Showing results by author "Jody S. Rake" in All Categories

The only planet to support life, Earth has a lot going for it. Think you know everything there is to know about our home planet? Think again. Discover more about the blue planet we call home.

The smallest planet in our solar system is also the closest to the sun. That means on Mercury, one year is just 88 days long! Discover more facts about the small but mighty Mercury.

Polar bears look cuddly, but beware! Their curved claws, powerful jaws, and jagged teeth all help them attack and kill prey. Discover how the world’s biggest land predator finds its next meal.

Leatherback sea turtles face one of their lives’ biggest challenges as soon as they’re hatched. Crawling out of their eggs on the sandy shore, they hurry to the sea in a race to escape those who see them as a tasty meal. If they survive and thrive, they can grow longer than an adult male is tall and weigh as much as a small car!

Did you know that your body is home to more than 32 million kinds of germs? They live on your feet, in your nose, and even in your mouth! Learn more about the gross things your body does and why it does them. You'll never look at yourself the same way again!

Did you know that some pets eat poop? It's true. And there's even one pet that will eat its own tank mates! Learn more about the gross things pets do and why they do them. You'll never look at your pets the same way again!

What looks like a sea horse covered with leaves? It’s the sea dragon! Learn all about this real-life dragon that lives in the ocean off the coast of southern Australia. Life science curriculum links are covered throughout. Critical thinking questions using the common core are also included.

When it comes to battle, some animals seem to be natural warriors. They may have spines or armor to fend off predators, or horns made to attack. Enemies that mess with these animals are in for an unpleasant surprise.

Did you know that some bugs eat blood or poop? It's true. And there's even a kind of bug that eats boogers! Learn more about the gross things bugs do and why they do them. The backyard will never look the same!

When these animals face a dangerous situation, they either run away, stay and fight, or hide from sight. Find out which of your favorite animals are masters of speed, strength, and stealth.

Hippos may look cute, but keep your distance! These huge animals use their fast running speed and long canine teeth to defend their territories and their young. Find out why these beasts are Africa’s deadliest mammals.

Pounce! A puma springs from the shadows and leaps on its prey. Its powerful claws and sharp teeth do the rest. Learn how these sleek wildcats stalk and find their next meal.

The second brightest object in the sky, after the moon is Venus. It's also the only planet named after a woman. Learn more about bright, beautiful Venus, named for the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

Mars is famous for its coloring, but the fourth planet from the sun has more than that going for it. Discover more interesting facts and secrets about the famous "red planet."