Understanding the Debate Over Necessity: Unanswered Questions and Future Implications of Annulments in the Argentine Gas Cases

This paper analyses possible effects on total employment, and the distribution between agency work and regular contracts as a consequence of the Swedish implementation of the EU Temporary and Agency Workers Directive in a dual labour market Mortensen-Pissarides search model. The directive states that the basic working and employment conditions for agency workers should be equal to those for a comparable employee at the client firm, and that all parties should actively facilitate the transition from agency employment to employment directly at the client firm. Even though the results suggest a negative net effect on total employment, the implementation is shown to have a positive impact on overall welfare, and that an increased transition probability from the agency sector into regular employment would contribute even more

Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science - WINTER CLOTHING CHALLENGE: Engineering

Students in kindergarten develop the understandings of basic needs, weather patterns, the concepts of push and pull, engineering, and the applications of science. Through identification of patterns, determination of cause and effect, investigation of structure and function, as well as systems and system models students begin to make sense of the natural world. Developmentally appropriate use of science and engineering practices prepares students for more complex phenomenon. December through February comprise the winter season in the Northern hemisphere. Changes in temperatures, forms of precipitation, types of storms, and preparedness plans occur during winter. Average daily temperatures in the Chicago area range from a high of 36°F to 18°F as a low, while precipitation ranges from 1.93 inches to 2.56 inches. These are average conditions for the winter season. Freezing rain may accumulate making walking and driving difficult. Trees and power lines may fall due to the weight of the ice. Snow, caused by water vapor freezing in the air, may have similar consequences as freezing rain. When visibility is extremely limited due to blowing snow the event is classified as a blizzard. Health concerns during the winter season include dry skin due to evaporation of water from the skin. Due to the amount of time indoors, immune systems may be compromised. Frostbite may happen within a few minutes of skin exposure to extreme cold. Due to slippery conditions, such as ice, injuries from falls may increase. Those susceptible to respiratory conditions may experience difficulties due to the temperatures. Weather forecasting, storm advisories, snow/ice removal, and dressing appropriately for the weather aid in preparedness for the effects of winter

Earth and Space Science - WEATHER AND CLIMATE: Graphical Displays

Weather and climate are related to one another. Current conditions and seasonal descriptions are considered weather, which include precipitation, temperature, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, and barometric pressure to name a few. Each season has its unique features based on weather and amount of daylight. Thirty years’ worth of weather pattern data are analyzed to determine climates. Annual and monthly temperatures, as well as precipitation data are the basis for climate zones. Landforms, proximity to oceans, and sea level also contribute the traits of the zones. Latitude is used to geographically delineate climate zones. The higher the latitude, the less sunlight received. The tilt of the Earth is important in the amount of sunlight that reaches the surface rather than Earth’s distance from the sun. When tilted farther away from the sun, the sun’s rays are less direct than when the hemisphere is tilted toward the sun. Greater amounts of energy are absorbed the Earth when it is tilted toward the sun resulting in warming trends. (*Note climate zone identified on the map below will be used by students in this activity.

Biofilms: Impacts on Humans, the Environment, and Infrastructure

Biofilms are having a greater impact on human health, the environment, and modern infrastructure; thus, they are receiving more attention from the science community and media. Background on biofilms and their impacts will be discussed. A lab, resources, and how to incorporate the topic into your biology curriculum will also be shared

The Great Water Design Challenge: A NOAA Planet Stewards and Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) Collaboration

Through generous NOAA Planet Stewards funding, schools in the Northern Illinois area had the unique opportunity to participate in a one-day design challenge that focused on local and state environmental issues. Student teams, which ranged from fifth grade through high school, engaged in research and design thinking to create innovative responses and solutions to address their selected water challenge. Subject matter experts were available, both virtually and in person, for questions, conversations, and insights as teams worked. Simultaneously team sponsors engaged in their own professional development related to the NOAA Planet Stewards Program. Students showcased their work at the end of the day to experts and educator mentors

Life Science - PLANT AND ANIMAL TRAITS: Young and Old

Living organisms reproduce offspring and go through life cycles. Some offspring may look similar to their parents, while others look very dissimilar to theirs. Immature organisms that look similar to their parents will share some, but not all traits with their parents. This may be observed in many types of plants and animals. Examining the similarities and differences assists in identification, grouping, and classification

Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science - BUILD A NEST: Changing the Environment

Both plants and animals are dependent upon their environments for survival. However, in order to get the sustenance, they need, organisms often must alter their environment to meet their needs. Some animals gather and store food for a season due to times of extreme temperatures, ground conditions, and availability. Many bury food in the ground, while others store food in plants. Usually, the limbs or hollowed out sections of the trunks of trees are used, though some animals do store their food in densely populated areas of low plants. http://www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/how-identify-animal- food-stores provides a detailed list of some animal actions, while images of and facts about animals may be found at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/index/ and http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/the-animal-house-introduction/7194/ . Animals, such as humans, also alter the environment for their survival. Prior to a home being built, ground needs to be prepared, whether it is leveling, digging, or removing plant life. Some animals build homes from leaves and other flora. Shells are used by others

Session D-1: Speed!

Varrrrooooooommmmmm!! This hour long session will be over before you know it as we explore the concept of average speed to investigate the use of inquiry to engage student interest and involve them in scientific practices. Attendees participate in an activity that offers a glimpse into the award-winning IMSA FUSION program, and develop ideas to apply the strategies in their own classrooms. Valid driver’s license required. (Just kidding!

STEM Books and Lessons: K-5

There are a multitude of books available for use in STEM classes, as well as many methods for connecting them to curricula. Join us as we explore several K-5 STEM appropriate books, share ideas for related STEM lessons, connections to NGSS, as well as interdisciplinary approaches. Leave with a list of STEM books, some sample lesson plans, and cost effective materials ideas