137 resources and 2 collections matched your query.
Library of 3383 accessible STEM media resources.
Showing resources 121 to 137 of 137
Select a resource below to get more information and link to download this resource.
With support from the National Science Foundation, aerospace engineer Michael Philen and his team at Virginia Tech are investigating the biomechanics of fish locomotion, in hopes of contributing to the next generation of robotic fish and underwater submersibles. They’re studying how fish use their muscles to swim efficiently and execute underwater maneuvers, such as darting around in perfectly synchronized schools. They’re also developing new smart materials, such as a bioengineered hair that is modeled after the hair cell sensors on the side of fish that allow it to detect minute changes in water flow. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
(Source: DCMP)
Access to affordable, sustainable energy supplies is a growing concern around the world. Looks at successful enterprises that are providing some renewable energy solutions. In Scotland, small-scale turbines put wind power within the reach of domestic users. In Sweden, the world's first train to be run solely on biogas has been developed. In Nepal, biogas stoves are improving the quality of life in many ways. And in India, agricultural-plant waste is being turned into solid fuel briquettes for use in industrial stoves and boilers, while a solar-energy company has developed environmentally friendly lighting technology that disadvantaged communities can afford.
With support from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Emerging Frontiers of Research and Innovation (EFRI) program, bioengineer Gert Cauwenberghs, of the Jacobs School of Engineering and the Institute for Neural Computation at the University of California (UC), San Diego, and his colleagues are working to understand how brain circuitry controls how we move. The goal is to develop new technologies to help patients with Parkinson's disease and other debilitating medical conditions navigate the world on their own. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
To change a spacecraft's speed and direction, NASA engineers use a planet's or moon's gravity, a process called a "gravity assist." In this video, students design and build systems that use magnets to control the speed and direction of a rolling ball. As they build their systems, they use the engineering design process, apply a variety of science concepts, and learn how NASA spacecraft use gravity to help them explore the solar system. Part of the "Design Squad Nation" series.
Kit Parker is a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve and has served multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan. Even when he’s not in uniform, this Harvard University bioengineer makes it his mission to protect the men and women of the U.S. armed forces. Parker and his team are developing next-generation nanofibers at the Harvard Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC). The unlikely inspiration for Parker’s team is none other than the cotton candy machine. They use their own version of that technology to spin a wide range of polymers, both natural and synthetic, into new fabrics and materials for military use. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
The magic of life unfolds, but for adolescents Mimi, Izzie, and Quinn, watching a monarch butterfly emerge from its cocoon and spread its wings is more than a fascinating moment—cameras are rolling. With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Richard Hudson and his team at Twin Cities Public Television are putting middle-school girls in front of a national audience on the PBS series “SciGirls.” This is the first television science series designed specifically for girls, ages 8 to 12, to inspire and empower them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
Third in the series of three productions designed to let students learn by doing, guiding them through the science and history behind the Wright Brothers' invention of powered flight. This third component contains the same "how to" segments from the second in the series (13692) and parts of the history and scientific concepts from the first in the series (13691). However, it also provides greater ease and flexibility in locating, reviewing, and pausing in and between segments than the other two productions in the series. Good for sharing with students to aid them as they build and experiment with kites, gliders, and rubber-band-powered planes.
Kathryn Johnson, an electrical engineer at the Colorado School of Mines, studies large utility-scale wind turbines. Kathryn’s research aims to make the turbines more efficient in order to capture as much of the wind’s energy as possible. Viewers also visit NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research, where scientists are working with local utility companies to create an advanced wind energy prediction system. Using data from sensors mounted on each turbine, the system generates a forecast specific to each turbine on a wind farm. This helps the utility company provide as much energy as possible from clean sources.
University of Rochester electrical engineer Mark Bocko has combined his passion for music with his passion for engineering, devising a way to digitally compress music files. Bocko’s team of engineers and musicians at Rochester’s Eastman School of Music are also helping uncover some extraordinarily precise details about just how music is made. With support from the National Science Foundation, they have built a computer model of the clarinet, entirely from real world acoustical measurements taken from human musicians. Measuring such things as how hard the musician is blowing into the instrument and the pressure the musician applies to the reed, they have modeled the way music is made.
Typically, diesel fuel is made from crude oil, but scientists can make high-grade diesel from coal, natural gas, plants, or even agricultural waste, using a process called Fischer–Tropsch (FT). FT Diesel is the ideal liquid transportation fuel for automobiles, trucks, and jets. It’s much cleaner burning than conventional diesel, and much more energy-efficient than gasoline. But, FT Diesel is expensive to make and generates lots of waste. With support from the National Science Foundation and its Center for Enabling New Technologies through Catalysis (CENTC), chemists around the United States are working together to improve the cost and energy efficiency of alternative fuels. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
There’s a new renewable energy player in town, and it’s about to make waves in the industry. Despite its massive potential as a source for renewable energy, the ocean is unlikely to contribute meaningfully to electricity supplies without dramatic, innovation-driven reductions in the cost of energy conversion. That’s where engineers Balky Nair, Rahul Shendure, and Tim Mundon come in with their company, Oscilla Power. With support from the National Science Foundation, they’re developing a utility-scale wave energy harvester called the Triton. This technology shows promise as a means for delivering utility-scale electric power to the grid at a price that is competitive with conventional fossil or renewable technologies. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
Part of the "A 3-D Demonstration" series. Explores the basic principles behind the operation of AC and DC motors. Explains how one or more fixed magnets, either permanent or electromagnetic, can cause linear movement or rotation of a current-carrying wire. A hand rule is developed to predict motor force. Motor torque is explained as a prelude to the practical design of a direct current motor. Specific modules include Motors and Magnets, Current and Magnet Interaction, Left-Hand Rule, Motor Force, Motor Torque, and DC Motors. Correlates to all National CTE Organizational Standards (including the provisions of the Perkins Act).
Biologist Ken Dial has documented in extraordinary detail how birds are put together and the mechanics of how they take to the air. With support from the National Science Foundation, Dial and his team at the University of Montana Flight Lab use x-rays and high speed video to better understand the mechanics of bird flight. Dial’s more than 2,000 flight hours as a pilot in a wide range of aircraft adds another dimension to his research. Perhaps, by mimicking what birds have learned over millions of years, aircraft wings could change shape to accommodate both slow and fast flight, or a helicopter propeller’s shape might be altered to be more efficient.
Investigates the reasons why cattle and humans have been linked together for over 30,000 years. Analyzes the anatomy of the cow's stomach, detailing the purpose of each chamber. Visit the Masai with their cattle herds and the sacred cows of India. Introduces the main cattle breed of the 800 breeds developed in England, explaining how artificial selection is used to produce desirable characteristics. Also introduces British dairy cow detailing the working of the udder and teats and the use of genetic engineering to increase milk production. Interviews Eric Schlosser, an author about the development of slaughterhouse methods in America. Also visits a family ranch where cattle are being raised in natural conditions under a grass management system.
Part of the "A 3-D Demonstration" series. Looks at physics principles behind AC and DC generators. Examines the relationship between a changing magnetic field and the induction of electric current. A hand rule is introduced to predict the generator effect in a linear length of conductor exposed to a changing magnetic field. The behavior of a rotating coil in a magnetic field leads to the practical construction of an AC motor. Introduces split-ring commutator generators, as well as the more common alternator as a means of generating DC electricity. Specific modules include Generating Electricity, Inductors, Generator Left-Hand Rule, Generator Electromotive Rule, AC Generators, and DC Generators. Correlates to all National CTE Organizational Standards (including the provisions of the Perkins Act).
A shark attack survivor now knows what it feels like to be part bionic man. 23-year-old amputee Craig Hutto has volunteered to help test a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg with powered knee and ankle joints. With support from the National Science Foundation and continued support from the National Institutes of Health, Vanderbilt University mechanical engineer Michael Goldfarb has spent several years developing the leg, which operates with special sensors, an electric motor, a battery, and computer technology. Sensors monitor the user's motion and microprocessors figure out what the person is trying to do. Goldfarb says the powered leg reduces the lag time between a real leg and a prosthetic one. Hutto confirms that the powered prosthetic is much better at anticipating his next move.
Some bandages are embedded with medicine to treat wounds, but researchers at Harvard University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have something much more sophisticated in mind for the future of chronic wound care. With support from the National Science Foundation, engineer Ali Khademhosseini and a multidisciplinary team are bringing together advances in sensors, biomaterials, tissue engineering, microsystems technology, and microelectronics to create “smart bandages” for wounds that require ongoing care. The devices, known collectively as flexible bioelectronics, will do much more than deliver medicine. They will be able to monitor all the vital signs of the healing process and make adjustments when needed, as well as communicate the information to health professionals who are off-site.
Showing collections 1 to 2 of 2
Resources to teach younger students about animals
A collection containing 58 resources, curated by DIAGRAM Center
Biology related concepts
A collection containing 59 resources, curated by Benetech
