Valentine’s Day Special: Look Of Love
Our pupils change size in response to light, and thoughts.
Mini Speed Demons
From mantis shrimp to trap-jaw ants, some of the fastest organisms on the planet are ones you may never have heard of.
What Happens When You Levitate Flies?
In a recent study, Richard Hill levitated fruit flies to see how they behaved when they didn’t have gravity pulling them down.
Microorganisms on the Move
In this activity, students will learn how to prepare deep well slides for observing two types of microorganisms called Paramecium (a group of protozoa, or single-celled organisms, which move with cilia, so they are called “ciliates”) and Euglena (microorganisms which move with flagella, so they are known as “flagellates”).
Cool Craniums
In this activity, students will observe three “mystery” mammal skulls and compare and contrast the features of each skull. Students will learn the anatomical terms for skull features such as orbits, nasal passages, and foramen magnum. Students will learn how these features relate to physical characteristics or behaviors of each animal. Students will use their observations and recordings to attempt to identify each skull, and will discuss how these physical characteristics helped the animal survive in its environment.
Behold, The 1,000-Pound Pumpkin
Visit Robert Sabin’s pumpkin patch: he has been growing giant pumpkins—the breed is Atlantic Giant—for over ten years.
Keeping a Betta
In this activity, students will research general information about bettas and use that information to determine suitable habitat requirements and maintenance. Students will work collaboratively to perform weekly maintenance duties to keep their betta alive. Students also will observe physical characteristics of their betta and conduct investigations on the behavioral characteristics of their betta.
When Is a Moth Like a Hummingbird?
A hawk moth feeds by hovering in front of flowers and slurping nectar through a proboscis, basically a body-length straw.
Could A Lack Of Empathy Explain Cruelty?
Simon Baron-Cohen explains the consequences of decreased empathy.
Cultivating the Perfect Chili Pepper
If you’ve had supermarket salsa, you’ve probably eaten one of Ed Curry’s chili peppers. Visit his farm and find out how the heat gets in chilis.