MathScience Innovation Center Gets New Director

Dr. Hollee Freeman

A nationally recognized math trainer, educational researcher and curriculum developer, Dr. Hollee Freeman, is the new Executive Director of the MathScience Innovation Center. She succeeds Dr. Julia H. Cothron, who retired this spring after leading the Center for twenty two years. Dr. Freeman brings an exciting mix of talents, education and experience to the Richmond-based Center. Its mission is “to be the innovator, incubator and advocate of 21st Century math and science programs for the Capital Region’s K-12 educators and students.”

The Science of Curiosity: Seeking Signs of Past Mars Habitability

Mars rover Curiosity

NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory mission will deliver the Mars rover Curiosity, a nearly 2,000-pound (1-ton) car-size robotic roving laboratory, to the surface of Mars at 10:31 p.m. PDT on August 5 (1:31 a.m. EDT August 6). The nuclear-powered Curiosity is the largest manmade object to ever touch down on another planet. Curiosity’s landing will mark the start of a two-year prime mission to investigate whether one of the most intriguing places on Mars ever has offered an environment favorable for microbial life.

Energy: The Crisis We Face and the Prospect of Solar Cells

Science Pub RVA

Well, it’s happening again… “a scientist walks into a bar…” and it’s no joke this time either. Instead, thanks to the folks at Science Pub RVA -- you can join them for an amazing time to discuss and learn about real-world science in a setting where there’s no such thing as a dumb question.

This month’s meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. (or come at 6:00 for food and friends) Tuesday, August 7 at The Camel, 1621 West Broad Street. Come with your questions and comments, ready to consider a special topic in the world of science.

Big Picture Science Joins Saturday Lineup On WCVE 88.9 HD2

Big Picture Science

The world has changed since enterprising hominids chipped stones to use as tools. Today’s scientific and technological development moves faster than a speeding maglev train. If you’re curious about where innovation is headed and delight in the wonders of scientific discovery, tune your ears to Big Picture Science. Science radio doesn’t have to be dull.

Your Body and Brain from the Inside Out

Body Worlds and the Brain

What’s the body and brain all about anyway? The Science Museum of Virginia knows for sure! Their incredibly powerful exhibit on Body Worlds and the Brain is amazing. The exhibition runs through September 23rd, so you have plenty of time to go and check it out.  Read the review from mom and daughter team Lisa Ann and Ryan Setchel originally written for Richmondmom.com.

Virginia Eagle Scout Argonaut to Explore the Baltic Sea

Alex Overman Eagle Scout

Dr. Robert Ballard, Life Scout and world renowned oceanographer who discovered the Titanic, has invited a Virginia Eagle Scout and future leader in marine archaeology to explore the mysteries of the Black Sea. Alex Overman from Hamilton, Va., has been selected as the Eagle Scout Argonaut to accompany Dr. Ballard’s team aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus from July 24 – 26.

NASA Hypersonic Inflatable Tech Test Set for Virginia Launch July 21

NASA IRVE-3

Wallops Island, Va. -- Researchers from NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia will launch and deploy a large inflatable heat shield aboard a rocket traveling at hypersonic speeds this weekend during a technology demonstration test from the agency’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.

Floating Classroom on the James: James River Expedition 2012

James River Expedition

The Second Annual James River Expedition – a floating classroom on the James – is underway. The three-part Expedition launched from Iron Gate near Covington, Virginia on June 23 and will conclude in Hampton on July 28. Students and teachers from nine different high schools across Virginia are paddling and exploring one of the three major geographical sections of the James – the upper, middle and lower James.

Butterflies LIVE! Fascinating, Beautiful and Hard Working Pollinators

Butterflies LIVE

Where can you be surrounded by hundreds of exotic butterflies this summer? Join teacher Kim Farren and her four and five year old Millwood School students as they experience Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Butterflies LIVE! exhibit. Ms. Farren recently brought her students to Butterflies LIVE! to experience butterflies up close as a part of their study of insects.

The Fabric of the Cosmos

Fabric of the Cosmos

In the 4-part NOVA series The Fabric of the Cosmos, accompany physicist and acclaimed author Brian Greene on a mind-bending reality check and journey to the frontiers of physics to see how scientists are piecing together the most complete picture yet of space, time and the universe.