Tag: technology

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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?

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Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Crisis Mapping the Philippines

TECHNOLOGY When disaster strikes, chaos can ensue—especially on social media, where thousands of Tweets, Facebook posts, and Instagrams can overwhelm human capacity to get a clear picture of who needs what. “Crisis mapper” Patrick Meier is harnessing the information-gathering power of social media to improve the speed and effectiveness of typhoon-relief efforts in the Philippines. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to learn more about … Continue reading Crisis Mapping the Philippines

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Current Event Connection, Main

Poop to Plastic to Profit

BUSINESS Would you drink from water bottles made from raw sewage? You may soon have the opportunity, thanks to the rise of bioplastics. (BBC) Use our resources to better understand the perils of (traditional) plastics. Watch this video explaining how a California company is turning biological waste into biodegradable plastic. Discussion Ideas Both the BBC and Micromidas (above) videos use the term “sludge” for the … Continue reading Poop to Plastic to Profit

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Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Lightning Threatens Developing Countries

TECHNOLOGY Developing countries have long lists of problems—illiteracy, disease, hunger, corruption. There’s one more problem that has gotten less attention, until recently: Lightning strikes. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to better understand lightning. Discussion Ideas Read through our activity “Measuring Weather.” How do you think meteorologists and other scientists measure lightning? Do you think they use any of the tools reviewed in the activity? … Continue reading Lightning Threatens Developing Countries

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Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Hack a Roach

TECHNOLOGY Researchers are turning cockroaches into smartphone-controlled cyborgs for use in search-and rescue-operations. (NOVA PBS, see the video below!) With $50, three hours, some electronics savvy, and an aversion to squeamishness, you, too, can build your own RoboRoach army! Use our resources to see other ways engineers are developing gadgets and gizmos to take over the world. Discussion Ideas According to the NOVA video, futuristic “bugbots” … Continue reading Hack a Roach

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