks! Grants in amounts up to $1,000 are available. Applicants must have attended a PLT workshop. Apply by September 30, 2012.

The Green Education Foundation is calling on schools and youth groups nationwide to plant 10,000 classroom and outdoor gardens. All participants have the opportunity to be awarded $5,000 in recognition of their garden project. Enter by September 30, 2012.

Through its Field Trip Grants program, Target will award U.S. educators grants of up to $700 each to fund a field trip for their students. Apply by September 30, 2012.

October 2012

The Herb Society of America is accepting applications for its Donald Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grant. Public and private school teachers of grades 3-6 with a minimum class size of 15 are eligible to apply. Apply by October 1, 2012.

The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant program awards grants ranging from $100 to $500 to schools, nature centers and other non-profit educational organizations to establish outdoor learning centers. Grant funds may only be used to purchase native plants and seeds. Apply by October 15, 2012.

Subaru Healthy Sprouts recognizes and supports youth gardening programs focused on the teaching of environment, nutrition and hunger issues in the U.S. To be eligible, your school or organization must plan to garden with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. Apply by October 31, 2012.

November 2012

The Southeast Environmental Education Alliance (SEEA) is partnering with the professional environmental education associations across the southeast to provide small grants in support of programs and projects that support and advance environmental education (EE) and environmental literacy in the region. Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on November 1, 2012.

This grant is awarded to schools that exhibit creativity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education of middle and high school students. Five schools (middle and high) will be awarded $1,000 each for creative projects dealing with STEM. Apply by November 16, 2012.

December 2012

The National Gardening Association will award 100 grants valued at either $500 or $1,000 to schools and community organizations with child-centered gardening programs. Apply by December 3, 2012.

March 2013

In partnership with Mantis, the National Gardening Association will select 25 gardens to receive a Mantis tiller/cultivator. Apply by March 7, 2013.

Ongoing

The Bank of America offers grants that support high-impact initiatives, organizations and the development of visionary leaders. Schools with farm-to-school programs may be eligible under the areas: (1) assisting with food access and/or (2) developing career leadership and skills. Requests for proposals are issued three times per year.

The LEGO Children’s Fund provides grants primarily in two focus areas: early childhood education and development that is directly related to creativity and technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities. Typical awards are between $500 and $5,000. Applications accepted four times a year.

The Bush Fellowship is an opportunity for individuals to increase their capacity for and improve their practice of leadership, while working with others to solve tough problems in their communities. Applications accepted three times per year.

Westinghouse provides grants to nonprofit programs that support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, environmental sustainability, and community vitality. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for programs located not more than 100 miles from a Westinghouse site. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed four times per year.

Costco Wholesale grants support programs focusing on children, education and health and human services. They look to achieve the greatest impact where Costco’s employees and members live and work. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, which meet their giving guidelines and focus areas, are considered. Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.

The current rate of funding for science proposals in the U.S. is about 20%. The #SciFund Challenge is an experiment – can scientists use crowdfunding to fund their research? It is also a way to get scientists to directly engage with the public. Crowdfunding forces scientists to build public interaction and outreach into their research from day one.

Campus Progress works with youth-led community and campus groups on various issues, including the environment. Young people can join an Action Alliance with Campus Progress by applying for an organizing grant of up to $1,500 a year to help with websites, fliers or anything else they might need. Organizing grant applications are accepted year round.

FundingFactory is a free program where schools, non-profits, and charities earn points that can be redeemed for cash or products by recycling their empty printer cartridges, cell phones, and other small electronics.

The Norcross Wildlife Foundation provides support to local grassroots organizations throughout the United States that work to protect wild land. Grants are available for public education and outreach materials. Grant applications are accepted throughout the year.

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) and Dreyer’s Fruit Bars are planting orchards across the country in a collaborative program called “Communities Take Root,” and your town could be next! They invite your community to apply for this exciting opportunity to grow fresh fruit, beautify neighborhoods, strengthen relationships and build community food security—all through the simple act of planting fruit trees.

“Fruit Tree 101” is a program that creates outdoor edible orchard classrooms at public schools of all levels, across the country, to provide generations of students with environmental education opportunities and a source of organic fruit for improved school lunch nutrition.

The EarthEcho Water Planet Challenge Grants of $2,000 are available to middle and high school public educators to support service-learning programs that improve the health of the planet. Applications are accepted three times per year: February 1, June 1 and October 15.

The Simply Organic 1% fund supports and promotes the growth of organic and sustainable agriculture. One percent of sales on all Simply Organic spices, seasonings, flavors and mixes goes to support organic agriculture — through research, education and grower development.

The Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation supports grassroots organizations and movements in the U.S. working to change environmental, social, economic and political conditions to bring about a more just, equitable and sustainable world. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

If your school has a Do Something Club that is working on social action projects in your community, you’re eligible to apply for a $250 Do Something Clubs Grant. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on the last day of every month.

Awesome Food, a chapter of the worldwide Awesome Foundation, is accepting grant applications to further food awesomeness in the universe. Applications are reviewed as they are received. One grant is awarded each month.

Need some funding for your crazy brilliant idea? The Awesome Foundation awards $1,000 grants every month. It couldn’t be simpler. Deadlines are rolling.

Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools is a grassroots public health effort to engage stakeholders at the local, state and national level to support salad bars in schools. The program’s goal is to fund and award 6,000 salad bars over the next three years. Any K-12 school district participating in the National School Lunch Program is eligible. Applications accepted throughout the year.

The International Paper Foundation supports non-profit organizations in communities where its employees live and work. Environmental education is one of the primary areas the Foundation supports. An online application process routes applications to the appropriate local facility for consideration. Contact the local facility for submission deadlines.

Public school teachers who register their classroom at the Adopt-a-Classroom website can be adopted by an individual, business or foundation. Once adopted, teachers will receive credit to purchase items that enrich the learning environment, including classroom technology.

Get “seed” money for your school! Two different fundraising programs for schools from Renee’s Garden and the Seed Savers Exchange.

Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas supports projects in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, environmental justice and environmental education. While proposals are accepted all year, ideal timing is during the first quarter of the calendar year.

Your school will receive credit for any type of ink or toner cartridges that are not visibly damaged. You may also receive credit for qualifying small electronics, such as cell phones and MP3 players.

The Cedar Tree Foundation makes grants in the following areas of concern: environmental education, environmental health and sustainable agriculture. Particular consideration is given to proposals demonstrating strong elements of environmental justice and/or conservation within the program areas listed above. Letters of inquiry accepted year-round.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private, family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, education, human services and other causes. Applications are open to any organization that meets the grant guidelines. Grants are awarded every June and December.

Through the Sip to Support a Garden program, schools and community gardens can earn year-round funding for their garden programs. Register your school or public community garden group with Jamba’s swipe card program and every time a supporter of your group uses the card at a participating Jamba Juice, your program gets 10% of the sales.

The RBC Blue Water Project is a 10-year, global commitment to help protect the world’s most precious natural resource: fresh water. The centerpiece of the project is a $50 million grant program that awards watershed protection grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Eligible schools may apply for up to $4,000 to help increase awareness of and access to nutrient-rich foods and physical activity opportunities for students. The grants can be used for a variety of activities, tools, materials, student and staff incentives, staff development, and overall Fuel Up to Play 60 program implementation. Applications accepted four times per year.

Youth Venture inspires and invests in teams of young people to design and launch their own lasting social ventures, enabling them to have a transformative experience of leading positive social change. When the team is ready to launch, Youth Venture offers seed funding up to $1,000, guidance, tools and support, and a supportive network of fellow Youth Venturers.

The Gannett Foundation supports local organizations in communities served by the Gannett Company (In NC, this includes Asheville and Greensboro). Priorities include education and neighborhood improvement, youth development, community problem-solving and environmental conservation. Applications considered twice a year: February 16 and August 17 (some areas may have earlier deadlines).

These grants support health, including food security and improved nutrition; environment, including water security, sustainable agriculture, and adaptive approaches to climate change; and education, including access to education and training for the underserved and women’s empowerment. Requests up to $100,000 are accepted year-round.

Young people age 25 and under who are working to start a community action project or program are eligible to apply for a $500 Do Something Seed Grant. One winner is chosen every week. No deadline.

The Office Depot Foundation awards grants to support activities that serve, teach and inspire children, youth and families, and to support civic organizations and activities that serve community needs. Grants range from $50 to $3,000. Applications are reviewed year-round.

Hi eenorthcarolina.org users! It’s our priviledge to provide this resource for you. Have you applied for, or even better, recieved a grant or contest that you learned about from this page? Please let us know about it. Just send a quick email toMarty.Wiggins@ncdenr.gov and let us know. This will help us better serve you!

The Verizon Foundation awards grants to K-12 schools to increase literacy and educational achievement levels. Proposals are considered from public and private elementary and secondary schools registered with the National Center for Education Statistics. Unsolicited proposals are reviewed on a continuous calendar year basis, from January 1 – October 31.

The ING Foundation awards grants of $2,500 to $100,000 and more to non-profit organizations. The Foundation focuses on financial literacy, children’s education, diversity and environmental sustainability. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly.

The Kinder Morgan Foundation supports nonprofit youth programs focused on education, the arts, and the environment. Grants range from $1,000-$5,000. Application deadlines are the 10th of every other month, beginning in January.

The MeadWestvaco Foundation seeks to provide leadership for advancing research, education and public dialogue on public policy issues of special interest, such as the economy, regulation and environmental stewardship. Proposals for grants are accepted throughout the year. Grants range from $250 to $10,000.

WaysToHelp.org invites teens in the U.S. to apply for grants to fund their community service ideas across any one of 16 issue areas, including the environment. Grant requests are reviewed and responded to on a monthly basis. Grants up to $500 are awarded.

The objective of the National Geographic Conservation Trust is to support conservation activities around the world as they fit within the mission of the National Geographic Society. The trust will fund projects that contribute significantly to the preservation and sustainable use of the Earth’s biological, cultural, and historical resources. While grant amounts vary greatly, most range from $15,000 to $20,000 each. Pre-applications accepted throughout the year, but should be submitted at least eight months prior to anticipated field dates.

Recognizing that healthy, thriving communities depend on involved citizens, organizations, and corporate partners for momentum, Waste Management lends its support and services to programs related to environmental education, the environment and the community. Applications accepted year-round.

Orchards are donated where the harvest will best serve communities for generations, such as community gardens, public schools and parks, low-income neighborhoods, Native American reservations, international hunger relief sites, and animal sanctuaries. Fruit Tree 101 grants for public schools only. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

The USDA has programs throughout its operations that can assist farmers, help consumers access nutritious foods, and support rural community development. This page lists several programs and grants to assist those involved in local food systems, food and nutrition-related community development and farm to school programs.

The Norcross Wildlife Foundation supports grassroots organizations in the U.S. working to protect wild land. Grants averaging $5,000 are provided primarily for program-related office and field equipment and public education and outreach materials. The Foundation also provides no-interest loans to acquire land prioritized for conservation. Applications may be submitted at any time.

The Wal-mart State Giving Program seeks to support organizations with programs that align with its mission to create opportunities so people can live better. The Foundation has four areas of focus: Education, Workforce Development / Economic Opportunity, Health & Wellness, and Environmental Sustainability. Minimum grants are $25,000. The submission deadlines are April 17 and September 18 each year.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inc. and the Toyota USA Foundation support programs in education, environment and safety. Applicant organizations must be tax-exempt. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Annie’s offers a limited number of small grants to community gardens, school gardens and other educational programs that connect children directly to gardening. Funds can be used to buy gardening tools, seeds or other supplies. Applications accepted throughout the year.

The Annenberg Foundation focuses its grantmaking on education and youth development; arts, culture, and humanities; civic and community; animal services and the environment; and health and human services. Letters of inquiry that address these interests are accepted throughout the year. The Foundation only considers organizations that are tax exempt.

Competitive grants are available to not-for-profit, grassroots organizations in the U.S. that facilitate progressive social change by addressing the underlying conditions of societal and environmental problems. Only proposals from grassroots, constituent-led organizations are considered. Letters of interest may be submitted at any time.

Project AWARE Foundation grants support conservation of marine and freshwater underwater environments, with a focus on coral reefs, shark protection, sustainable fisheries, ecotourism, shoreline cleanups, and aquatic education for children. Grants range up to $10,000. Application deadlines are March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15.

K-12 teachers who develop or apply science, math and technology may qualify for a grant of up to $200. Grants may be used for demonstration kits, science supplies, math and science software and other materials to help make science, math and technology come alive in the classroom. Grants considered on a quarterly basis: January, March, June and September.

GCA offers several research fellowships and scholarships for undergrads, grads and people already in the field. Topics include: ecological restoration, urban forestry, environmental studies, wetland studies, botany, desert studies and more.

Each business day, 4imprint gives a worthy organization $500 in promotional products to spread the word, recruit volunteers, thank donors, offer comfort to someone in need or in some other way turns one thing into something much more.

The ESMM Community Grants Program provides funding to local communities to implement strategies that advance the goals and objectives of Eat Smart, Move More…NC’s Plan.

Funding is awarded yearly, based on availability of funds. The RFA is generally released in May, with funding distributed to grant recipients in September.

Progress Energy will fund $50,000 in creative energy education projects in the North Carolina communities it serves this school year. Counties served by Progress Energy are eligible.

Young people ages 18-25 are eligible to apply for grants to pursue research, exploration, and conservation-related projects consistent with National Geographic’s existing grant programs, including the Committee for Research and Exploration, the Expeditions Council, and the Conservation Trust. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Environmental Education Centers may be eligible for a grant from The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). (Federal Agencies and for-profit institutions are not elegible.) The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development.

The Fund for Wild Nature provides “small grants to small groups who get things done.” The fund provides money for campaigns (including development of citizen science endeavors) to save and restore native species, biological diversity and wild ecosystems. Most grants awarded in the past ranged from $1,000-$3,000.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has initiated a small grants program in North Carolina and Virginia as part of its strategic plan to identify and cultivate its constituency, to build value with the supporting public, to create community awareness of the Parkway as an economic and quality of life resource, and to assist the Blue Ridge Parkway with the accomplishment of its goals.

Grants in amounts up to $500 will be awarded upon successful application from private agencies, schools, arts councils, and other not-for-profit organizations whose programs and projects support the mission of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Campus Ecology program is helping transform the nation’s college campuses into living models of an ecologically sustainable society, while training a new generation of environmental leaders. The program awards fellowships to undergraduate and graduate students who desire to help reverse global warming on campus and beyond. The maximum grant request is $3,000.

Digital Wish offers 43 different grants for digital camera hardware and software. To apply, register your classroom at Digital Wish and enter a lesson plan. All teachers who submit a lesson plan will be automatically entered to win a mobile digital camera lab, plus as many as 43 technology grants. Grants are awarded the 28th of every month.

Grants from Toshiba America Foundation fund projects, ideas and materials math and science teachers need to innovate in their classrooms, specifically projects designed by one teacher or a small team of teachers to use in their own school. There are two applications (K-5 and 6-12), each with its own due date.

The Captain Planet Foundation provides grants of up to $2,500 to school and community groups to support hands-on environmental projects. Applications are due three times per year: May 31, September 30 and December 31.

The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation supports public education, community improvement projects and home safety initiatives in the communities it serves. Primary philanthropic areas are community improvement projects and public education (priority is given to K-12 public schools). Grants generally range from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Pay it Forward Foundation offers minigrants (from $50 to $500) to fund service-oriented projects designed by youth to support their school, neighborhood, or greater community. Deadlines are January 15, April 15 and October 15.

August E-News: Mother Nature’s Olympians Crowned!

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games have officially begun and five days in, the athletes are well on their way to captivating the world with their super-human abilities. Watching these athletes in action, vying for gold can be mesmerizing to those of us sitting at home. The Olympics are a time to celebrate the world’s fastest and strongest humans in the world – the best of the best. But we wondered, how would record-breaking runners, such as the fastest man in the world Usain Bolt, fare against the wilder side of the animal kingdom?

These Olympians of the natural world could easily make humans look somewhat unimpressive when compared to their strength, speed, agility and endurance used daily as a matter of survival. In honor of the Summer Games, we thought we would shake things up a bit and highlight some spectacular “Animal Olympians” with gold medal-worthy abilities. 

Track & Field

High-Jump Stars

The High-Jump champion of the animal world may just be the spittle bug. This insect is only as long as a pencil eraser but it can jump 115 times higher than its body length, while the record for humans is just a little over 8 feet. That’s about 1.25 times the height of the record-holder,Cuba’s Javier Sotomayor.  In comparison, the spittle bugs jump would be the equivalent of a person leaping over a 70-story skyscraper!!

Long Jump

 

Tiny crustaceans called copepods were recently named the world’s best animal jumpers. They leap with greater muscle power than kangaroos, frogs and all other impressive animal jumpers. copepods can accelerate to 500 body lengths per second when they perform an escape jump away from countless underwater predators. VIDEO: See a copepod perform its medaling jumps!

Sprinting

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is credited as the fastest human, with a top running speed of 27.79 mph. In the animal kingdom, the cheetah can bolt at speeds over 70 miles per hour or more for short bursts, making them the world’s fastest land animals. But even that doesn’t always ensure this big cat gets a meal. The gazelles and other small antelope that are the cheetah’s main prey are not as fast as the cat, but they have greater endurance and agility in a high-speed chase and often escape the spotted speedster.

Also on the podium would be the pronghorn antelope and the world’s fastest bird, the Ostrich. Both of these animals are strong medal contenders for any running events with the pronghorn pulling out at 55mph followed by the ostrich clocking in at an amazing 40mph.

In The Pool – Amazing Aquatics

400 Meter Freestyle

 

In the pool, both Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps may have some competition when it comes to the incredible sailfish. This fish shoots through the water reaching a swimming speed of 67mph! Their high speed would allow them to zip through any Olympics swimming event with ease!  

VIDEO: Watch Sailfish in Action in this LIFE clip.

Fish, sharks and marine mammals are such talented swimmers that Olympic athletes study their movements and wear swim suits modeled after their body structures. Dall porpoises can swim up to 35 miles per hour, making them the fastest water-dwelling mammals, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Russell Mark, USA Swimming’s director of biomechanics, stated that the dolphin/porpoise-style kick can make or break most human swimming races. “This is when swimmers push off walls and swim underwater without moving their arms,” he explained.

Relay Swimming

 

The killer whale or orca can swim up to 30 mph, however, it usually cruises at much slower speeds, between 2 to 6mph. The best contender for relay swimming would be the gentoo penguin. This bird may not be able to fly in the air like other birds, but it makes up for its flaws by flying through the water. With wings that work as paddles, this penguin is shaped for swimming reaching speeds up to 15mph – three times faster than humans!  

Diving

 

The beaked whale, actually more closely related to dolphins than whales, can dive deeper in the ocean than any other animal. Heading down to depths of 6,230 feet, that’s over a mile deep, it can then hold its breath for 85 minutes before resurfacing for air. Their breathing and blood-circulation systems are made for this, since they have much more oxygen in their muscles than we do and they can send more oxygen through their blood to their brains and hearts. 

Weight Lifting

Even Olympic weightlifters would have to contend with some fierce competition from the wild side.  The heaviest individual weight lifted by a human in an Olympic competition was 580.9 pounds, a record set by Iran’s Hossein Rezazadeh. Weighing in at 340 pounds, Rezazadeh falls short of lifting an object with a mass twice his own weight. It’s hard to believe that his efforts would fall short of a medal when up against a beetle. That’s right, an insect, could, pound for pound, blow away all other human and animal contenders.  The Rhinoceros Beetle can lift up to 850 times their own weight!  Battling it out for the Silver & Bronze would be the African Elephant and the African Gorilla.

VIDEO: Watch a Rhino Beetle Put to the Test

Gymnastics


The African Bush Baby is a tiny primate and lives in the treetops. It has incredible gymnastic abilities. As it prowls the tropical forests at night looking for fruits and insects to devour, bush babies can make leaps of 20 feet or more, which is many times their own body length. They are great jumpers and acrobats too as they move in complete silence and can see in almost absolute darkness with the help of their huge eyes.

Animal Olympians are much like human Olympians – there is something about them that makes them stand out from the rest. Some of them run, swim or fly faster than other animals. Others can jump higher, dive deeper, or lift more. A few are Olympians because they live the longest, grow the tallest, weigh the most, or are simply the strongest. What animal would you nominate for an Olympic medal?

If you want to learn more and are ready for some Olympic sized fun, check out the full list of Animal Olympians here.

Discover more FUN about Animal Olympians with a few fun facts & try your hand at some Olympic Sized trivia!  

Science Goes for Gold with New NBC Series: The Science of the Olympics!

science of olympics

Tomorrow the quest for Olympic Gold begins as the best athletes in the world gather in London to battle it out for their chance of athletic glory. If all goes well, the organization and technology that runs the event will be seamlessly invisible, allowing fans both at the event and at home to follow every step, every run and every jump.

But for those who like to know about the behind-the-scenes technology, NBC has posted a 10-part series that delves into the mechanics of London 2012. The National Science Foundation has collaborated with NBC for this incredible series ‘Science of the Summer Olympics’ which delves into a variety of different parts of the Olympics, from the biomechanics of the athletes, to the dedicated effort that goes into making the split-second timers.

The NSF’s assistant director for engineering Thomas Peterson said: ‘The work of engineers not only affects Olympic sports, it also helps us perform ordinary activities in better ways. ‘This series will illustrate how engineers can impact both sports and society, and we hope it will inspire young people to pursue engineering. Some of the questions explored in the series include:

  • How does swimmer Missy Franklin use the principles of fluid dynamics to move more quickly through water?
  • What are the unique biomechanics that have helped make sprinter Usain Bolt the world’s fastest human?
  • What does weightlifter Sarah Robles have in common with a high-tech robot?
  • How do engineers build faster pools, stronger safety helmets, and specialized wheelchairs for disabled athletes?

Each video segment will be available to NBC affiliate stations, and for free on the Web accompanied by an engineering-focused lesson plan for middle- and high-school teachers developed by the National Science Teachers Association.

‘The Olympic Games are a time when the world gathers to watch the best athletes compete for gold, and with this new video series, people can see and learn exactly what it takes to reach the top,’ said Soraya Gage, executive producer of NBC Learn. ‘We’re thrilled to continue this successful partnership with NSF and NBC Sports, to provide students and teachers with engaging content that makes learning about engineering both relevant and fun.’

The first episode is available below, and the rest of the five-minute films are available here.

Learn More About The Science of the Olympics at NSF.gov

Happy Birthday Amelia Earhart!

Amelia Earhart is honored by Google with a birthday Doodle.

One of the world’s most famous pilots, Amelia Earhart was one of the first female pilots who sought to break endurance records and prove women pilots were just as tough and capable as the men. In 1937 she took off from Papua New Guinea in an attempt to circumnavigate the globe by following the equator.  She disappeared then, and her body was never recovered. However, she was still an important figure in aviation, perhaps more so than any living pilot might have been. And now, Amelia Earhart has found herself on a Google Doodle.

Earhart was born July 24, 1897, in Kansas, but didn’t take her first flight until 1920 in Long Beach, California. Earhart was instantly smitten with flight and dedicated herself to her new career; within two years, she was breaking aviation records and by 1927, she flew across the Atlantic.

The Google Doodle shows Earhart climbing into a Lockheed Vega 5b, the plane that made her famous. She joins artistsauthorsmusicians, and scientists in the pantheon of people who have gotten their own Google tributes.

Pluto Gets A Fifth Moon!

 

Once upon a time, there were nine planets in the solar system.  Then astronomers decided to remove Pluto from the equation, describing the smallest and most distant planet in the solar system as something more like a moon and less like an actual planet.  Well, scientists are taking a second look at the lone planet, because Pluto seems to have more secrets than we’ve given it credit for.  The Hubble Space Telescope has discovered a fifth moon orbiting around Pluto.

“The moons form a series of neatly nested orbits, a bit like Russian dolls,” said Mark Showalter, the leader of the SETI Institute team that found the images of the fifth moon.  ”This is a very tidy system, and what that means is, it’s an orbitally evolved system.  Literally there are shells where the orbits are stable.”

The moon, which hasn’t been named yet, was given the provisional name S/2012 (134340) 1, which has been shortened to P5.  Pluto already has four moons:  Charon, Hydra, Nix, and the unnamed P4.  Scientists are holding off naming the fourth and fifth moons of Pluto due to the upcoming New Horizons space probe mission, which has the potential to discover even more moons for Pluto.  After all, while the Hubble can see far away, there’s no better vantage point than getting nice and close.

Scoop in Some FUN – July is National Ice Cream Month!

Ahhh, ice cream. A rite of summer. Whether a simple cone, a sundae or a huge banana split- ice cream is the indulgence of choice for families across America. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday as National Ice Cream Day. The President recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that’s enjoyed by 90% of the nation’s population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of theUnited States to observe these events with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”  

According to the International Dairy Foods Association, the evolution of ice cream began as early as the 4th century B.C. Historians have found records of Roman emperor Nero ordering ice with fruit on it. King Tang of China was the first to experiment with different methods of mixing ice & milk.  Ice cream started in China, and was then brought back to Europe and last but not least America. History books note that some of the greats to enjoy the frosty treat included Alexander the Great, Solomon, Caesar and even Marco Polo. 

Ice Cream remained a treat for the wealthy until 1851, when Jacob Fussell of Baltimore realized the best way to avoid wasting cream was to freeze the excess. Ian Harrison said in The Book of Firsts, that Fussell’s iced cream was so popular he set up a factory. On June 15, 1851 he made the first delivery of mass produced ice cream, at a third of the price of his competitors.

Ice cream is similar to hot dogs, everyone has their own accessory or add-on to make it perfect for their palate. Think about all the stuff you can buy that is made to put on your ice cream. You have ice cream cones, bowls, flavored syrups, sprinkles, nuts, caramel, marshmallows, and the list could go on and on.  

In 1896, the first ice-cream cone was made by an Italian-American named Marcioni, but the idea was not all the rage until the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Other ice cream treats were soon to follow. After an American confectioner watched a boy agonize over which treat he wanted, chocolate or vanilla ice cream, he began to experiment and launched the first Eskimo Pie when he combined the two in 1921. 

An ice-cream seller in Wisconsin always ran low of goods on Sunday, so he served smaller portions and added chocolate sauce or fruit syrup to compensate. The idea became so popular that customers began asking for the “Sunday ice cream” during the week. The Popsicle was also a mishap. An American lemonade salesman left a glass of lemonade with a spoon in it on a cold windowsill overnight. By morning the drink had frozen. When he tried removing it, he was holding the world’s first Popsicle.

The history of ice cream is closely associated with the scientific developments that took place from the 17th century on. As the fields of chemistry and refrigeration techniques expanded, so did ice cream.  One of these major discoveries was that when dissolving salts in water, it would produce a cooling effect.

Today, the U.S. ice cream industry generates more than $21 billion in annual sales and provides jobs for thousands of citizens. About 9 percent of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream, contributing significantly to the economic well-being of the nation’s dairy industry. Ice cream consumption is the highest during the months of July & August.  The number one flavor among U.S. consumers is vanilla, with chocolate, Neapolitan, strawberry, and cookies ‘n’ cream rounding out the top five.

There are some brands of ice cream that are just as American as ice cream itself. Have you ever met anyone who didn’t know about Ben and Jerry’s Ice cream? Blue Bunny, Hagan Daas and Hershey ice cream are huge favorites as well. Whether you prefer a store bought brand or making your own, celebrate National Ice Cream month with a bowl or a cone of your favorite flavor & scoop a little sweetness into your summer! 

Make Way For The New Energy Moo-vement!

When it comes to finding cleaner greener sources of electrical power, people across the globe are starting to think outside of the box in order to reduce carbon emissions and increase efficiency. Coal, solar, wind and hydro may be the most common sources to power your home, but there is a new energy moo-vement catching on that could be a win-win for everybody.  A dairy farm produces milk, of course, but new technology has allowed farmers to begin producing their own electricity – using that least-desirable by-product of cows: manure.  Dairy farms full of livestock are being transformed into modern day power plants. 

Cows produce a lot of manure. One cow can create an incredible 30 gallons of manure each day. Now imagine the output of the US’ 100 million cattle. That’s one big pile of cow pies.

When farmers clean their barns, they put the manure in a big heap, and spread most of it on their fields for fertilizer. But now, farmers have a new way to handle their cow manure. They use it to make electricity. Manure can be converted on site to a form of fuel called biogas. Biogas can be burned for heat, cooking, generate electricity, or it can be sold to power utility companies elsewhere.

Here’s how it works: A big pooper scooper that looks like a giant squeegee moves back and forth cleaning the barn floor. The scooper pushes the manure into a big 600-gallon concrete tank, similar to a swimming pool. The tank is called a digester because what happens there is just like what happens inside a cow: bacteria called anaerobic digesters get to work and continue to break down the manure. 

Methane gas in the atmosphere is known as a “greenhouse” gas because it traps heat just like a greenhouse does, causing our planet to warm up. That’s an environmental concern. But the digester process has a positive outcome and provides an environmental benefit. The methane gas is captured and used as a fuel to power electric generators. Capturing the methane to use for electricity prevents it from entering the atmosphere.  The product that is left after the digester is finished is a byproduct that is a nutrient rich, odor-free fertilizer that can be used for compost or even cow bedding.
Many believe this cow green energy moo-vement is the global future of fuel. Many parts of the world have started to move away from the other types of biofuels like corn ethanol and even biodiesel. Both of these fuels use a food source as a main component which has created a growing controversy, particularly with the growing food shortages that have been on the rise.

The amazing power of poo is a renewable resource that is capable of saving over 200 billion tons of greenhouse gases per year in theUSalone! Scientists have estimated that converting manure from the 100 million cows in theUnited States, would produce renewable energy equal to 8 billion gallons of gasoline, or 1% of the total energy consumption in the nation. When you think about it, it’s pretty amazing what cows can do! Converting cow manure into a renewable source of fuel is one of those rare situations in which everybody and everything wins – especially the environment!   

 Learn More About Cow Power by visiting Central Vermont Public Service

The Physics Of “Brave”‘s Curly Red Mane Brings Hair-Raising Animation to Life!

The one thing you can depend on with Pixar is that they will continually up the visual ante in their film.  For their latest film, Brave, Pixar has taken on the task of taming the wild red mane of Merida, a princess in the Scottish Highlands as willful and troublesome as her head of incredible red curls.  As it turns out, Pixar had to invent a system to depict Merida’s stubborn curly hair.  Forget the beautiful balloon house from Up, Merida’s mop is Pixar’s crowning achievement. 

“I have become obsessed with curly hair.  It is truly fascinating; curly hair defies physics in the way it moves and behaves,” said Claudia Chung, the simulation supervisor who worked on Brave‘s wild mane.  ”We used 1,500 hand-placed, sculpted individual curls.  There is this weird paradox where a ‘spring’ of hair needs to remain stiff in order to hold its curl, but it also has to remain soft in its movement.”  Added Chung, “It took us almost three years to get the final look for her hair, and we spent two months working on the scene where Merida removes her hood and you see the full volume of her hair.  When I first saw the storyboards for ‘Brave,’ I drooled; I had no idea how I was going to do it, but I knew this was going to be so much fun.”

How they did it was a revolutionary new system for animating hair on film.  Dubbed a core curve and points, the computer model looks like a beaded necklace.  As Merida moves, her hair moves with her, but retains its general shape.  Her curls, a mass of individual springs of hair ranging from tight pincurls to fat wavy spirals, came from two distinct sources.  One of these sources was a curly wig the staff members took turns wearing; the other was an actually curly-haired Pixar employee, who found herself getting soaked down by the team so they could study how curly hair looks and moves wet.

More about the science of animation:

Mickey Mouse Discovered on Mercury!

Mickey Mercury or Mercury Mouse?

The space probe Messenger has traveled far closer to the sun without being destroyed than most satellites probably could.  Its purpose is to study one of the strangest planets in the solar system, the Sun’s closest neighbor Mercury.  Part planet and part comet, Mercury has been a fascinating study for NASA scientists, and Messenger has managed to take over 100,000 images of the strange planet, but no image is stranger than this.  NASA’s Messenger satellite has captured an image of Mickey Mouse on the surface of Mercury.

NASA calls the shape an ”accumulation of craters over Mercury’s long geologic history,” but I think we all know differently.  Messenger is the first spacecraft to ever orbit the planet closest to the sun, and it had to specially designed to maintain its position on Mercury given the planet’s slow rotation status and the incredible amount of heat the satellite has to endure being so close to the sun.

Celebrate The Summer Solstice!

Image Source: Pixabay.com

Summer solstice, the day with the longest amount of sunlight this year is today – Wednesday, June 20. Summer solstice is significant for scientists and religions alike, it’s a day tied to solar phenomena and community celebrations.

Carolyn Sumners, vice president of astronomy and the physical sciences at the Houston Museum of Natural Science provides a scientific explanation of summer solstice on Chron.com. “The earth is always tilted on its axis at 23½ degrees,” says Sumners. It orbits around the sun in that position – and in the Northern Hemisphere, when that tilt leans most toward the sun it’s the summer solstice. 

The historical significance of summer solstice goes far back. Ancient Egyptians would wait for the Nile’s flooding season beginning summer solstice, for the floods provided fertile soil for farming. The Incas began the tradition of Inti Raymi, the multiday Festival of the Sun, which is still celebrated by tourists and natives of South America every year on June 24 (around the time of summer solstice). Even the Olympic Games in Greece were specifically scheduled to commence once summer solstice ended.

Today, summer solstice is still celebrated around the world. In the UK, thousands gather at Stonehenge to witness the solstice sunrise –the moment when the sun completely aligns with the outer Heel Stone.

 

In the United States, a simple Google search of “summer solstice festival (state name)” will show a list of cities and towns celebrating this day with parades, festivals, music, games and athletic events.

To all of us at Coolibar, it’s a day to remind others about healthy sunny living. We, like most, love to be outdoors, and summer solstice is a day to celebrate. While the sun is extra strong, for an extra long time, remember to be SunAWARE, and keep your UPF 50 clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen on hand.

Many people like to celebrate summer with a family barbecue, a trip to the beach or a long bike ride. How do you to take advantage of the longest, most sun filled day of the year?   Let us know what summer means to you  by commenting below!