Entomologist Dr. Art Evans and VPM radio producer Steve Clark co-host What’s …
Entomologist Dr. Art Evans and VPM radio producer Steve Clark co-host What’s Bugging You? Their engaging, wide-ranging, and humorous explorations into the world of insects and entomology are presented as an animated series. It leans into the crazy, fun, and hilarious aspects of the insect world. It asks the question of when is a bug a true bug. How do I find those insects hiding in plain sight? What in the world is a booger beetle and a fecal shield? All these answers and more are uncovered in the new videos through artfully illustrated and accurate depictions of insects and their surroundings.
Each video captures the look of a field notebook, with handwritten observations and illustrations. Inspired by entomologists' collections, animator David Vinson shares, “I wanted the labels to have typewritten and handwritten text like you would see in a case of pinned insect specimens with notes and scientific names. As for the insects themselves, I wanted them to have the illustrative quality of a field guide. Even though it was all created digitally, I still wanted it to look like the elements could have been made by hand.”
Whether you love insects or you just don’t know you love them yet, we think you’ll enjoy this series. Not only is it fun, gross, weird, and strange, but it’s also educational and entertaining. You’ll learn more about the insects that are all around us as you stop and wonder “what’s bugging you?”
The students will graph the daily weather on a Picture Graph. This …
The students will graph the daily weather on a Picture Graph. This is an ongoing lesson that can be incorporated into Morning Meeting or Calendar Time each day. The lesson will begin by singing a weather song. After this, the students will observe the weather of the day by looking out the window. The teacher can also help the students check the weather of the day by pulling up the Weather Channel website for students to view the local weather of the day. After determining the weather, the students will fill in one of the boxes on their Weather Graph. At the end of the month, the teacher and students will discuss the variety of weather conditions that are on the graph.
Students analyze evidence to evaluate four hypotheses about where a plant’s mass …
Students analyze evidence to evaluate four hypotheses about where a plant’s mass comes from. For example, students analyze Helmont’s classic experiment, and evaluate whether his interpretation was supported by his evidence. Thus, students engage in scientific practices as they learn that plants consist mainly of water and organic molecules and most of the mass of organic molecules consists of carbon and oxygen atoms originally contained in carbon dioxide molecules from the air. This activity is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.
The purpose of insulation is to maintain a temperature difference between inside …
The purpose of insulation is to maintain a temperature difference between inside and outside with the least possible heat flow and thus a smaller heating requirement. If it's cold outside and the insulation value of a wall or window is low, the temperature near that surface will be lower, too. Move thermometers around the model building walls -- both inside and outside -- to locate where the insulation is good and where it's not so good.
In this investigation, students will construct a model of chemical reactions involving …
In this investigation, students will construct a model of chemical reactions involving energy and electrostatic interactions. Students learn that a chemical reaction is a process that involves the atoms of substances rearranging to form new substances and that to start any chemical reaction, energy is needed to break bonds in the reactants. Students will compare reactions and changes in energy. Students develop several models to describe observations of reactions. This investigation builds toward NGSS PEs: HS-PS1-4, HS-PS1-5 and HS-PS3-2.
In this investigation, students define potential energy and factors that impact the …
In this investigation, students define potential energy and factors that impact the amount of potential energy that exists in a system. Students start by defining potential energy as energy that is stored in a system of interacting objects. Students then explore the relationship between potential energy and fields in order to explain how objects interact without touching. Finally, students evaluate factors that affect the amount of potential energy stored in a system. This investigation builds toward NGSS PEs: MS-PS3-2 and HS-PS3-5.
In this classic science clip from the 1950's a neutrophil chases and …
In this classic science clip from the 1950's a neutrophil chases and engulfs a bacteria. It is a dramatic visual to accompany any immune discussion, and includes other resources showing and describing all of the cells involved.
In this activity, students learn how to test for triglycerides, glucose, starch, …
In this activity, students learn how to test for triglycerides, glucose, starch, and protein and then use these tests to solve a mystery. The activity reinforces students understanding of the biological functions and food sources of these different types of organic compounds.
During this lesson, students explore the increase in summer temperatures and describe …
During this lesson, students explore the increase in summer temperatures and describe the pattern as it relates to Colorado using a video by the Denver Post.
This lesson has students investigate how albedo is contributing to temperature increasing …
This lesson has students investigate how albedo is contributing to temperature increasing in some places, like cities, are increasing at faster rates than elsewhere.
Students develop a basic understanding of how and why scientists study the …
Students develop a basic understanding of how and why scientists study the electromagnetic spectrum and magnetic fields of the Sun to gain a greater understanding of solar activity and space weather.
In this lesson, students investigate various factors that can lead to surface …
In this lesson, students investigate various factors that can lead to surface ice melt in Antarctica by pairing a scientific mindset with hands-on exploration of datasets.
This activity will help students to explore why hurricanes/typhoons spin counterclockwise in …
This activity will help students to explore why hurricanes/typhoons spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere (and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere). They will explore how air moves in high and low pressure systems and how the flow of air is affected by the spinning of the Earth.
In this investigation, students will develop a conceptual model of electrostatic interactions …
In this investigation, students will develop a conceptual model of electrostatic interactions by exploring how various charged objects (Scotch tape, balloons, rods of various materials, and a Van de Graaff generator) interact with each other and with uncharged objects (paper, water bottle, a hand). By the end of the investigation, the student model will include positive and negative charges as well as patterns that can be used to explain and predict how charged objects interact. This investigation builds toward NGSS PE: HS-PS2-4.
In this investigation, students will learn how temperature affects 3D structure and …
In this investigation, students will learn how temperature affects 3D structure and function of proteins and their ability to carry out biological functions. This investigation builds towards PEIn this investigation, PE HS-PS3-5 and PE HS-LS1-6.
Learn how wildlife survives the tougher winter months. With cold temperatures and fewer …
Learn how wildlife survives the tougher winter months. With cold temperatures and fewer food resources, the winter season can be challenging for many wild animals. Some animals migrate to different areas, some hunker down for a long winter’s nap, and some simply continue their daily activities. Join Ed Clark, the WCV staff, and other conservation professionals as they discuss how a variety of wildlife survive the often-harsh conditions of winter. For more information and classroom activities, please visit The Wildlife Center of Virginia and VPM UNTAMED websites.
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