Science / Technology 67 results

WonderLab’s Coral Reef Aquarium Teaches Real Science [video]

TJ Jaeger

There’s something lurking under the waves at WonderLab. Its new Coral Reef Aquarium is designed to “intrigue the expert and engage the young child.” Videographer TJ Jaeger takes a closer look at how WonderLab’s fish-filled tank of fun teaches kids and parents about the importance of ocean sustainability. Click here to watch the video.

July 13, 2017

John Lawrence, the assistant director of Sycamore Land Trust, sprays a patch of vinca near the Sycamore headquarters with herbicide. | Photo by Annie Corrigan, WFIU

With Invasives, an Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

Earth Eats

A healthy environment requires native plants that interact with insects, birds, and wildlife. When invasive plants are introduced, they can quickly crowd out native species and wreak havoc on an ecosystem. Annie Corrigan, announcer and producer at WFIU Public Radio, wrote about invasive plants for her weekly radio show, Earth Eats. Click here to read the full story.

July 11, 2017

This swarm landed in a tree in Kara Krothe's backyard on a Wednesday evening in June 2016. Come Friday morning, the bees had flown off to try to find a more permanent home. | Photo courtesy of Kara Krothe and Earth Eats

Swarm of Bees Free to a Good Home (If You Can Catch Them)

Earth Eats

It’s swarm season, when honey bees search for new places to build hives. Which means swarm chasers aren’t far behind — beekeepers who hope to capture the swarm and make it into a new colony. Annie Corrigan, announcer and producer at WFIU Public Radio, wrote this timeless story last year for her weekly radio show Earth Eats. Click here to read the full story.

May 30, 2017

Two sediment basins at the Monroe Water Treatment Plant near Lake Monroe, Bloomington's water source. Journalist Michael Glab looked into reports about contaminants in Bloomington’s water supply and discovered that drinking any water is a gambler’s game. | Courtesy photo

Is B-town’s Tap Water Safe? A Full Report

Michael G. Glab

Reports about contaminants in Bloomington’s water supply have caused concern among residents, city officials, and consumer advocates (remember Erin Brockovich?). Journalist Michael G. Glab has looked into the controversy and discovered that drinking any water is a gambler’s game. Here’s his in-depth report on whether our drinking water is safe. Click here to read the full story.

December 12, 2016

6 Things You Didn’t Know About the Jordan Greenhouses

Jen Hockney Bratton, Lynae Sowinski

A former quarry? Sunken Gardens? The Passion Pit? And you thought you were looking at greenhouses. Those glass buildings with steamy windows on East 3rd Street have quite the past. And their present is rather colorful, too. Jen Hockney Bratton reveals what you didn’t know about IU's Jordan Greenhouses. Look at some gorgeous photos, too! Click here to read the full story.

February 24, 2016

For six Saturdays each fall and spring, kids ranging in age from kindergarten to eighth grade take over college classrooms while attending Saturday Science Quest for Kids and Saturday Art School. | Courtesy photo

Curious Kids Explore Science and Art at IU

Jen Hockney Bratton

Children ranging in age from kindergarten to eighth grade take over IU classrooms on Saturdays. At the School of Education, prospective teachers get real-life field practice and youngsters get real-world experiences in art and science that they might not otherwise get at school. Click here to read the full story.

December 21, 2015

Through lynda.com, the Monroe County Public Library now offers online classes in everything from photography to business, free with a library card.

What Can Lynda Do for You?

Jonna Mary Yost

Through lynda.com, the Monroe County Public Library now offers online classes often taken by university students and corporate employees. Lessons in everything from photography to business are free with a library card and can be taken at one’s own pace — as writer Jonna Mary Yost learned while tackling her Adobe Illustrator demons. Click here to read the full story.