Community

The new school year is here. A time of chaotic morning routines — packing lunch, wrangling shoes and hoping our son makes the bus. But be sure safety is on your mental checklist, including these tips to keep in mind all year.

Anchorage-area students can now participate in the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program full time with Acceleration Academy (UAA). This component, which supports students of all career interests, is possible in large part thanks to a partnership between ANSEP and Anchorage School District.

The start of the school year does not mean learning must be confined to workbooks and science projects. From Lyutik the majestic polar bear to George the talking magpie, Alaska Zoo residents are eager to help guests better understand their species, habitat and more.

The hunt for the hottest back-to-school fashion and trendy footwear is on. Recent high school graduate Deven Jackson launched a store specializing in vintage clothing and rare sneakers called League.

Finding and retaining Alaska-trained teachers is a continuous challenge in Alaska where 70 percent of teachers come from elsewhere. Cultural differences and infrastructure can be challenging to new-to-Alaska teachers, especially in rural areas where turnover is high.

Going back to school is exciting, no matter the age. Everyone tries to get cool, new supplies to stand out among their peers. Consider these options:

With kids back in school this month, it is harder to avoid germs and illness.

Through paid summer internships, high school graduates are experiencing firsthand what it would be like to have a career in science, technology, engineering or math. In the far north community of Utqiagvik, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is hosting 18-year-old Ariel Schneider for an internship that has her working alongside local biologists on an eider breeding project.

The first Sunday of August is National Sisters Day. While the origin of the holiday is unknown, anyone with a sister knows their sibling deserves her own holiday.

Whether a quick hour from Anchorage to Girdwood or a multi-day statewide adventure, road trips are as much a part of Alaska summer as salmon fishing and the midnight sun. These podcasts will make you happy when the answer to, “Are we there yet?” is still, “No.”

Sunday, July 15, marked the 95th anniversary of the completion of construction on the Alaska Railroad. If you are not familiar with the story, President Warren G. Harding made a historic trip to Alaska in 1923, becoming the first U.S. president to visit the Last Frontier. This date commemorates the completion of the railroad in Nenana, when the president himself drove in the golden spike that officially completed the main line.

The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program strives to make high-quality, engaging STEM education accessible to more students around the state. Pre-college components, such as Middle School Academy and Acceleration Academy, have generally been held during summer months.

The early bird gets the worm and may be less depressed, too, according to a recent University of Colorado study. That’s the finding from one of the largest studies exploring the link between sleep-wake preference and mood disorders.

With today’s hurried pace, it’s important to create time to chill out. Meditation can help return the focus that’s often lacking. You don’t even have to go to a retreat. Check out these apps (even for kids) that can help you keep your mind and body tranquil:

Each summer the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program hosts four STEM Career Explorations that expose students to a particular facet of science, technology, engineering or math. Throughout the five-day component, students live on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus and participate in hands-on, team-based learning activities. 

Puggle. Porcupette. Pup. Believe it or not, these are not made-up words but actual baby animal names. Baby porcupines are referred to as “porcupettes,” and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center recently started taking care of one.

With Fourth of July upon us, the Alaska Nurses Association offers important health and safety advice that applies all summer long:

The Fourth of July is almost here, and there is nothing more patriotic than winning Olympic gold for Team USA.

Researchers at the University of Alaska are pioneering a cutting-edge technique to target cancer, something that could bring the world one step closer to finding a cure for the disease. Seven months ago, a breakthrough occurred when initial immunotherapy testing on mice with cancer resulted in their tumors completely disappearing.

An estimated 29 million Americans have type 1 (T1D) or type 2 (T2D) diabetes. Both share warning signs, including increased hunger, thirst and frequent urination. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

In 2017, Thompson & Co. PR launched The Alaska 100 to bring Alaskans news that is short, sweet and easy to read. Content focuses on the people, businesses, communities and events that shape the great state of Alaska.

Summertime in Alaska isn’t just for scaling peaks or catching your daily limit of fresh Alaska seafood – it’s also a chance to slow down and enjoy a new read while soaking up the midnight sun. Settle into a cozy spot and crack open these summer must-reads by Alaska authors:

University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute professor Carl Tape and colleagues witnessed accelerating activity before a 2016 earthquake at Minto Flats, and this research discovery may help to detect early warning signs for earthquakes.

There is no place like the Last Frontier to celebrate the summer solstice. In some Far North communities, the sun doesn’t set at all. Even south-central will see 22 hours of daylight. While you are celebrating, bust out these fun facts to impress your friends under the midnight sun:

Scientist and former University of Alaska Fairbanks faculty member Matt Nolan is reaching new peaks in precision mapping of Denali. Using a single-engine airplane, Nolan weaved through Denali’s topography using a GPS system and fodar, the combined measurement of color and surface elevation from a digital camera.

Thanks to support from Bristol Bay Native Corporation, the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program hosted 54 middle school students at its May Middle School Academy. Hailing from communities across the state, Southwest Alaska to the Far North, the students gained insight into the college lifestyle and got hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering and math.

While paid vacation time has become an expected workplace perk, new research shows Americans are not always using it. In 2017, Americans gave up 705 million vacation days and forfeited 212 million – meaning they couldn’t be rolled over or paid out – equating to $62 million in lost benefits.

One thing not trending this June? “Dad bods.” June is National Men’s Health Month, and because it’s never too early to be proactive about your health, here are some ways you can take charge:

Just like the rest of Alaska’s inhabitants, bears are starting to emerge from their winter hibernation and become more active. It is imperative that everyone stay bear aware. A few tips:

This summer, Anchorage School District students can jump-start their science, technology, engineering or math careers. ANSEP’s Middle School Academy for ASD students will be held July 31-Aug. 9.