Matt Kuehl’s high school biology students investigated the frequency of common biological pathogens. Then they investigated the death rates of several diseases and plotted them on a mega map. Students identified correlations between the frequencies of the diseases and the locations of high death rates. Continue reading Educator Spotlight: Mapping Infectious Disease Trends
HEALTH One of the world’s most important food crops may be declining in quality due to greenhouse gas emissions. (Scientific American) Where is rice a staple food? Use our resources to find out. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s MapMaker Interactive map of rice-producing nations. Discussion Ideas The nutritional value of rice may fall as … Continue reading As Carbon Dioxide Levels Rise, Rice Becomes Less Nutritious
HEALTH Each year, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergies—but really, “people use the word allergy to describe anything they just don’t like.” (Popular Science) Lactose intolerance is not an allergy, for example. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Today, allergies are typically defined by the presence of immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies. What are … Continue reading Your Allergy May Not be an Allergy
ENVIRONMENT From Banana Boat to Coppertone, major sunscreen brands may soon have to revamp their products or stop selling them in Hawaii, which is looking out for its coral reefs. (Washington Post) Sunscreens are probably damaging oyster reefs, too. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The Aloha State, Hawaii, may ban some sunscreens. What is … Continue reading Hawaii May Ban Sunscreen
ENVIRONMENT At the beginning of March, an oil well in northern Colombia burst, spewing an unclear amount of oil into the Magdalena River. (National Geographic) Use our resources to learn more about oil spills and their impact on ecosystems and human activity. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Hundreds of barrels of petroleum have spilled … Continue reading Oil Spill Devastates Western Colombia
