Wednesday, November 25, 2009

CLC Updates #3- Nov 2009- Sodium Poly-what?

In our third podcast installment, we introduce you to a cool chemical known as sodium polyacrylate. This is the stuff they put in baby diapers! Simply click on the title or click here to begin listening!

Super absorbent polymers like sodium polyacrylate have many uses and is featured in the Maximum Absorbent Garment used by NASA. This podcast discusses the story behind the chemical, how it is used, and safety precautions that must be considered. For more information or lesson ideas dealing with this cool chemical, check out the important links below! We hope you enjoy our podcast, and we hope you will join us in the future as we provide podcasts every month on topics ranging from teacher resources to CLC updates!

Important links:
Why do diapers leak?
Super Slurper History
A cool lesson demo
For the scientist
CLC Updates #3 Media File
CLC website
Join us on Facebook!

Monday, October 19, 2009

CLC Updates #2- Oct 2009- Spooky Science Experiments

In our second podcast installment, we give you examples of some spooky science experiments just in time for Halloween! Simply click on the title or click here to begin listening!

Halloween is a spooky time of the year that can really lend itself to some spooky science experiments in the classroom. In this podcast, we discuss experimenting with slime and creating a fun candle demonstration that will completely puzzle your students. This podcast provides a brief introduction to these spooky experiments. More detailed lesson plans for slime can be found here:

Slime Lesson Plans

We hope you enjoy our podcast, and we hope you will join us in the future as we provide podcasts every month on topics ranging from teacher resources to CLC updates!

Important links:

Steve Spangler Science
Terrific Science
CLC Updates #2 Media File
CLC website
Join us on Facebook!

Monday, October 5, 2009

APOD

APOD, also known as "Astronomy Picture of the Day," is a wonderful website that highlights a space photograph every day with a fairly detailed explanation about the photo. This website frequently shows images that relate to current NASA and other space-related news stories. The pictures are always facinating, and range from any and all space-related topics. Hope you enjoy this wonderful resource!

Important Links:

APOD website

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

CLC Updates Podcast #1- Sept 2009- How to Podcast

In our first podcast installment, we give you a brief introduction on how to create your own podcast. Simply click on the title or click here to begin listening!

Podcasts are becoming an important media tool and can serve many purposes in the classroom. As teachers, podcasts can serve as assessment tools for students or provide information that relates to class. As students, podcasts are a fun and interesting way to learn content material and participate in the learning process.

While this podcast is just a brief introduction, detailed information on how to podcast can be found here:

How to Podcast tutorial

We hope you enjoy our first podcast, and we hope you will join us in the future as we provide podcasts every month on topics ranging from teacher resources to CLC updates!

Important links:

CLC Updates #1 Media File

CLC website

Join us on Facebook!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Science Nation

Science Nation is an online magazine that's "all about science for the people". These videos range in topic from extremophile hunters to global warming to green gasoline. Each week, Science Nation takes a look at current science research and researchers that are changing our lives. Enjoy this wonderful resource! Word is it will soon become a podcast...

Welcome to our Blog!

Here you will find information about what is going on at the CLC in Bloomington, IL as we prepare for our move to Heartland Community College. We will also be posting student podcasts and providing information about our public programs. Stay tuned for future updates!