Sixth Grade Science - It’s All About Poop

We recently took Worse Than Poop! for a test spin with a science classroom in Menlo Park. Joanne Tinkham shared the film with her 6th graders, and I asked her to report back on the experience. Sixth grade is when the Next Generation Science Standards focus on climate change - and I wanted to be sure the film would work for that age group. This is what Mrs. Tinkham and her students had to say:

This video was made for 6th graders (and 6th grade teachers!)
— Mrs. Tinkham
Sixth graders assessing Worse Than Poop! as a teaching tool.

Sixth graders assessing Worse Than Poop! as a teaching tool.

It was pooptastic! And put this issue into poopspective.
— Hunter W.
It really made me think about how much cars pollute the atmosphere. It inspired me to walk more. The animation and sound effects were adorable.
— Annabelle M.
The poop reference was a bit much because it made poop look bad and poop is important as a fertilizer.
— Niko M.
Sixth grade science students watching Worse Than Poop!

Sixth grade science students watching Worse Than Poop!

I have to say that Niko is absolutely right: poop can indeed be put to good use. The ‘poop bus’ in Bristol is a perfect example - and someone just told me about a similar endeavor happening in Estonia. One man’s poop is another man’s fuel.

It all, as Hunter would say, depends on your poopspective.

Elliot Visits the Stanford Solar Car Project

Yesterday, Elliot and I were invited to Stanford University's Automotive Innovation Facility, to see a presentation about the Stanford Solar Car Project

Luminos, the latest Stanford Solar Car, came in 4th in the 2013 World Solar Challenge. Stanford Solar Car Project is America's top solar car team - and the best undergraduate team in the world. 

Luminos, the latest Stanford Solar Car, came in 4th in the 2013 World Solar Challenge. Stanford Solar Car Project is America's top solar car team - and the best undergraduate team in the world. 

Three Stanford Solar Cars were on display. Richard Lui tells Elliot about Xenith, which competed in the 2011 World Solar Challenge.

Three Stanford Solar Cars were on display. Richard Lui tells Elliot about Xenith, which competed in the 2011 World Solar Challenge.

Luminos team member Anna Olson describes the enviable discomforts of driving the solar car in the outback.

Luminos team member Anna Olson describes the enviable discomforts of driving the solar car in the outback.

Definitely not a comfy seat! Solar Car racers take 4-hour shifts behind the wheel, to keep from falling asleep or dying of heat stroke.

Definitely not a comfy seat! Solar Car racers take 4-hour shifts behind the wheel, to keep from falling asleep or dying of heat stroke.