225 resources and 3 collections matched your query.
Library of 3383 accessible STEM media resources.
Showing resources 201 to 220 of 225
Select a resource below to get more information and link to download this resource.
In Bruce Logan's lab at Penn State University, researchers are working on developing microbial fuel cells (MFC) that can generate electricity while accomplishing wastewater treatment. In a project supported by NSF, they are researching methods to increase power generation from MFCs while at the same time recovering more of the energy as electricity. Through their research projects, Logan’s team has already proven that they can produce electricity from ordinary domestic wastewater.
(Source: DCMP)
Currently, cities have a fundamental role in the struggle against climate change and harmful environmental practices. But, at the same time, major global cities consume more than two thirds of the world’s energy and release seventy percent of the global emissions of carbon dioxide. Climate change has become part of the worldwide agenda for major cities as they develop policies and practices to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Chapter 2 of Air: Climate Change Series.
For centuries, land travel was restricted to how fast and far humans or animals could walk. In the 19th century, the invention of the bicycle transferred human energy to a set of wheels. During the Industrial Revolution, the invention of the steam engine led to the railroad, a change in transportation that created the tourist industry. In the early 20th century, the invention of the automobile forever changed how humans travel, and with the assembly line, Henry Ford forever changed how goods are manufactured.
In 1977, scientists discovered a diverse community of organisms inhabiting the deep-sea hydrothermal vents of the Pacific Ocean. The sources of energy in these ecosystems are hydrogen sulfide and other inorganic chemicals that are abundant in the water that rises from the vents. Scientists discovered that some animals living near hydrothermal vents, such as the giant tube worm, have a symbiotic relationship with species of bacteria, which allows these animals to survive deep in the ocean. Part of the "I Contain Multitudes" series.
Montana State University plant pathologist Gary Strobel travels the seven continents to collect samples of endophytes. Endophytes are microorganisms that live within the living tissue of a plant. With support from the National Science Foundation, Strobel, engineer Brent Peyton and their team, have discovered that endophytes have the ability to make diesel-like fuel. And, amazingly, it takes the team just a few weeks to create the fuel. Part of the National Science Foundation Series "Science Nation."
Host Lisa Van Pay visits the scientists and engineers working to make the electric car of the future a reality today. One of the toughest parts is storing enough potential energy in the battery. Graduate student Katharine Stroukoff from the University of Texas-Austin explains how her research may help build a better battery, while Mike Nawrot and Dan Lauber, members of the MIT electric vehicle team, describe the advantages of their fully electric Porsche 914.
Enzymes are proteins which are manufactured by the human body during the process of protein synthesis. They are catalysts that drive every chemical reaction taking place in the human body, and they enable the human body to be built from proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Enzymes are highly specific in their activity and form an enzyme-substrate complex speeding up processes as they lower the activation energy during a given reaction period. Through genetic engineering and by isolating specific enzymes, it has become possible to harness the power of enzymes.
With support from the National Science Foundation, computer scientist Shwetak Patel and his team at the University of Washington are developing new sensing systems to empower people to make better-informed decisions for themselves and their homes. Patel's initial interest was in providing the most detailed information yet for consumers about their energy and water consumption, and most of that technology has already been transferred to the marketplace. Part of the "Science Nation" series.
It is a fireball in the sky, a bubbling, boiling, kinetic sphere of white hot plasma, exploding and erupting. Its size is almost unimaginable--one million Earths would fit within its boundaries. In this violence is born almost all the energy that makes existence on Earth possible. Yet, its full mysteries are only now beginning to be understood. From sunspots to solar eclipses, solar flares to solar storms, the birth of the sun to its potential death, discover the science and history behind this celestial object that makes life on Earth exist.
Using only gasoline to power cars back in 1905 was cheaper and easier, so the hybrid car was forgotten-until recently. The modern hybrid car has two distinct power sources working together to make it run: gas and electric power. Since the fuel widely used now is a non-renewable resource and becoming increasingly less affordable, the hybrid car is making a comeback. The benefit of the hybrid is that instead of running on gas, it uses non-polluting electric power when possible. Also, it helps cut pollution and saves drivers money at the gas pump.
How did 20th-century physics change long-held notions of light's makeup and behavior? This group of 12 concise computer-animated videos illustrates Einstein's monumental contributions to the study of light. Shows how rudimentary ideas of material wave motion yielded to more advanced concepts of electromagnetic waves by detailing Einstein's conclusions about the speed of light and his conception of time, which-given his findings on mass and energy-proceeds according to variable frames of reference. Conveys relativistic thought experiments through helpful animation, which demonstrate simultaneity, time dilation, length contraction, and relativistic mass.
For more than a decade—in the most inhospitable place on Earth-- scientists have been building an observatory to search for a “ghost.” The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a massive telescope embedded in the Antarctic ice near the South Pole. Its aim: to search for elusive subatomic particles called neutrinos that have made their way to earth from distant cosmic events like supernovas and black holes. Neutrino research is pushing the astrophysics envelope, and should provide answers to key questions about dark energy and dark matter.
With today's high fuel costs, it is time to start looking beyond petroleum and into renewable resources to power vehicles. Ethanol is a clean-burning fuel derived from plants, primarily corn. It is combined with gasoline to produce a cleaner fuel that doesn't emit as many greenhouse gases as pure gasoline. Pure ethanol has not yet been approved to fuel vehicles, but it is the fuel of choice for racecars. By mixing gasoline with ethanol, fuel supply can be extended. Explores the production of ethanol and highlights the importance it holds in the "green power" movement.
Tells the inconvenient truth about the environment. Outlines how to conduct an eco-investigation of homes, schools, and communities to determine which daily routines waste resources or are harmful to the environment. Examines use of grocery bags, the packaging of products, food and drink, water consumption, the safety of cleaning products, and energy usage in homes. Takes a closer look at paper and other material usage in schools as well transportation in communities. Shows how individuals contribute to the problem and how to be part of the solution of eco-friendliness.
This animation zooms into a coral reef to explore the tiny animals that build reefs, the photosynthetic algae inside their cells, and the damaging process of coral bleaching. Corals get much of their energy from symbiotic algae that live inside their cells. When ocean temperatures rise beyond a certain threshold, the algae’s photosynthetic machinery may be damaged and produce harmful reactive oxygen molecules. This animation shows how corals subsequently eject their algae in a process called coral bleaching, which causes the corals to turn white and often eventually die.
Part of the "A 3-D Demonstration" series. Traces the relationship between magnetism and electricity from the first accidental discovery of induced current. Introduces the concepts of electric and magnetic fields and explores their representation. Examines the features of coils and solenoids to develop the construction of practical electromechanical devices, such as solenoid switches and electromagnets. Also introduces hand rules to help determine the alignment of currents and fields. Specific modules include Electric Fields, Magnetism, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, Left-Hand Rule, Electric Coils, Solenoids, Solenoid Switches, and Electromagnets. Correlates to all National CTE Organizational Standards (including the provisions of the Perkins Act).
Throughout the world, innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs are transforming their communities, making the dream of sustainable living a reality. The United Kingdom's push for sustainable housing developments raises awareness of energy efficiency and promotes eco-friendly home design. Cement alternatives developed in Australia reduce the carbon footprint for concrete production by 60%. Two industrial designers from Colombia are creating fashion items from recycled tires. In the Philippines, the inventor of coconut fiber nets shows how his company helps prevent devastating mudslides in the region and provides employment to locals.
Preserving the environment and developing agricultural products that do not harm unintended targets are top priorities for many scientists and farmers. It’s a new era of crop management known as precision agriculture. It maximizes productivity while minimizing energy use and environmental impacts. One of the major challenges being addressed by precision agriculture is over-fertilization. Support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) has led to the development by startup SupraSensor Technologies of a novel sensor to detect nitrate fertilizer in soil. The SupraSensor device is designed to give farmers a highly accurate, virtually constant stream of data on nitrate levels. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
The Pajaro Valley, in the Monterey Bay area of California, is ideally suited for agriculture. In fact, the Pajaro Valley and the nearby Salinas Valley produce nearly half of the strawberries grown in the United States yearly. But, the water source for the valley is a confined underground aquifer that is slowly being depleted. In January of 2011, the American Institute of Mathematics held a Sustainability Problems workshop with the goal of bringing together mathematicians and industry representatives to work on a variety of sustainability problems, including renewable energy, air quality, water management, and other environmental issues. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
NOAA's environmental satellites provide data from space to monitor Earth to analyze coastal waters, relay life-saving emergency beacons, and predict and track tropical storms and hurricanes. NOAA operates three types of satellite systems for the United States: polar-orbiting satellites, geostationary satellites, and deep space satellites. Polar-orbiting satellites circle Earth and provide global information from 540 miles above Earth. Geostationary satellites constantly monitor the Western Hemisphere from around 22,240 miles above Earth. The deep space satellites orbit one million miles from Earth, providing space weather alerts and forecasts while also monitoring the amounts of solar energy absorbed by Earth every day.
Showing collections 1 to 3 of 3
A collection of Chemistry related resources
A collection containing 67 resources, curated by Benetech
Biology related concepts
A collection containing 59 resources, curated by Benetech
Resources to teach younger students about animals
A collection containing 58 resources, curated by DIAGRAM Center
