Showing results for "Science and the Media" in Science & Technology

Popcorn is a yummy snack–how is popcorn cooked? From an un-popped kernel, heat boils the water that the kernel naturally has inside it. The water turns into steam after it builds up inside. Scientists used cameras to discover how corn popped! What’s inside the kernel to make an explosive change happen–turning a kernel of corn into a tasty buttery treat–popcorn?

Thomas Edison first developed direct current for New York City, but was challenged by Nikola Tesla, who believed his alternating current was a better solution.

What does it take to fuel a rocket to space? Rocket scientists use hydrogen and liquid oxygen, but could anti-matter engines and black-hole drives fuel our spacecraft of the future?

Are there more than 13 planets in our solar system? Learn how astronomers categorize the objects out in space.

Who knows what is at the end of a black hole? Astrophysicists!

Is magic real? Fairy tales are stories that teach us moral issues, often with the use of magic. But what would happen to those stories if they were set in the real world? See how science and technology can create the "magic" you see in your favorite fairy tales.

Even if you aren't a spy, you probably already use cryptography, or the science of secret communication, every day.

Have you ever wondered how big cities are created? Learn how small towns start with just a few houses and farms, and then grow into large cities with many roads, buses, and skyscrapers! See how cities grow and change throughout history by the growing population of people living, working and shopping among each other.

Yo says his toy animal, polar bear, wants to know why the polar regions stay cold! Yo’s father shows him a globe of the earth! Did you know the sun doesn’t shine on the North and South Poles strong enough to keep it warm? Yo learns that because the earth is tilted, sunlight shines brightly in the middle of the earth, and dimly on the Poles. What will Yo learn when he sees a flashlight?

Of all the historic spacecraft vehicles displayed at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in New York–one remains special! On the Moon, it gave shelter to the astronauts. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lunar Module–also used as a communications center–the LM-13 was built to transport people from earth to outer space! Learn what else makes this aeronautical spacecraft special!

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.

What do you use your teeth for? Just like us, animals use their teeth for lots of different things in order to survive! Learn how animal teeth differ from humans and how they are special to each kind of animal, depending on what they eat! See all the different kinds of teeth that animals can have all over the world. Who do you think has the scariest teeth?

Have you ever wished you could go to the moon? Learn about Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin, and their fellow astronauts on the Apollo 11 who took the first steps on the moon! Discover the process and challenges that NASA overcame to safely send people to the moon with engineering and physics. Understand how this historical moment affected space exploration for countries all over the world.

Have you ever had an idea for a new product or service? That is the first step towards becoming an inventor! Learn the process of inventing something new to solve an everyday problem. Brainstorm! Draw! Make a model! Test! Does it solve the problem? Become an inventor today!

Did you know anyone can become an inventor? Being an inventor is all about solving problems in your everyday life. Inventing means you come up with lots of ideas using your creativity. Follow along in this activity to learn the steps to solve a problem and to improve the world around you!

Ada wants to win a prize one day for her inventions. She has many ideas. When it’s time to clean up her blocks, Ada has a great idea to make clean-up time easier. Ada thinks to use her father’s old socks to invent a way to stay on her two feet on an icy day! Ada’s ideas to recycle old things makes her a great inventor!

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?

Do you know that astronauts are not the only living beings who can travel through space? Our human microbes do as well! When human astronauts go into space and return, they bring the microbes inside their bodies with them! Learn what these organisms teach scientists and how they can affect the human body both in space and on Earth.

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 does a light bulb require to burn bright? What happens when a light bulb burns out? Discover how filament, made of one of the heaviest metals, a mixture of two gases, a 60-watt light bulb, and electric currents make this bright idea more than just a bright light! The amazing science behind the light bulb awaits you!