Earth and Space Sciences
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Space
Crash from the past
Students will search the Science News archive for other stories on neutron star collisions and gravitational waves.
- Physics
Spotting a neutron star collision
Students will answer questions related to the Science News article "Neutron star crash seen for the first time."
- Plants
Behold the power of light
These discussion prompts cover chloropasts, chlorophyll, photosynthesis and related reactions, and solar cells.
- Plants
Peering back at plants
Students will search the Science News archive for stories about photosynthesis and plant roots.
- Plants
The molecular lives of plants
These questions focus on articles about two of the 2017 SN 10: Scientists to Watch. The scientists are studying how plant roots seek water and developing artificial photosynthesis.
- Space
Science News as research inspiration
Students will discuss the scientific details that are left out of short news reports and explore how these brief reports can lead to ideas for original research.
- Science & Society
Surveying student research
Students can search the Science News archive for stories about student research at the International Science and Engineering Fair, ISEF.
- Space
Short but sound science
Students will answer questions based on a series of brief news items, including describing how each demonstrates sound scientific inquiry.
- Chemistry
Seeking next-gen batteries
Based on the Science News article "Charging the future," these questions focus on battery design, how lithium-ion batteries compare with newer types and the nature of experimental design.
- Earth
Written in rock
These discussion prompts cover the types of rocks and minerals found on Earth, and isotopes, their measurement and their applications.
- Climate
Analyze the climate change data
Students will work in groups to explore available data and research various aspects of climate change and then present their findings to the class.
- Climate
Our changing planet
These discussion prompts cover radiant energy coming to and from Earth, the effects of global warming on the land, ocean, atmosphere and on species, and possible methods of averting or adapting to climate change.
