Newsletter of Electronic Resources: June 2010

8/8/2019 Newsletter of Electronic Resources: June 2010

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Newsletter of Electronic Resources

New York State Technology Education Association

Vol. 4 No. 10 June 2010

NYS STEM Education Collaborative2010 Summer Institute

Host: SUNY Oswego, NY

August 8-11, 2010

STEM: Links to the Future

http://www.nysstemeducation.org/2010Institute.html

NASA Robonaut 2 Giant Leap in Robotics

NASA has come a long way in robotics. They are no building the next level of robots who

can actually assist humans in the routine work, primarily in the space.

NASA with partnership from GM, has built R2 which is being called as a giant leap in robotic technology.

NASA says Robonaut 2 has been made humanoid in conguration so that it can do what humans can do, use

the same tools as humans, though hopefully it wont drop them into planetary atmospheres as people occa-

sionally do. And of course it wont feed on the Oxygen cylinders that humans nish-up fast.

http://www.taranfx.com/nasa-robonaut-2

Shipping Industry Exploring Ways To Cut Carbon Emis-

sions.

Looming United Nations measures to halve carbon emissions from commercial ships are

forcing Nippon Yusen K.K. to design a vessel that is propelled by sails and glides on lubri-

cating bubbles. Other shipping companies are also exploring ways to cut carbon emissions.

China Cosco Holdings Co....may reintroduce nuclear power for moving cargo. A.P. Moeller-Maersk A/S, the biggest container-shipping company, already cut sailing speeds by half.

While commercial vessels emitted 3 percent of the worlds carbon in 2007, that gure

may increase to 18 percent by 2050 as global trade increases and eets expand, according

to the UNs International Maritime Organization. Emissions targets being negotiated by the

IMO and industry may be adopted in 2012 with nes for violators, prompting shipping com-

panies to research renewable-energy technologies while also slowing vessels.

http://www.shippingandco2.org/CO2%20Flyer.pdf


2/12

Battle Bots Reign Triumphant at Robogames

For robots, Robogames is the ultimate ghting competition. Its where

brain turns into brawn, electronics trump athletic prowess and the arena is

heavy not with sweat, but with the smell of solder and burnt metal.

At this years games, held in the sleepy Silicon Valley town of San Mateo,

California, some 500 robots from 17 countries competed, while at least

5,000 spectators witnessed the mechanized mayhem.

Its just like the Olympics, but for robots, says David Calkins, founder

and one of the organizers of Robogames.

At Robogames, robots compete for medals across categories such as combat, soccer,

hockey, sumo and kung fu. Scores are tallied and medals awarded. But fun and games

aside, Robogames also helps advance technology breakthroughs, says Calkins.

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/tag/ziggy/

Pentagon: Give our Robot Spy Birds Life-Like Legs

Stanford University researchers have already gured out how to build a drone that can landon the side of a wall, perch there for a while, and then take back off into air again. The

Pentagon would like to make its robotic aircraft even more bird-like. The military recently

handed out a trio of contracts to design legs that will let these micro air vehicles hang

onto a branch in high winds, and run around on the ground if need be. The question is

whether these Pentagon-backed rms can top Stanfords already-impressive results.

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/tag/video-x/

Break-through MIT Battery Maker Tries 'Made in USA' -- Betting

U.S. Manufacturing Can Rise Again

Yet-Ming Chiang relishes his 20-mile drive to work. His hybrid car gets more than 100

miles per gallon, recharges by plugging into a regular wall outlet, and purrs so quietly that

its his favorite place for making important phone calls.

But what makes Chiangs ordinary-looking beige Toyota Prius even more special is thatits powered by a break-through battery he invented himself and is working to turn into

the kind of high-tech, green, Made in America product that many see as the key to the

nations economic future.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sc-dc-battery-manufacturing-20100429,0,4963489.story


3/12

Laser 'tractor beams' to tidy up space junk

WITH Earths orbit cluttered with dead satellites, discarded

rocket boosters and other space junk, ways to prevent the ac-

cumulation of such debris are desperately needed.

How about using a tractor beam to simply steer future junk

aside, says space-ight engineer John Sinko of Nagoya University, Japan.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20627585.900-laser-tractor-beams-to-tidy-up-space-junk.html

New web site encourages a closer look at nations energy use

The National Academy of Sciences has launched a new web

site that encourages a closer look at the nations energy use,

based on data from the National Academy of Sciences, National

Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National

Research Council. A nalist for a Webby Award in the category

of science, What You Need to Know About Energy provides

an overview of our current energy system and covers four main

topics: energy uses, sources of energy, the cost of energy (in

terms of the environment, national security, and sustainability),

and energy efciency. Geared toward a nonscientic audience,

the site offers objective and authoritative information in an accessible format. Its produc-

ers are developing curriculum-based materials for middle and high school classrooms as

well.

http://www.needtoknow.nas.edu/

Paper Mate launches biodegradable pens and pencils

According to the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA)

over three billion retractable ball point pens and over 500 million mechanicalpencils were shipped in the US in 2007. Many have since been lost try look-

ing down the back of the sofa and will probably nd their way into landll.

To address this problem Paper Mate has introduced a line of biodegradable

pens and pencils that feature components that break down in soil or home

compost in the space of a year.

http://www.gizmag.com/paper-mate-biodegradable-pens-pencils/14994/


4/12

NYSERDA Awards $11.3 Million for 25 Innovative

Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Projects

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority today announced the

award of $11.3 million to help develop and commercialize 25 innovative renewable en-

ergy and energy storage projects. These next generation power technologies will advance

progress toward a clean energy economy in New York.The NYSERDA funding supports technological advances that could benet a variety of

applications including mass transit, farming, small- and large-scale electric generators,

hand-held electric devices, and others. To nance the projects, NYSERDA will use $4

million of funds from proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas cap and trade auctions,

and $7 million of Systems Benet Charge funds. These resources will leverage $11 mil-

lion of private sector investment to bring total funding for these projects to $22 million.

http://www.nyserda.org/Press_Releases/2010/PressReleas20100503.asp

Across country, graduation gowns are now recyclable, biodegradable

College seniors across the country are getting ready to toss their caps in the air and their

gowns into recycling bins.

For years, eco-conscious campuses have been trying to reduce the environmental impact

of commencement ceremonies by using less electricity or printing programs on recycled

paper.

Now, academic apparel manufacturers are jumping in with green options, ranging fromdisposable gowns that decompose quickly in soil to gowns made of recycled plastic bot-

tles that can be reused or recycled.

The new products are an alternative to the petroleum-based polyester gowns millions of

graduates buy each year then promptly throw away or stuff in their closets. Manufactur-

ers say the new gowns are a bit softer and more breathable than the traditional gowns, but

otherwise are indistinguishable.

http://www.allbusiness.com/waste-management/materials-recovery-recycling/14387706-1.html

Epoxy Adhesives Hold Their Own

When you look out your airplane window in a few years, you may not see the familiar rows of rivets. Be-

lieve it or not, adhesive bonding has advanced to the point where it can compete with high-performance

traditional fastening technologies. Adhesives can lighten structures and extend service life in aerospace,

marine, electronic, and automotive applications.

http://machinedesign.com/article/epoxy-adhesives-hold-their-own-1122


5/12

Maryland researchers turn poplar trees into biofuel

Fuel derived from the hardy, fast-growing common poplar could eventually replace

some of the billions of gallons of petroleum-based fuel now pumped a year, say biologist

Gary Coleman and engineer Ganesh Sriram, who have partnered to help turn the woody

plant into a widely used biofuel.

Oil is a nite resource, said Coleman, a professor of plant science in the College ofAgriculture and Natural Resources. I dont think there is any doubt in 10 years people

will be using advanced biofuels.

http://www.physorg.com/news192196875.html

Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research

and Education ExperienceNow accepting applications to the Online Learning Community from May 3 to June 30,

2010

The Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education

Experience, or INSPIRE, is a multitier year-round program designed for students in

ninth to 12th grade who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math-

ematics (STEM) education and careers.

The centerpiece of INSPIRE is the Online Learning Community, or OLC. The OLC

provides a place for INSPIRE students to interact with their peers, NASA experts and

education specialists. Through grade-level-appropriate educational activities, chats

and discussion boards, students and their families are exposed to the many careers and

opportunities NASA has to offer. In addition, the OLC provides the parents/guardiansof participating students with resources designed to help them champion their childs

education and career goals.

http://www.nasa.gov/ofces/education/programs/descriptions/INSPIRE_Project.html

Hydrogen Gas Production Doubled with New Super Bacterium

Hydrogen gas is today used primarily for manufacturing chemicals, but a bright future is

predicted for it as a vehicle fuel in combination with fuel cells. In order to produce hydro-gen gas in a way that is climate neutral, bacteria are added to forestry or household waste,

using a method similar to biogas production. One problem with this production method is

that hydrogen exchange is low, i.e. the raw materials generate little hydrogen gas. Now,

for the rst time, researchers have studied a newly discovered bacterium that produces

twice as much hydrogen gas as the bacteria currently used. The results show how, when

and why the bacterium can perform its excellent work and increase the possibilities of

competitive biological production of hydrogen gas.

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/hydrogen-gas-production-doubled-new-super-bacterium/


6/12

Affordable Solar Power with Purple Pokeberries?

Researchers at Wake Forest Universitys Center for Nanotechnology

and Molecular Materials are trying to achieve source of clean and

green power through pokeberries! Pokeberries could be helpful in

making solar power accessible to many. Nanotech Center scientists

have extracted the red dye from pokeberries to paint their efcient and

low-cost ber-based solar cells. The dye acted in a desirable manner.

It acts as an absorber, helping the cells minute bers entrap more sunlight to convert into

power.The good news is pokeberries grows in rocky infertile soil and even during draught period. Even rural

Africans can grow it in their existing climate. David Carroll, Ph.D.and the centers director thinks that dye

absorbers can help Africans ght power problems. Carroll emphasizes his point, Theyre weeds. They

grow on every continent but Antarctica.

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/affordable-solar-power-purple-pokeberries/

Self-Powered Flexible ElectronicsTouch-responsive nano-generator lms could power touch screens.

Touch-screen computing is all the rage, appearing in countless smart

phones, laptops, and tablet computers. Now researchers at Samsung

and Sungkyunkwan University in Korea have come up with a way to

capture power when a touch screen exes under a users touch. The

researchers have integrated exible, transparent electrodes with anenergy-scavenging material to make a lm that could provide supple-

mentary power for portable electronics. The lm can be printed over large areas using

roll-to-roll processes, but are at least ve years from the market.

http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/25219/?nlid=2957&a=f

Generating interest in science, math, technology

The machine in front of the students gathered at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics stretches

roughly four times longer than any of them are tall. It has more than 2 feet on them in height, and at any

given time, it can t six patients and a couple of medical staff inside.

Silently, on Tuesday, the elementary and junior-high students stared.

The group of 15 didnt know what to make of the massive hyperbaric chamber, used to provide patients

with high levels of oxygen. And few had questions for Sherry Sparks, a therapist at the hospital who told

them about its workings.

http://www.dailyiowan.com/2010/05/05/Metro/17164.html


7/12

New Platinum Could Mean Cheaper, More Efcient Fuel Cells

Fuel cells are clean and green cells. They work without polluting the environment. Fuel

cells are electrochemical devices that transform the chemical energy of a fuel into electric-

ity generating water as a by-product. Fuel cells are most used in space ights but they can

be best utilized in electric vehicles to reduce air pollution. Fuel powered electric vehiclesare better than battery operated EVs as far as efciency and faster refueling is concerned.

So what is stopping us from using fuel cells on commercial scale? Current fuel cell designs need around

100 grams of platinum. We know that platinum is a precious and costly metal and it pushes the price tags

of fuel cells into thousands of dollars. Now researchers at the Department of Energys SLAC National

Accelerator Laboratory and the University of Houston giving us some hope. They are talking about a new

form of platinum that might be helpful in making cheaper, more efcient fuel cells. This work has been

published in the April 25th issue of Nature Chemistry.

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/platinum-cheaper-more-efcient-fuel-cells/

A faster Wi-Fi format aims to eliminate most wires

Ready to cut the cord? The next generation of Wi-Fi technology could make

most wires obsolete.

The Wi-Fi Alliance, an organization that certies wireless industry standards,

announced the specication for a new format for transmitting data over the air

at speeds up to 10 times faster than todays top-of-the-line hotspots.

The nonprot group is billing the technology as a replacement for most wired connections between elec-

tronics.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/05/wi-wigig.html

Our country's global economic success in the future depends on K-20 graduates honing

their "21st Century Skills." Today's tech-savvy generation has no shortage of user-friendly

devices...and they know how to use them. But are they putting these tech skills to good

use? You've heard of the 3Rs, but what about the 5Cs such as critical thinking, creative

problem solving, communications, collaboration and cross-cultural relationship building?

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2009/08/14/measuring-21st-century-skills-2/


8/12

Two Wind Farms get Investment from Google

Now big companies are going green and proudly proclaiming it too from

rooftops. Google Inc. has invested $38.8 million in two North Dakota wind

farms. This is the rst direct investment by Google in utility-scale renew-

able energy generation. These two wind farms produce 169.5 megawatts of

power. These two wind farms can light up around 55,000 homes. These windfarms are designed by General Electric Co and created by NextEra Energy Resources. They

generate power from one of the worlds richest wind resources in the North Dakota plains.

There is no need to lay down extra infrastructure for the two wind farms. Current transmis-

sion facilities are able to transmit power to the nearby areas. Googles ofcial blog claims,

Through this $38.8 million investment, were aiming to accelerate the deployment of

renewable energy in a way that makes good business sense, too.

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/two-wind-farms-investment-from-google/

Confronting a third crisis in U.S. science education

Is science education broken in the United States? And if so, how should the country x

it? A working group of the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

(PCAST) has been investigating these long-standing questions and is expected to issue

a report on its policy recommendations this month. Science News Contributing Editor

Alexandra Witze spoke with the working groups cochair, physicist S. James Gates Jr. of

the University of Maryland in College Park. Gates also serves on the Board of Trustees ofSociety for Science & the Public, the parent organization of Science News.

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/58930/title/Confronting_a_third_crisis_in_U.S._science_education_

NYS Education Department Virtual Learning System (VLS)

The NYSED VLS, www.nysvls.org has been enhanced and recently expanded with ad-

ditional content. Additions include: lesson plans for teachers K-12 generated through The

Mathematics Science Partnership Program (MSP); 15 Robert F. Kennedy lesson plans,

in cooperation with NYSUT; and the complete set of Alternative Grade Level Indicators

for Students with Severe Disabilities in Mathematics, Science, English Language Arts

and recently Social Studies. As always, thousands of lesson plans and instructional tasks

are available by exploring the learning standards and performance indicators in the seven

standards areas. We have also provided the Learning Standards in three Standard Servicing

options, XML, HTML with the latest in PDF format.

www.nysvls.org


9/12

$3 Microscope Plugs into Cell PhonesInexpensive, lightweight device provides basic medical diagnostics and images.

A small digital microscope that costs just a few dollars can plug into

a cell phone and perform basic medical diagnostics that would ordi-

narily require expensive lab equipment. The microscope, which uses

no lenses, saves on cost and weight by using algorithms to get moreinformation from images. The device can generate blood counts and

identify disease cells and bacteria from simple images sent through

a USB cord to a cell phone that uses software to processes the data.

The latest version of the microscope integrates an interference-based

contrast method to provide better images in addition to diagnostic information.

http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/25286/?nlid=2973&a=f

Strengthening STEM Education in theEarly Years

A Plan for Increasing the Number of Skilled PreK-6

STEM Educators in the Greater Boston Region

The advances in science and technology over the past quar-

ter century have been astounding,revolutionizing the way

we live, learn and work. And while we pause to

catch our breath, the pace of change over the next quarter

century promises to be even more extraordinary. Withinthis new and rapidly evolving landscape, STEM (science,

technology, engineering and math) content knowledge and

skills have become preeminent. No other set of content areas and skills is more vital to

our near and long-term success. Both the nations and the states economic well-being

depends on the

development of a highly skilled STEM workforce. Moreover, it will be STEM

professionals who drive key innovations in healthcare and medicine, environmental

science, education and other elds that, among other benets, will stimulate new eco-

nomic growth, counter negative effects of climate change and pollution, and improveour overall quality of life. Further, a strong foundation in STEM knowledge and skills is

critical for ensuring an educated citizenryone equipped to gather and process informa-

tion, assess the opportunities and risks that advances in science and technology present,

and make informed, responsible decisions about policies and initiatives that will impact

us personally and as acommunity.

http://www2.wheelock.edu/wheelock/Documents/News/Foundation%20for%20the%20Future%20Report.pdf


10/12

National Science Foundation Videos Pro-

mote Green Science To Kids

One of President Obamas foremost agendas since taking ofce in

2008 has been to spread green awareness for the sake of a greener, more sustainable America. As a fun

and informative method of instilling within children a sense of wonder and excitement about science and

engineering, the National Science Foundation has released an online video series designed to amaze and

educate.

Entitled Green Revolution, the educational video series is broken into ve-minute-long episodes, which

feature scientists and engineers who are working to develop and improve the use of clean energy sourc-

es, new fuels and other energy-related technologies, according to the National Science Foundation.

Each episode explores the research undertaken by scientists, as well as the basic science behind their

work. The videos will aim to cover hot topics such as the smart grid, batteries, and the development of

clean energy solutions such as biomass.

http://www.earthtechling.com/2010/05/national-science-foundation-videos-promote-green-science-to-kids/

Momentum Building for Hands-On Science Learning

The postings on the National Lab Day website are akin to something you might nd through an online

dating service. Only these arent from lonely singles looking for a soul mate. Theyre from teachers

seeking help with hands-on science projects, whether the expertise of a scientist or engineer or money to

help pay for a special activity or laboratory equipment.

The titles give a avor of what teachers are after: Extreme Science Lab Make Over, from a teacher in

Webster, Texas. The Buttery Garden, from Aurora, Ill. Cells R Us, from Port Charlotte, Fla. Do

Science Not View Science, in Summerville, Ga. And Cadaver Lab, in Missoula, Mont.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/05/12/31labs.h29.html?tkn=WWMFHL35uUvag%2FrlYPF8jryEpxb%2Bk8Lx%2BETm&cmp=clp-edweek

Solar Greenhouse to Produce Food and Electricity

Imagine a greenhouse that is producing solar power and food too. This

excellent experiment is being done in Italy. The companies responsible for

this project are Renewable energy company Solar ReFeel, CeRSAA and

solar panel manufacturer Solyndra. The test site has been constructed at

CeRSAAs Albenga, Italy. The project intends to attain the production ofboth food and electricity. The research team also wants to validate the crop growth benets

of Solyndras technology by taking help of independent testing by a leading agricultural

research institution.

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/solar-greenhouse-food-electricity/


11/12

Congress can help America stay competitive with COMPETES Act

reauthorization (Rep. Michael Honda)

This week, Congress votes on the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, H.R.

5116. Its worth taking a moment to explain to the American people what the hard work

and thoughtful consideration of Chairman Bart Gordon and members of the Science andTechnology Committee, on which I am proud to have once served, have produced. The

American people are looking to Congress to ensure our economy remains competitive.

This bill helps with that.

But lets back up a bit rst. The America COMPETES Act of 2007 signicantly bol-

stered American innovation, the most fundamental hope for sustainable economic growth

and competitiveness in the United States and a critical driver of the economy of my Sili-

con Valley district. It helped drive new research and its commercialization, and encour-

aged the creation of a more dynamic business environment, and made improvements to

science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education that are important for ournations long term economic health.

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/technology/97541-congress-can-help-america-stay-competitive-with-competes-act-reauthorization-rep-michael-honda

Kennedy Launch Academy Simulation System Software

Bring a launch countdown into your classroom! Would your students

like to serve as console engineers for a launch countdown? Now they

can!

Based on the actual software currently used for training at Kennedy

Space Centers Launch Control Center, this software enables a launch

countdown simulation with a networked system of computers. Ma-

terials are created by teachers for teachers and aligned with national

education standards. There are ve console stations for your student

engineers: Main Engines, External Tank, BioMed, Weather and Envi-

ronmental Control. While this is targeted for middle school students, it is easily scaled

up to the high school level.

This software is an interactive, inquiry-based method for your students to practice thematerials they learn in the classroom. It also answers the age old question, When will I

ever use this stuff Im learning in the classroom?

http://www.nasa.gov/ofces/education/centers/kennedy/technology/KLASS.html


12/12

Bladeless Wind Turbine Inspired by Nikola Tesla

A research company in New Hampshire recently patented its bladeless

wind turbine, which is based on a patent issued to Nikola Tesla in 1913.

This wind turbine is christened as the Fuller Wind Turbine. This turbine

is developed by Solar Aero. The specialty of Fuller Wind Turbine is ithas only one rotating part, known as the turbine-driveshaft. The entire

machinery is assembled inside a housing. Wind turbines are often dis-

liked by environmentalists because they kill birds and bats and often generate noise for the

residents living nearby

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/bladeless-wind-turbine-inspired-by-nikola-tesla/

Is Your Car Safe From Hackers?

Interconnected computer systems provide openings for attackers.

This week researchers will present a study showing what could happen if a deter-

mined hacker went after the computer systems embedded in cars. The researchers

found that, among other things, an attacker could disable the vehicles brakes,

stop its engine, or take control of its door locks. All the attacker needs is access to

the federally mandated onboard diagnostics port-- located under the dashboard in

almost all cars today.

The researchers point to a recent report showing that a typical luxury sedan now

contains about 100 megabytes of code that controls 50 to 70 computers inside the

car, most of which communicate over a shared internal network.

http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/25339/?nlid=2996&a=f

Choosing Indycars 2012 Chassis Design

Safety, better efciency, and more-exciting racing are revving up the chassis designs com-

peting to run at IndyCar events in 2012. Auto racing is about more than getting cars to go as

fast as possible. Premier groups like the Indy Racing League (IRL) also want to keep driv-

ers safe, fans engaged, and technology relevant to real-world consumer applications. They

also want more teams competing.To that end, IRLs IndyCar chassis is getting a refresh. Ofcials are hoping to choose a chassis and engine

platform for the 2012 season by June 1 of this year.

Early this year, IRL President Brian Barnhart outlined what the organization is looking for in a new car,

and designers were quick to respond. Five rms have entered the competition for the 2012 chassis, includ-

ing current chassis constructor Dallara, Parma, Italy, and LeMans and ChampCar designer Lola, Hunting-

don, Cambridgeshire, U.K. Swift Engineering, San Clemente, Calif., a seasoned design rm, notably of the

current Formula Nippon design, is also developing an entry.

http://machinedesign.com/article/choosing-indycar-s-2012-chassis-design-0520

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