OpenBitTorrent Participatory Politics Foundation Researchers Review Boston Bombing Social Media Activity Post by: Kim Stephens Project HEROIC–which stands for Hazards, Emergency Response, and Online Informal Communications (see footnote)–took a close look at the online activity of official organizations during the recent domestic terrorist event in Boston and the ensuing suspect chase–that seemed like a marathon in itself. They released a report today (May 10) titled “Following the Bombing” which I have summarize below. Their Methodology and Findings In order to understand what types of information was provided to the public and how broadly it was distributed, the project team reviewed 29 different government agency or related Twitter accounts. The project team reviewed two main items: 1. Boston FD gained a 25% increase in followers without posting once the day of the attack. Read the whole report here. Like this: Like Loading...
EditThis.info Science Toys Why Social Media Is the Front Line of Disaster Response Nearly one million people are affected by natural disasters each year. In the U.S. alone, some 400 people die from disasters that cost the economy $17.6 billion. Helping respond to these cataclysmic events, social media is now a go-to tool for those effected by disasters. One in five Americans has used an emergency app. Of those Americans effected by natural disasters, 76% used social media to contact friends and family; 37% of used social media to help find shelter and supplies; and 24% used social media to let loved ones know they're safe. This infographic, created by our friends at USF's Online MPA , details how social media has revolutionized communications during natural disasters. Have you used social media to communicate with loved ones during a storm, hurricane, earthquake or forest fire? Homepage image courtesy of iStockphoto , Krakozawr
Open Office MAKE HOMEMADE SCIENCE TOYS AND PROJECTS Mysterious, Kinetic, Noisy, Do-It-Yourself Science Projects that Entice Scientific Investigation All science toys and projects: *are accessible (so cheap to make that nobody is excluded because of cost, and they don't require special skills, tools, materials, or work facilities beyond a kitchen). *have a "more about" page with explanations, historical context, related activities and high quality links for further research. SCIENCE TOYS ARE INTERNATIONAL!
TalkingSit : Constraint: tells you to talk... FileZilla K-6 Toy Science General Energy and toys - from South Australia Science Teachers Association. A classroom unit in which children investigate different energy sources to develop their understanding of the concepts of force, energy and transfers of energy. Includes lesson plans and teacher notes From Windmills to Whirligigs - from Science Museum of Minnesota. Paper Aeroplanes Paper Airplanes - from Ken Blackburn, with folding instructions, teacher's resource book and elements of aerodynamics Alex's paper airplanes - instructions for creating and flying a range of paper aeroplanes, gliders and helicopters The best paper airplane in the world - instructions to create 'The best paper airplane in the world' Joseph Palmer's Paper Airplanes - instructions to create various paper planes Kool Paper Airplanes - instructions to create various paper planes Spinning Blimp - from the Exploratorium. Machines Classroom Activity: Be Inventive! Science Toys Making Kites Soar Into Spring With Kites! Magnets
"Mass collaboration can be this class and doing MAGIC PROPELLER STICK I don't care if my ancestors were playing with this folk toy a century ago. It is as magical today. And it will be just as fascinating to future generations even if we harness nuclear fusion for power and interplanetary travel becomes routine. If you haven't crossed paths with a magic propeller stick (also known as a whimmy-doodle in Appalachia), you're in for a treat. There is some cool science going on here. Traditionally, people have whittled notches into a wooden stick with a pocket knife to create the bumps-- not a very safe elementary project.