Category: Prof’s Picks

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Recommended Resource: Aerosol Science & Engineering

In honor of the 2014 Annual meeting of the American Association for Aerosol Research, happening this week in Orlando, FL,  we are very excited to share with you this series of educational modules on the science and engineering of aerosols (airborne particles).

These materials were developed by Profs. Pratim Biswas, of Washington University St. Louis, and C. Y. Wu, of University of Florida, through a collaborative grant from the National Science Foundation. The modules are aimed at an introductory college level, and are excellent for supplementing course materials or learning on your own.

The modules: http://aerosols.wustl.edu/education/

The complete lecture series for an introductory course on Aerosol Science and Technology from WUStL is available FREE through ITunesU!: https://itunes.apple.com/us/course/id691280850

Additional information on this effort, and more resources: http://www.aerosols.wustl.edu/aaqrl/Education/mageep/index.html

 

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Recommended Resource: Smarter Every Day

Smarter Every Day is a Youtube channel dedicated to exploring the physics of the world around us and making it fun and accessible to everyone.  Destin Sandlin, a mechanical and aerospace engineer, follows his curiosity with the help of high-speed video, demonstrations, input from experts, occasional help from his family, and the laws of physics. Destin gives the technical side of the series both breadth and depth, while keeping things thoroughly engaging.  His enthusiasm and fascination with science is contagious.

While not specificially focused on atmospheric science,  we wanted to share this resource because of the awesome combination of entertainment and engineering-related education it provides.  Many concepts in fluid mechanics, a favorite topic of ours, make an appearance, for example in the helicopter “deep dive” series.

Prof. McNeill and her family love watching these videos together before bedtime.  That two engineers with PhDs and a two year old all enjoy the videos equally says something about their special appeal and entertainment value (as well as the quality of the technical content).   At 2 years old her son may be a little young to be learning about concepts like cavitation and gyroscopic precession, but he enjoys every minute!

 

 

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Blog recommendation: Adventures in Oceanography and Teaching

This fantastic blog was recently brought to our attention.  It is an excellent resource for students and educators interested in oceanography and fluid dynamics.  Mirjam Glessmer has a passion for simple experiments demonstrating important concepts in oceanography. Her blog features many videos and descriptions of these experiments which can be used for classroom demonstrations or at-home learning activities.  She also posts on teaching philosophy. Check it out!

http://mirjamsophiaglessmer.wordpress.com/