Jan 6, 2021

Seattle MESA delivers STEM virtually

In pre-pandemic times, Seattle MESA coordinators Martha Flores Pérez and Brian Tracey could be found in six high schools and five middle schools in the Mukilteo, Seattle and Tukwila school districts, supplementing science and math classes with hands-on learning to expose students to the joys and excitement of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The goal of the program is to build a pipeline for students from communities that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences to pursue STEM in universities and professionally, and to help develop their identities as scientists.

Dec 21, 2020

Ecology

Winter is coming

Donning warm, cozy layers, winterizing gardens and swapping salads for soups — these are some of the things we humans do to prepare ourselves for winter. All over the world, species are also taking steps to prepare for the coming winter. From the extremely harsh conditions seen in polar regions to milder climates like the ones in the Pacific Northwest, we can see different species follow observable patterns to ensure their best chance of survival for the coming months.

Dec 17, 2020

Active learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Students participate in a socially-distanced in-person lab.

After news that summer, fall and eventually winter quarters are mostly to be conducted virtually, many instructors within the College of the Environment found themselves forced to write new lesson plans, while also becoming proficient with an array of new technology quickly. Not only did they have to teach, but in many cases they also had to be a tech wizard to facilitate remote lab work and deliver engaging lectures over a computer screen.

Dec 10, 2020

Geophysical Sciences

Ice within Mount Everest holds key to the past, hints at future

Khumbu Glacier between Mount Everest and Mount Nuptse.

Last year for International Mountain Day, we visited the shores of Mauna Kea in Hawaii and learned that it’s the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the base underwater up to the top. This year, we are travelling to colder climates to the highest mountain in the world when measured from sea level: Mount Everest. Department of Earth and Space Sciences’ Howard Conway officially had one of the most scenic offices in the world when he conducted field work on the Khumbu Glacier, one of the four major glaciers that flank Mount Everest.

Oct 28, 2020

Happy hauntings from UW Environment!

As darkness falls across the land, we are once again at the time of year when temperatures drop, days shorten and scary things start popping up. Last year, we celebrated the season of all things spooky with slimy, creepy creatures found in Pacific Northwest waters. This year, we turned our attention to the land, and invited researchers at the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (SEFS) to share a little about their favorite classic Halloween emblem.