STEM Monthly Newsletter
December 2024 - Holiday Edition
Protecting Penguins One Stitch at a Time
A 109-year old Australian man, named Alfie, knits sweaters for penguins affected by oil spills. His tiny designs are donated to Victoria's Phillip Island Penguin Foundation to help little penguins (Eudyptula novaehollandiae), a rare species, only found in Australia and New Zealand. Oil spills can cause penguins' feathers to stick together, allowing cold water to reach their skin. Sweaters from generous knitters like Alfie help the birds stay warm while they wait to be cleaned up. The garments also prevent the penguins from picking at their feathers and accidentally consuming the toxic oil. Knitting and crocheting require mathematical thought and has inspired many generations to enter STEM-inspired fields.
STEM Challenge
Science Experiments to Make & Give This Holiday Season
Weird Wonders
A rare Wunderpus octopus (Wunderpus photogenicus) with transparent head was caught on camera by a deep sea photographer. Its name literally means photogenic wonder and was first officially described by scientists in 2006.
Monthly Shout-Outs
VCS STEM students building a Rube Goldberg machine
VCS STEM students building a Rube Goldberg machine
Doral STEM students studying beach waves, weathering, and erosion
Doral STEM students studying beach waves, weathering, and erosion.
What's Under the Microscope?
Can you guess the item that is under the microscope?
Answers will be revealed in next months STEM Newsletter.
December Microscope Images:
November Microscope Answers:
Milk Chocolate Bar
Spaghetti
Strawberry
STEM Making Headlines
Using AI to Protect Whales
New technology is revolutionizing how we study and protect nature. Whale tails (called flukes) are as individualized as a human's fingerprints. Scientists are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to help track and monitor whale migration and health. Click on the picture for more information.
STEM Competitions
Future Engineers
Registration is now open for students in grades 6-12 to enter NASA's TECHRISE challenge in which teams will design an experiment to test a high-altitude balloon. For more information, click on the picture.
Future Engineers
The Army Educational Outreach Program is hosting a Veterans Appreciation Challenge! Students will create a 3D model of a wearable pin that thanks veterans. Registration is now OPEN for students in 4th-12th grade. Please click on the picture for more information.
Adopt A Cow - Update
Simone hanging with her BFF at Larson Dairy Farm in Okeechobee, FL
Meet Simone, CSA STEM 2024/25 Adoptee
Birthday: Sept. 1, 2024 Gender: Heifer (female)
Breed: Brown Swiss Birth Height: 32-inches
Birth Weight: 75-pounds Caretaker: Farmer Collen
UPDATE on Simone - she has grown 1.5 inches!!
Florida Dairy Farmers' Holiday Recipes - click image for recipes
Gingerbread Egg Nog
Pumpkin Spice Mousse
Peppermint Chocolate Yogurt Bark
Tech Tip
Learn more about how the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and NASA collaborate in STEM Education.
Special Thanks to Mrs. Gregos, CSA Science & STEM Supervisor
cgregos@charterk12.com