On July 29, 2005, a team of astronomers, lead by Dr. Michael Brown, announced the discovery of a planetary body (2003 UB313 - "Eris") that appeared to be larger than Pluto. Just over a year later, on August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) voted to classify 2003 UB313 as a "dwarf planet," declassify Pluto as a planet, and reclassify it as a "dwarf planet". In addition to unleashing an avalanche of scientific questions, the discovery of Eris drives home the need to answer a question that astronomers have been unwilling to answer for years: "What is a planet?". Dr. Brown will take you on a journey as he tells the story of discovery, gives a new perspective on why the question of planethood is difficult, and why the new class of dwarf planets was created to describe all of these objects.

Sponsored by: Delta Education

CSI: has brought crime scenes into America’s living room and has sparked a wave of interest (and enrollment!) in forensic science as a career. CSI consultant and forensic pathologist Dr. Gary Telgenhoff explains the science behind the series and how teachers can spark greater interest in science with their students. Dr. Telgenhoff sees approximately one thousand bodies a year, 450 of which he autopsies. Of these cases, 45 are homicides. His presence is often required in court where he testifies to his findings and determination of cause and manner of death. In these cases, Dr. Telegenhoff finds himself in the position of “speaking” for the victims. This was his inspiration for the song “Speak for You,” which plays on the CSI episode "Evaluation Day." 

Sponsored by: Pearson Prentice Hall