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Students will consider how atoms and molecules interact with one another. Then they’ll analyze the effects of different types of energy on chemical reactions and how forces impact the motion of gas bubbles in a solution. Students will work in pairs to formalize their thinking using models to understand matter, energy and forces during chemical reactions.

Nature solved a great design ‘feet’ — and engineers are now taking notice. Inspired by water-striding insects, they’ve invented a fancy-footed, water-walking robot. Learn how researchers might look to nature for inspiration in design and invention. Answer questions about the value of analogies in explaining unfamiliar concepts, then discuss possible applications for fancy-footed robots.

Sudents will learn the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods by observing how covering the holes on a pickleball affects the ball’s drag and motion through the air. Students will leave this activity with an understanding that qualitative and quantitative research methods are both valid forms of research and that personal experiences and qualitative research often precede quantitative research methods.

A sea of charged particles swirls in the ionosphere, a layer at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere. Shifts in the ionosphere can muddle radio signals key for navigation systems. But pooling data from millions of phones equipped with GPS receivers could help fix errors caused by the meddlesome atmospheric layer.

Beginning with the first test explosion in 1945, more than 2,000 atomic blasts have rattled the globe. Nuclear testing dwindled after a treaty in the 1990s. Recently, some in the United States have called for resumed testing, which could have serious consequences for the environment and global politics.

Scientists built hula-hooping robots to answer an old mystery: How does a Hula Hoop stay up? Learn how best to launch and maintain a circulating hoop — and then explore how specific shapes can turn gyrations into a gravity-defying force. You can apply those concepts to then predict the hula-hooping success of other shapes.

To really understand Earth, you need to travel thousands of kilometers beneath our feet. Starting at the center, Earth is composed of four distinct layers.

Raindrops might fall on your head, but thanks to your eyelashes, they rarely drip into your eyes. Learn how the simple, elegant design of our eyelashes flicks away water. Answer questions about diverse functions of body hair, all while discussing the value of analogies as a literary device used to improve understanding of unfamiliar concepts.

Scientists have long suspected that a mysterious third force underlies the unique life-sustaining conditions of our planet but lacked the technology to measure it. Until now, that is. Learn how the interplay between different planet-wide energy forces gives rise to Earth’s cozy atmosphere. Then, explore how scientists use modern technology to study a newly discovered electrical field and fit this knowledge into their global understanding of how our planet supports life.

ooking for exciting and important applications of the phases of matter? Have students answer a set of questions relating changes in pressure to changes in states of matter. Learn about how hydrothermal explosions occur and the risk for these at Yellowstone National Park, all while discussing how geologists use core data to piece together geological history.

Take a seat, “angel hair” pasta. Scientists just fine-spun the world’s thinnest spaghetti. This nano-noodle recipe calls for modern electrospinning technology blended with creative culinary science — and, of course, a handful of pasta dough. Learn how electrospinning works by comparing the technique to the function of an old-fashioned spinning wheel, at the same time answering questions about polymers and connecting chemistry concepts to textile manufacturing.

Scientists have discovered an enzyme that helps oxidize the pigment aldehyde psittacofulvin, which colors parrot feathers red, to carboxyl psittacofulvin, a yellow pigment. After reviewing the basics of molecular structure and bonding, use this activity to introduce functional groups to students before having the students describe how different pigments might create the feather colors in a photo of a parrot. Finally, discuss the importance of understanding properties and reactivity of functional groups.