A Teenager Just Built The World’s Lightest Satellite—and NASA’s Launching It

SCIENCE An Indian teenager has not only produced A 64-gram (0.14-pound) satellite, NASA has agreed to launch it next month. (Science Alert) So, you want to build a satellite? Watch our video to see what’s involved. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Rifath Shaarook, an 18-year-old Indian teenager, just designed Kalam Sat, the world’s lightest … Continue reading A Teenager Just Built The World’s Lightest Satellite—and NASA’s Launching It

10 Things We Learned This Week!

What did you learn this week? We learned … … you can print your own portable universe—for free! How do cartographers usually depict the universe?   … how to navigate the languages of New York. Editor’s pick of the week! What other areas of the world rank highly in the language diversity index?   … why earworm songs are earworm songs. What songs are your … Continue reading 10 Things We Learned This Week!

Will 3D Printers Bring 3k Lawsuits?

BUSINESS 3D printing technology “will do for physical objects what MP3 files did for music,” says an upcoming legal article. Industries from medical-device makers to auto manufacturers will have to respond. (New York Times) Use our resources to better understand intellectual property, counterfeiting, and piracy. Discussion Ideas One legal expert quoted in the NY Times article says 3D printing technology “will do for physical objects … Continue reading Will 3D Printers Bring 3k Lawsuits?

Beyond the Pistol Print-Out

TECHNOLOGY Beyond the Pistol Print-Out This week a 25-year-old law student made international headlines when he used a 3-D printer to “print out” a functional .38-caliber pistol. It was a demonstration that not only sparked a lively debate on gun control, but also threw a spotlight on a vibrant, fast-developing manufacturing technology that could change the shape of the future. In this video, former teacher … Continue reading Beyond the Pistol Print-Out