Montessori and Education headlines

Here are some recent headlines grabbed by our automated news feed.

Sulfur finding may hold key to Gaia theory of Earth as living organism

Is Earth really a sort of giant living organism as the Gaia hypothesis predicts? A new discovery may provide a key to answering this question. This key of sulfur could allow scientists to unlock heretofore hidden interactions between ocean organisms, atmosphere, and land -- interactions that might provide evidence supporting this famous theory.

Mixed bacterial communities evolve to share resources, not compete

New research shows how bacteria evolve to increase ecosystem functioning by recycling each other's waste. The study provides some of the first evidence for how interactions between species shape evolution when there is a diverse community.

A supernova cocoon breakthrough

Astronomers have the first X-ray evidence of a supernova shock wave breaking through a cocoon of gas surrounding the star that exploded. This discovery may help astronomers understand why some supernovas are much more powerful than others.

Timely discovery: Physics research sheds new light on quantum dynamics

Physicists have made a breakthrough that improves understanding of matter-light interactions. Their research allows double ionization events to be observed at the time scale of attoseconds and shows that these ionization events occur earlier than thought -- a key factor to improve knowledge of correlated electron dynamics.

Statistical analysis projects future temperatures in North America

For the first time, researchers have been able to combine different climate models using spatial statistics -- to project future seasonal temperature changes in regions across North America.

Tiny plants could cut costs, shrink environmental footprint

Tall, waving corn fields that line Midwestern roads may one day be replaced by dwarfed versions that require less water, fertilizer and other inputs, thanks to a fungicide commonly used on golf courses.

Juggling with air pollutant data

Models integrating air quality and climate change data will help reaching compliance with new emission targets.

Beyond the high-speed hard drive: Topological insulators open a path to room-temperature spintronics

Theorists and experimenters have explored the unique properties of topological insulators, where electrons may flow on the surface without resistance, with spin orientations and directions intimately related. Recent research opens exciting prospects for practical new room-temperature spintronic devices that can exploit control of electron spin as well as charge.

Looks matter more than reputation when it comes to trusting people with our money

Our decisions to trust people with our money are based more on how they look then how they behave, according to new research.

Animal disease research misses the human perspective, say researchers

Animal disease research concentrates too much on the behavior of micro organisms while ignoring the role played by human beings; we need to take more account of the human dimension if the work of scientists is to be translated effectively into policy, according to experts.

A practical guide to green products and services

A new report provides key information for policy makers and business managers on how to assess the environmental impacts of products and services. It helps to pave the way towards a resource-efficient Europe and aims to help design more sustainable products, which are indispensable in a world of 7 billion people and limited resources.

New research could mean faster computers and better smart phones

Graphene and carbon nanotubes could improve the electronics used in computers and mobile phones, reveals new research.

First gene therapy successful against aging-associated decline: Mouse lifespan extended up to 24% with a single treatment

A new study consisting of inducing cells to express telomerase, the enzyme which -- metaphorically -- slows down the biological clock -- was successful. The research provides a "proof-of-principle" that this "feasible and safe" approach can effectively "improve health span."

First ever record of insect pollination from 100 million years ago

Amber from the Cretaceous period found in Spain has revealed the first ever fossil record of insect pollination. Scientists discovered and studied with X-rays at the ESRF a specimen of a tiny insect covered with pollen grains. This is the first record of pollen transport and social behavior in this group of animals.

Measuring CO₂ to fight global warming, enforce future treaty

If the world's nations ever sign a treaty to limit emissions of climate-warming carbon dioxide gas, there may be a way to help verify compliance. Using measurements from only three carbon-dioxide (monitoring stations in the Salt Lake Valley, the method could reliably detect changes in CO₂ emissions of 15 percent or more, researchers report.

The gut could reveal effect of climate change on fish

As sea temperatures rise, stocks of some fish species can decline while others may grow, reveals new research looking at gastrointestinal function in fish.

Too much or too little noise turns off consumers, creativity

Ambient background noise turns out to be an important factor affecting creative cognition among consumers, according to new research.

A walk in the park gives mental boost to people with depression

In one of the first studies to examine the effect of nature walks on cognition and mood in people with major depression, researchers in Canada and the US have found promising evidence that a walk in the park may provide some cognitive benefits.

Locating lice as they hitch-hike with birds for life

Although chewing lice spend their entire lives as parasites on birds, it is difficult to predict patterns of lice distribution, new research reveals.

Water Cycle Songs

Sing the Water Cycle Song

Cloud in a Bottle Activity

Clouds are a constant part of weather. Here are some links to make a cloud in a bottle with your student or child:> WikiHow How to Make a Cloud in a Bottle Physics.org Cloud in a Bottle Planet Science Make...

Creative Momma

I am Momma Hear Me Roar is a feast of simply creative ideas for making ready wear and accesories. It is just too good not to check out!

Painting with Ice Cubes?

This is so fine! Check out painting with ice cubes at Share and Remember. You can use this as a fun science lesson too. Very tactile, visual and Montessori!

Gingerbread Train and Santa Cupcakes

My sister told me tocCheck out these fun recipes to do with your children. Santa Hat Cupcakes Gingerbread Train

Braided Rag Rug

You can make an easy braided rag rug for a doll house for the holidays. Craft Passion has great ideas for this and other recylced artistic ideas.

Using Applesauce for Science

Mike Kruckenberg has a wonderful blog entry about 3 year-olds using the scientific method to make applesauce. What a yummy way to learn!

Montessori Atrium

Explore and Express has some great ideas for a Montessori type floor plan for the Atrium area. Check out the rest of this wonderful blog for more inspiration!

Flip Over Vowels Game

Play Flip Over Vowels game is another great way to teach the rules of short and long vowel words to your early reader. There are easy to follow instructions to make this hands-onl educational game.

Don't Cut the Top Off Your Pumpkin

If you want your jack o'latern to last, cut from the back side or the bottom of the pumpkin. Your pumpkin will last much longer as a decoration if you keep the stem intact. Also, use a small flashlight instead...

Sweetest Montessori Blog and Resource

If you want an exciting approach to Montessori, with great resources and ideas, go to What Did We Do All Day. I never leave the site disappointed. It's good!

Alternative Easter Egg Hunt

Family Volley has lots of unique and fun ideas for Easter. What a fun family blog!

Alphabet Fun

Preschool Fun at My Ocean of Notions has the best idea for reading puppets. The homemade alphabet stick puppets are so clever and easy to make. This would encourage any child to read! It's good!

Learn to Tell Time Game

This Clock Game is attractive and a creative way to teach children how to tell time. What a fun way to learn! It's very Montessori and hands-on.

Wonderful Reading with Legos

This teacher has a wonderful, and very Montessori idea, using legos for reading activities. I'm in awe of this creative idea and I know children would love reading in this classroom!

Shop for the Best Toys

Toys, there are so many to choose from. Action toys and figures, computer games, toys that bake and make woodworking projects, almost anything we can imagine. Montessori is based on development of the senses, small and large coordination and building...

Thanksgiving Ideas for Kids

I love Thanksgiving. It is a great time to teach about being thankful for life. Here are some of my favorite links for lessons, handwork, art and costumes.

Pumpkin Carving & Costumes

This newsletter has my favorite links for pumkin fun and making homemade costumes. Happy fall!

Free Botany Lessons & Worksheets

Studying plant life is easy and simple by observing your surroundings. Here are some free lessons with science reading and learning printouts. Wildflowers Sprouts Roots

Free Science Lessons and Printouts

It's that time of the year when school begins, budgets are slim, but not to worry. Check out some free, fun and educational science lessons. Squirrels -printouts about anatomy and food squirrels like to eat. Beavers - printout about anatomy...

Montessori and Tips for Moms

Montessori and Tips for Moms is a helpful site with some cute downloads. It's encouraging blog for moms with preschool children. I'm going to try some of the recipes, they sound so good!

Our Daily Life and Work

Our Daily Life and Work is such an uplifting and worthwhile blog. If you are looking to incorporate Montessori into your child's religious life this is a great place for ideas with nice pictures. Check out the fun homeschooling ideas...

Super Fun Mama

Super Fun Mama has great links and ideas for moms and teachers. The photos are beautiful and inspiring!

Home Free

Home Free is a blog about handwork and living a beautiful life, which is all very Montessori. I like the finger knitting pictures and instructions and walking with her two year old grandchild. Check out all the beautiful handwork ideas...

Let's Explore

Let's Explore is a colorful and illustrated blog for early learning using art and the senses. What a fun, learning environment!

My Montessori Journey

My Montessori Journey has clever ideas for holidays and special days. The ideas are fresh and creative, and your preschool children will love doing these activities. The photos are inviting too!

Good Tree Montessori Homeschool

Good Tree Montessori Homeschool has beautiful pictures and lessons for Montessori at home. Check out the archives for lots of helpful ideas.

Sew Liberated

Sew Liberated has handmade Montessori manipulatives. The items are so inviting for children. Nice textures to feel and beautiful images to see.