Showing results for "Digital Media" in Science & Technology

Whether you're an amoeba, a human, or anything in between, you need water to survive. But why? Find out in this informative Q & A.

Inside every seed waits a tiny plant, ready to grow. Watch the process of a pumpkin plant from tiny seed to full-size fruit! You'll also see other plant seeds, which come in many different sizes, shapes, and colors. Some can be as big as your head, but poppy seeds are so little you can hold hundreds in one hand!

Martin, Liz, and their friend take a hike through the forest and learn about animals and plant life. This forest ecosystem is a healthy environment for animals and plant life to grow. A woodpecker checks for bugs to eat in a nearby tree, with bark that is ancient. Martin notices moss on the old tree bark and poisonous mushrooms! What else will they find on their forest hike?

Have you ever wondered how a penny or dime is made? Coins are made from metal in factories called mints. First, an artist draws a picture of the coin, next clay is used to make a mold made from plastic. Then a machine engraves and designs a piece of metal–these metal pieces will be used to make stamps called dies. In the United States, there are only four factories–can you guess where?

Animals survive in the wild against predators. Many animals, like the salamander, can regenerate limbs–arms, tails, toes, and hearts! Can you guess how long it takes the salamander to grow a new limb? Learn about other animals like the octopus with this same protection. Not all animals have cells that can regenerate limbs for their survival. What do you do if you find an injured animal?

What happens when the trash you throw out is picked up by the garbage truck? Where does it go? Once the garbage truck picks up the trash in your neighborhood, it goes on a journey to be broken down. A recycling truck might pick it up and make new things or it may be used for a compost heap, or maybe it goes to a landfill where it’s covered with dirt. Find out what happens when a landfill is full!

Got a pair of old tights, an empty can or a plastic bottle that you plan to throw away? You can upcycle those old things and turn them into new items you can use! Upcycling is recycling in a better way! Learn how to make a decorative pencil holder, a draft dodger to keep the cold out, or turn plastic bottles into bowling pins. What things can you create to reduce the use of plastic and metal?

Did you know your teeth are the hardest thing in your body? Your tooth has many parts that protect it and keep it strong. How do cavities form? Learn how brushing and flossing can keep plaque from forming which helps prevent cavities.

Did you know about 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year? Learn about the Washed Ashore project that helps to clean up beaches through re-use of collected plastic—and then is recycled into art! Which sculpture in the project is your favorite?

Do you think you are a good climber? You probably can't beat a mountain goat! Known as Kings of the Mountain, they can climb the steepest of mountains, even as babies! Learn the special anatomical features of their bodies that allows goats to seemingly climb straight up mountains and even jump nearly 12 feet in the air. Do you think you can go toe-to-toe with the goats?

Some animals have skin that will shock you! Well, they may not actually shock you but the skin has unique abilities that might surprise you. Learn how certain animals are able to change their appearance by changing skin color or texture, how others can make you sick with their poison, or animals whose skins peel off. Just imagine what it would be like to live in these skins!

Have you ever seen or felt a prickly cactus or a juicy aloe? These are just two of the amazing plants that can survive in the desert! In the study of botany, identify the different plants that thrive in hot, dry climates like deserts.

Do you know what clouds are made of—they are made up of water particles! Learn about weather science, the characteristics of clouds, and how clouds recycle water. What are the effects on weather and different organisms in the world? Understand the science of precipitation—how clouds create rain, snow, and hail!

Could there be life forms on planetary moons such as Europa, Jupiter’s icy moon or Titian, one of Saturn’s largest moons? Although our moon is made of mostly rock, astronomers believe life may exist on other moons! Scientists know liquid water is needed to support life, and Europa has plenty of it. What other key ingredients are needed for life to exist in our solar system?

Have you ever wondered what living in space would be like? Meet the Kellys who are identical twins and both astronauts for NASA. With one brother in space and the other on Earth, they are an experiment to learn how human bodies that share the same DNA are affected by living in space for a long time. What do you think NASA can learn from this twin science study?

What should you expect if you want to become one of the first inhabitants of a Martian colony? Humans have never lived on Mars so they will have many challenges to overcome in order to successfully stay there. Learn what the future lives of new Martians will be like and understand the obstacles they will need to overcome in order to build a new Martian society.

Do you know what kinds of food astronauts eat and drink while on a space mission? Learn how NASA prepares, dries and packages different food so it lasts for the journey! Find out the different ways that astronauts cook and eat in space which has zero gravity so it doesn't float away. Discover how astronauts use a very different kind of bathroom toilet and what happens to human waste in space.

Have you heard of the spidernauts? These two special jumping spiders were sent to space for a special mission—to see how they would adapt to microgravity. Would the spiders still be able to hunt for their food for their survival or would they starve? Learn how this experiment with insects was important to understanding microgravity and its effects on the human body!

Have you ever wondered how your body grows? Learn about how your cells and DNA help your bones and body grow into a healthy adult. See how our bodies grow the way that they do and how they know when to stop!

Have you ever wondered how your senses work? Learn about the interesting ways your senses allow you to perceive the world around you by doing the fun tests with some friends! Learn about how your sense of smell and taste are affected by completing these fun activities!