I’m not much of a jewelry wearer myself, so I think it’s funny that I keep meeting people who make amazing jewelry that is so perfect for GeekMoms. Awhile back I wrote about Tammy Stellanova and her wonderful steampunk style creations. Today, I have to share the work of scientist-turned-artist Raven Hanna. Featuring designs that look […]
Continue ReadingA few months ago GeekMom told you about Dr. Erin Carr Jordan, a parent and college instructor who took her children to McDonalds in Tempe, Arizona only to find the indoor playland encrusted with grime, old food, even discarded bandages. She filmed the conditions and posted the video online. Conversations with the manager didn’t lead to […]
Continue ReadingWaiting. Something that’s so hard for kids to do and something that’s an absolute guarantee when you’re flying. Props to San Francisco International Airport for featuring interactive displays for kids. The Kids’ Spot in our terminal featured a number of weather-related displays that allow kids (and let’s be honest, adults) to play with the concept […]
Continue ReadingI don’t think there’s anyone out there that hasn’t imagined themselves a mad scientist at least once. For me, it was every time they made me wear those crazy goggles in science class while I waited for something to bubble over or change color or let out noxious fumes. I couldn’t help but hear an evil little […]
Continue ReadingI don’t remember if I already mentioned it on GeekMom, but I live and teach near Geneva, on the border between France and Switzerland, thus very close to the CERN and its Large Hadron Collider (LHC is used as a common name in the area, even by complete non-geeks). I was lucky enough to attend […]
Continue ReadingThe Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission has launched and is on its way to the moon. This mission will use a pair of spacecraft to measure and map the gravity on the moon. Gravity changes can be caused by mountains, valleys and other structures hidden beneath the lunar surface. Scientists are hoping that […]
Continue ReadingThe Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded yesterday. I have to tell you that I was shocked and thrilled when I heard the announcement on the radio. You see, when I was working at Space Telescope Science Institute, one of my absolute favorite programs that I worked on was a high-z supernova search lead by […]
Continue ReadingWhen I first heard the headlines late last week that “Einstein Has Been Proven Wrong”, I was in utter disbelief. The reports stated that CERN scientists had found that neutrinos travelled faster than the speed of light and thus disproved that E=mc^2, since, according to Einstein, any object moving at or beyond the speed of […]
Continue ReadingToday might be a great day to watch the sky for more then just weather. You might just see a falling satellite this afternoon. NASA’s Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) is scheduled to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere sometime today or tonight. UARS finished its productive research life nearly six years ago and has been falling […]
Continue ReadingWe like spending time with people who delight in the same things that fascinate us. That might be playing bagpipes, understanding Civil War strategy, making homemade cheese, or brewing beer. Who doesn’t love talking about a favorite topic? It’s certainly easy to build friendships that way. Shared interests also foster greater enthusiasm and motivate […]
Continue ReadingMath geek Vi Hart demonstrates the scientific and mathematical basis for sound, frequency, and pitch in this engaging video. Fascinating.
Continue ReadingThe second-born child came up to me a few days ago and announced gravely: “Mom! ComicCon is in October and I need to prepare. I think today I would like you to teach me how to make a sword.” “You mean: a cardboard sword, right?” “No, no, no! A metal sword–steel.” Looking piercingly out […]
Continue ReadingAs homeschoolers, we try to be open to the “teachable moment.” My sixteen-year-old didn’t exactly volunteer for this experiment, but our latest teachable moment came courtesy of the ocean, a slippery rock, a sea urchin, and his over-sized foot. When he came tromping in the house from the beach, asking if we had any vinegar, […]
Continue ReadingIf you have been listening to the news lately you are aware that the US congress is trying to work out a way to settle the national budget for 2012. A 2012 spending bill proposed last week by the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees NASA, would terminate the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) as part of wider-reaching […]
Continue ReadingSome time ago, I suddenly realised what would be my dream job: I’d like to be Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. After Voldemort’s fall, if possible. Or before his rise. I intend to keep the charge more than one year. Alas, it seems that few schools (if any) are looking for such a teacher, so […]
Continue ReadingSome days it seems like no matter where you go on the internet, friends and foes of science are arguing about whether or not evolution should be taught in public schools. Lately, the squabble has been making new rounds on YouTube (I’m not sure it ever stops or starts, but bear with me) and today […]
Continue ReadingThis morning will mark the final launch of a NASA Space Shuttle into orbit around Earth on its way to the International Space Station. At approximately 11:26am EST Atlantis will reach the T-0 mark for the last time and roar into the sky completing a long tenure of scientific discovery for NASA. Atlantis was named after RV Atlantis, […]
Continue ReadingOn April 12, 1981, a stark white Columbia broke the surly bonds of Earth when it roared into space as America’s first reusable Space Shuttle. Columbia (OV-103) was named after the American ship Columbia Rediviva which, under the command of Captain Robert Gray in the late 1790’s, explored the US Pacific Northwest and became the first American vessel to […]
Continue ReadingArt has been an important part of the NASA space program since close to its inception. In 1962, NASA Administrator James E. Webb invited artists to illustrate NASA many missions and projects. World renowned artists from all over the world have been granted special access to historical events, and in return have documented the progression […]
Continue ReadingAs GeekMom’s token meteorologist AND military member, in honor of the final shuttle mission planned for next week, I’m thrilled to share with you some insight into the weather forecast preparations for a space shuttle launch. After all, what delays launches most often? The weather, right? I’m not sure if a precise count exists, but […]
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