Author Archives: ECN Staff

National Ocean Month: It’s June, Let’s Celebrate and Protect Our Oceans

June as National Ocean Month

Did you know that our planet is mostly covered by water? In fact, about 70% of Earth’s surface is ocean, seas, and large freshwater lakes! Each June, people around the planet celebrate National Ocean Month. A time to learn about this critical habitat, appreciate it, and think about how we can take better care of […]

Future of STEM Education: Trends Shaping Learning for Tomorrow

Colorful wooden letters spelling 'listen' above an open notebook with writing tools.

In the ever-changing world of education, the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are undergoing incredible changes. STEM subjects are the foundation of current and future innovations in a variety of industries. Advances in STEM fields and technologies require the reshaping of academic programs and development of new teaching techniques. Let’s explore six […]

Streetlight Installations, Past and Present. Safety and Inclusion

Streetlight installation along a busy road.

Streetlight installations are essential for illuminating roadways, parking areas, and sidewalks. Traffic engineers understand that streetlighting or area lighting enhances community safety. Historically, installation have not always been equally applied. The importance of professionally planned streetlight installations including placement and maintenance is far reaching. Undeniably, it applies to encouraging equality, improving community livability, and even […]

East Coast Earthquake of 2024. Natural Disaster Alert for the Tri-state Area.

East coast earthquake. Red pin showing epicenter.

On April 5th, 2024, residents in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and beyond experienced a moderate earthquake. A natural phenomenon that is unusual for the U.S. east coast. Measuring magnitude 4.8 on the Richter scale the widespread shaking fortunately only caused minor damage. Although the physical ramifications were negligible the psychological effect of the ground […]

Magnetic Force: Powering the Planet and Shake Rechargeable Flashlights

Magnetic Force inside a Fusion Reactor

Physicists define magnetic force as an invisible field of energy between electrically charged particles. It is responsible for the action of electric motors, conventional power generation, and is essential in concentrating high energy plasma to produce and contain a fusion reaction. Commercial nuclear fusion power is advancing towards reality. Fusion will change human civilization, and […]

Enhancing Student Engagement: Universal Design Learning Strategies

Enhancing student engagement universal design for learning

To enhance student engagement the Curricular Design and Professional Learning (CAST) organization created the Universal Design for Learning Program. Referred to as UDL, “the program guides the design of learning experiences to proactively meet the needs of all learners. The goal is for all learners to become “expert learners.” Expert learners are purposeful and motivated, […]

2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Intense Global Implications

Atlantic Hurricane Satellite Image

The anticipation surrounding the upcoming 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is marked by forecasts predicting extreme tropical storm activity. Experts point to the transition from El Niño to La Niña weather pattern as a significant factor driving this forecast. Supporting the prediction is historical weather data showing La Niña typically reduces upper atmosphere wind shear, fostering […]

Migratory Species Decline: The Effects of a Slowing AMOC.

Blacktip shark gathering is warm ocean waters.

The global decline of migratory species as reported in The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) requires international attention. A recent United Nations report highlights a decline that transit country boundaries by air, land, and sea. Nearly half of the world’s wildlife population is threatened due to various conditions like […]

Shake Flashlight Demand Following Japan’s Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Rescuers survey earthquake damage.

A rising demand for shake flashlights by Japan emergency responders is taking place because of a devastating 7.6-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan’s Ishikawa on January 1, 2024. The quake caused at least 232 confirmed deaths, with Wajima City severely affected. The popular Wajima Morning Market suffered extensive damage, resulting in additional casualties. The earthquake caused […]

Electrical Blackout Meal Preparation. Cooking the Old-fashioned Way. 

Fallen tree across powerline creates electrical blackout

A power outage for many Americans means hardship. Especially when it comes to cooking a meal. In the past, toasters, microwaves, and electric ovens didn’t exist, yet people successfully cooked hearty, flavorful meals for their families. Tasty meal preparation during an electrical blackout can be a simple and enjoyable experience.  Electrical cooking appliances ended daily […]