Montessori and Education headlines

Frogs, salamanders and climate change

Increasingly erratic rainfall patterns can lead to declines in southeastern frog and salamander populations, but protecting ponds can improve their plight.

Youth who have their first drink during puberty have higher levels of later drinking

The earlier the age at which youth take their first alcoholic drink, the greater the risk of later alcohol problems.

College women exceed NIAAA drinking guidelines more frequently than college men

In 1990, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism issued guidelines that define low-risk drinking, which differ for men and women. New research shows that female college student drinkers exceed NIAAA guidelines for weekly drinking more frequently than their male counterparts.

Reading rock to understand how climate change unfolds

Ketamine shows significant therapeutic benefit in people with treatment-resistant depression

Drug associated with rapid antidepressant effect in largest clinical trial to-date.

Mars rover Opportunity examines clay clues in rock

NASA's senior Mars rover, Opportunity, is driving to a new study area after a dramatic finish to 20 months on "Cape York" with examination of a rock intensely altered by water.

New approach to improving treatment for MS and other conditions

Working with lab mice models of multiple sclerosis (MS), scientists have detected a novel molecular target for the design of drugs that could be safer and more effective than current FDA-approved medications against MS.

Women's reproductive ability may be related to immune system status

Anthropologists have showed that a woman's reproductive function may be tied to her immune system's status.

Genome sequence of Tibetan antelope sheds new light on high-altitude adaptation

How can the Tibetan antelope live at elevations of 4,000-5,000m on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau? Investigators now provide evidence of genetic factors that may be associated with the species' adaption to harsh highland environments.

Climate change may have little impact on tropical lizards: Study contradicts predictions of widespread extinction

Climate change may have little impact on many species of tropical lizards, contradicting a host of recent studies that predict their widespread extinction in a rapidly warming planet.

Agriculture in China predates domesticated rice: Discovery of ancient diet shatters conventional ideas of how agriculture emerged

Archaeologists have made a discovery in southern subtropical China which could revolutionize thinking about how ancient humans lived in the region. They have uncovered evidence for the first time that people living in Xincun 5,000 years ago may have practiced agriculture -- before the arrival of domesticated rice in the region.

First ever underwater university lectures

Students at the University of Essex have taken their lectures to a whole new level -- 18 metres under the sea in remote Indonesia to be precise.

Skydiving is never 'plane sailing'

Skydivers show the same level of physical stress before every jump whether a first-timer or experienced jumper, say researchers.

Newer diabetes medications may have additional cardiovascular benefits

A newer class of medications used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics may also improve cardiovascular health.

World's smallest liquid droplets ever made in the lab, experiment suggests

Physicists may have created the smallest drops of liquid ever made in the lab. That possibility has been raised by the results of a recent experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest and most powerful particle collider located at the European Laboratory for Nuclear and Particle Physics (CERN) in Switzerland. Evidence of the minuscule droplets was extracted from the results of colliding protons with lead ions at velocities approaching the speed of light.

Topography of Eastern Seaboard muddles ancient sea level changes

The distortion of the ancient shoreline and flooding surface of the US Atlantic Coastal Plain are the direct result of fluctuations in topography in the region and could have implications on understanding long-term climate change, according to a new study.

Stacking 2-D materials produces surprising results

New experiments reveal previously unseen effects, could lead to new kinds of electronics and optical devices.

Team wins Cubesat berth to gather Earth energy imbalance measurements

A team of scientists has won a berth on a tiny satellite to explore one of NASA's most important frontiers in climate studies: the imbalance in Earth's energy budget and the extent to which fast-changing phenomena, like clouds, contribute to that imbalance.

Body mass index of low income African-Americans linked to proximity of fast food restaurants

African-American adults living closer to a fast food restaurant had a higher body mass index than those who lived further away from fast food, according to researchers, and this association was particularly strong among those with a lower income.

Change in cycle track policy needed to boost ridership, public health

Bicycle engineering guidelines often used by state regulators to design bicycle facilities need to be overhauled to reflect current cyclists' preferences and safety data, according to a new study. They say that US guidelines should be expanded to offer cyclists more riding options and call for endorsing cycle tracks -- physically separated, bicycle-exclusive paths adjacent to sidewalks -- to encourage more people of all ages to ride bicycles.

Gene involved in neurodegeneration keeps clock running: Scientists identify another gene important to morning wake-up call

Scientists have shown a gene involved in neurodegenerative disease also plays a critical role in the proper function of the circadian clock. In a study of the common fruit fly, the researchers found the gene, called Ataxin-2, keeps the clock responsible for sleeping and waking on a 24-hour rhythm. Without the gene, the rhythm of the fruit fly's sleep-wake cycle is disturbed, making waking up on a regular schedule difficult for the fly.

Returning genetic incidental findings without patient consent violates basic rights, experts say

Scientists push back against recent American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommendations, and offer compelling reasons why patient autonomy must remain firmly in place as science advances.

Scientific insurgents say 'Journal Impact Factors' distort science

An ad hoc coalition of unlikely insurgents -- scientists, journal editors and publishers, scholarly societies, and research funders across many scientific disciplines -- today posted an international declaration calling on the world scientific community to eliminate the role of the journal impact factor in evaluating research for funding, hiring, promotion, or institutional effectiveness.

Living Montessori Now

Wow, what a wonderful resource for Montessori education, ideas and printouts! Check out Living Montessor Now for inspirational ideas. and resources

All About Earthquakes

Earthquake Facts by USGS Earthquakes for Kids by USGS USGS The Science of Earthquakes What Causes Earthquakes from Discovery Kids

The Helpful Garden is the Best!

If you are looking for Montessori printouts you have to go to The Helpful Garden. You can absolutely find anything you need for Montessori education. Love this site and its author for providing free and beautiful printouts.!

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!

Volcanoes Free Printout

Check out reading/science cards about volcanoes. Here is how to make reading cards for your children.

Earthquake Reading Printouts

Earthquake reading printouts just for you! Check it out here.

Easter for Kids

Here are a few fun ideas for Easter!

Vowel Digraphs Games, Bingo and Flash Cards

Check out bogglesworldesl.com/ for great lessons, printouts and games that make learning about digraphs exciting and fun. I printed out the Vowel Digraph Game and it is perfect for fun time learning! I'm going to printout the Space Aces and...

Hurricane Sandy Relief

If you are looking for a grassroots organization that serves more than cookies and hot cocoa to disaster survivors try the Mennonite Disatser Service. They use every resource they can to help those in need. You won't find a high...

What is Your Child's Talent?

Good News! We have repaired What is Your Child's Talent? Enjoy this fun quiz!

A Bit of This & A Bit of That

A Bit of This & A Bit of That is non stop fun! It's a wonderful site with creative handwork and craft ideas. Sign up for free downloads too!

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!

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.