Charleston Darwin Week | February 7-12, 2015

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Join the College of Charleston again this year as we celebrate Charles Darwin and his research in evolution. Activities for the week are listed below. In addition, for the second year, we will have our celebration of evolutionary science for children and youth – Piccolo Darwin Week (http://dillonr.people.cofc.edu/piccolo.html. There are still some spots open so register soon.

Consider the Lilies… and the Finches
Rev. Rutledge, from the Circular Congregational Church, will reflect on how Darwin’s discoveries have opened up new ways of thinking about ourselves, our lives, our ethics and spirituality. Our understanding of cosmic and natural evolution may help us move beyond the narrow confines of anthropocentrism to a richer, fuller view of life.

Teaching the Controversy? A Conversation on Science Education and Religious Conviction
From the fall of 2013 through most of 2014, the agencies responsible for developing the science curriculum of South Carolina were deadlocked over High School Standard H.B.5, Biological Evolution. Do controversies of this sort originate from a legitimate scientific challenge to modern evolutionary theory? Or do they arise from political ideologies or competing religious convictions? And what place should “teaching the controversy” have in the public school science curriculum? Join representatives of the religious and educational communities for a public conversation exploring these questions.

Stem_partner_logo_webAnd so many more events throughout the week…for dates and times, visit the Darwin Week website at: http://dillonr.people.cofc.edu/DarwinWeek.html.

All part of the 2015 Charleston STEM Festival!

Charleston STEM Festival | February 7, 2015

Charleston STEM Festival logoJoin the Lowcountry Hall of Science and Math on February 7, 2015 at the Charleston STEM Festival. During the festival kick-off, children and families will view exhibits and participate in interactive demonstrations hosted by local industries, non-profits and educational institutions. In the two weeks following the event, our community supporters will be hosting a wide variety of events around town, including workshops, lectures, and open houses.

The festival kick-off on Saturday, February 7, 2015 is a one-day (10am-3pm) interactive event at Brittlebank Park that will highlight the many STEM education initiatives in the area.

For more information, check out http://charlestonstemfest.org/.

Lady Cougars Basketball STEM Education Day | February 13, 2015

Join us for the 3rd annual STEM Education Day presented by the College of Charleston School of Science and Mathematics, the Lowcountry Hall of Science and Math, and the Lady Cougars Basketball team. Experience hands-on activities and demonstrations related to science, technology, engineering and math by College of Charleston Faculty as well as local STEM organizations and then enjoy the Lady Cougars basketball game against Hofstra University, out of New York.

Clyde the Cougar from College of Charleston Athletics
What: STEM hands-on activities and demonstrations including (to name only a few) a chemistry magic show, touch tanks, energy and light physics demos, earth and planetary science, sustainability in the classroom, robotics and computer science, flying paper airplane construction, science rocks songs, dancing with Clyde the Cougar, and the list goes on!
Where: College of Charleston TD Arena
When: Friday, February 13, 2015
     STEM Activities: 9:30-11 AM
     Game: 11:30 AM – on
Who: The event is open to all 3rd-8th grade classes in the Lowcountry (however you MUST register as there is limited space). Register by sending the STEM Education Day Packet to rodgersja@cofc.edu
Cost: Free
Deadline: Register by February 2, 2015 to ensure your space

We hope to see you there!
Children at the Lady Cougars basketball team's education day

Educator Workshop: Albedo’s Affect on Climate Change


This weekend the College of Charleston is hosting the Southern Atlantic Coast Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Conference. Join the Lowcountry Hall of Science and Math aas we explore our changing climate through changes in albedo. Earth’s albedo has been steadily declining. Why? In this workshop, we will explore what exactly albedo is by gathering data on the reflectivity of light and absorption of radiant energy. Then we will investigate the characteristics of a variety of surfaces and their effect on the way that surface absorbs and releases heat from the sun. Finally, we will explore what activities on Earth are causing changes in albedo and the role that they play in a changing climate.

When: October 25, 2014 | 2-4 PM
Where: College of Charleston Harbor Walk West building, room 110
Who: Educators of all grades (content will be focused on 5th-high school)

We will take into consideration science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts from the new SC Science Standards as we explore this hot topic issue.

Hope to see you there. Contact Cynthia Hall (hallcr@cofc.edu) if you have any questions. More information on the workshop can be found at .

Earths Albedo

Educator Workshop: Microplastics in the Marine Environment


Come celebrate Earth Science Week and National Chemistry Week, with the Lowcountry Hall of Science and Math and the Departments of Chemistry and Geology, through an interdisciplinary look at our marine environment. At this Educator Professional Development, we will explore micro plastics, how they got in the marine environment, why they persist there, and the impacts on aquatic life.

When: October 18, 2014 | 11AM-4PM (Lunch will be provided)
Where: College of Charleston School of Science and Math Building, 202 Calhoun St. (Room TBD)
Who: Educators of all grades (content will be focused on 5th-high school)

We will take into consideration science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts from the new SC Science Standards as we explore this hot topic issue.

Hope to see you there. Contact Cynthia Hall (hallcr@cofc.edu) if you have any questions and if you would like to sign up.

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Lowcountry Regional Science and Engineering Fair 2015 | March 24

The Lowcountry Hall of Science and Math is pleased to announce the 2015 Lowcountry Regional Science and Engineering Fair for Tuesday March 24, 2015 at the TD Arena. Please mark this date on your calendar.
science fair participant discussing her science fair project with the judges
Given the new science standards and some research that has been done regarding science fair, we would like to slowly begin moving in a new direction. As such, we will be adding a new category this year: Problem-Based. This category will include projects that are whole class projects, structured around real-life problems – something relevant to the community and your students. They will be done in class as part of a science theme (this idea fits nicely with the science and engineering practices and the crosscutting concepts found within the new standards). Questions could be related to things like climate change/sea level rise, water pollution, invasive species, engineering new designs for renewable energy, etc. This list could go on and on. The goal however is to get students more engaged in and practicing scientific inquiry, using those important science and engineering practices:

  • Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
  • Developing and using models
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Analyzing and interpreting data
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking
  • Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

If you would like to pursue this route rather than the classic science fair (which is totally acceptable as well), I will be more than happy to help you and your students in any way that I can…determining a question, finding a scientist or engineer mentor (at a local College), obtaining equipment for collecting and analyzing data, etc. Please let me know! To participate in the regional science fair, you would need to select 2 students to represent your classroom at the fair. If the project wins, instead of the student(s) getting an award, the classroom would be get the award.

Again, there will be the classic science fair; however we would like to begin moving in a new direction. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the new science standards and this new approach to science fair.

Black Hole App for Students and Educators

Ever wondered what would happen if an astronaut fell into a black hole? Ever wondered what would happen if YOU fell into a black hole?

Now you can find out…College of Charleston Physics and Astronomy faculty member, Chris Fragile, and his team of dedicated students just recently published an educational app focused on understanding black holes. This app not only has interesting and exciting black hole content, but also has lesson plans and experiment ideas for teachers to use in the K-12 classroom.

And its totally free! Check it out at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/journey-to-a-black-hole/id901386268?mt=8


Opening screen of Journey to a black hole app

STEM + Arts Summer Institute

This Summer, the Lowcountry Hall, along with science and math faculty at the College of Charleston, developed content for Engaging Creative Minds STEAM (STEM + Arts) Summer Institute. The Institute has been a huge success, involving students from across the lowcountry in learning STEM concepts integrated within the arts. The Lowcountry Hall and School of Science and Math faculty worked directly with the lead teachers and the artists to integrate the varied disciplines. It has been an exciting and creative summer working with educators, musicians, visual artists, storytellers, theatre groups, etc. Read more about our adventures on the Post and Courier website at http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140714/PC16/140719948.
Students integrating science concepts through dance

Congratulations to the 2014 LRSEF Winner Irene Cheng!

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Congratulations to the 2014 Lowcountry Regional Science and Engineering Fair Winner Irene Cheng! Irene presented her research on the Antibacterial Agent Triclosan as a Growth Inhibitor of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Basically, Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent used in commercial goods since 1972 and is now found in a variety of household items and personal care products. Irene researched whether this agent was able to control or kill certain strains of bacteria. What she found was that Triclosan can stop the growth and reproduction of bacteria as long as the concentration of Triclosan-containing hand soap was sufficient.

Studies like Irene’s are important as the Food and Drug Administration crack down on agents that are considered antibacterial but that may be harmful to humans and the environment. For example, there are questions about Triclosan’s effect on the body’s endocrine system. In addition, an environmental working group found that more than 75% of the population has Triclosan in urine and is passed out of our systems making its way to our lakes, rivers and streams. Understanding these antibacterial agents will provide scientists and the public with a better knowledge of whether they are truly useful in combating bacteria or if they are too harmful to the environment to continue use.

With this research, Irene won the Lowcountry Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held in April at the College of Charleston and presented at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), this May in Los Angeles, CA. Of her trip to the Intel ISEF, she said, “The trip was absolutely amazing and inspiring! The people we met from all over the world were so smart, creative, and innovative! The trip was honestly life changing and I feel so grateful to have been able to have gone.” The LHSM was proud to have Irene represent the Lowcountry of South Carolina at the Intel ISEF. Her trip was made possible through a donation by the Charleston Defense Contractors Association.

Irene currently is a senior at Academic Magnet High School. She worked with faculty at the College of Charleston, specifically Dr. Vijay Vulava, Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, in her data collection and analysis. She is planning on attending the Honors College at Clemson University this fall on a full ride – Wow! She plans to major in Biology or Biomedical Engineering, continuing her research career, eventually working towards a Masters and PhD.

As the Intel ISEF says…the future is indeed bright for these science fair participants. And it is indeed bright for our own Irene Cheng.

CofC Science and Math at the Riverdogs Education Day | April 9, 2014

t233_main_logoJoin us for the RiverDogs’ STEM Education Day presented by the College of Charleston School of Science and Mathematics, the Lowcountry Hall of Science and Math, and the Charleston Riverdogs Baseball team. Experience hands-on activities and demonstrations related to science, technology, engineering and math by College of Charleston Faculty as well as local STEM organizations and then enjoy the baseball game against the Greenville Drive.


What: STEM hands-on activities and demonstrations including (to name only a few) a chemistry magic show, earth and planetary science, robotics and computer science, brains, bones and other biology, molecular models, math fun, and the list goes on!
Where: Joe Riley Stadium
When: Wednesday, April 9, 2014
     STEM Activities: 10-11 AM
     Game: 11:00 AM – on

We hope to see you there!

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“Oakbrook Middle School 6th grader Lucas Lazik (black shirt) catches a foul ball during the Charleston Riverdogs Education Day game at Riley Park Wednesday.” (courtesy of Brad Nettles/postandcourier.com) 4/17/13