This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
We at Scientific American share several passions with the actor, producer and educator LeVar Burton: fostering children’s literacy, science, social good and education. And, of course, Star Trek. So perhaps it’s only natural that this past Wednesday we welcomed Burton as our Guest Editor for the day. Burton conducted a “site takeover”–making story assignments, deciding what to feature on our home page and live-tweeting his experience.
He assigned stories on Halley’s comet and ways to help students’ comprehension of science textbooks. He also enlisted his colleague Mae Jemison, the first African American woman space traveler, to write about the 100 Year Starship project for us.
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The complete inventory of his picks and assignments is below. Enjoy! And be sure to visit Burton on Twitter @levarburton and to check out his Kickstarter campaign for the relaunch of Reading Rainbow (@readingrainbow on Twitter). Word on the street: the Kickstarter campaign has a new a new Backer Reward that might interest Trekkies and families.
Reading Techniques Help Students Master Science
Science and Soccer’s World Cup
Kid Scientist Finds Sweet Pest Control
All Aboard the 100-Year Starship
Space Station Science Ramps Up Despite U.S.-Russia Tensions
Classroom Decorations Can Distract Young Students
Is Seeing a Comet Like Halley’s a Once-in-a-Lifetime Event?
World Cup Prediction Mathematics Explained
Bacteria Implicated in Stress-Related Heart Attacks
Don’t You Have the Summer Off?
Don’t Go in the Water! The Chemistry of Pee in the Pool [Video]
Warp Drive Researcher Key to Interstellar Travel