In the Know

Think about your traits (characteristics of living things). What color are your eyes and hair? How tall are you? What shape is your nose? You might share some traits with your mom, dad, sisters, or … Read more

If you live in the Midwest, you might have recently heard the term “corn sweat.” Some meteorologists used this term to explain why late summer humidity levels were so high and why it felt so … Read more

Have you ever laid on the ground and looked for shapes in the clouds. You might have seen different animals, hearts, or racecars. But have you ever seen one that looks like a flying saucer? … Read more

Have you ever been playing outside on a hot day when you notice your face and hair are all wet? What happened? Don’t sweat it—it’s just sweat! You don’t even notice it is happening, but … Read more

Did you know that ice pops were invented by an 11-year-old boy? In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson accidentally left a soda mixture out in the cold all night. It froze, and in the morning he … Read more

You might have seen people with wooden peg legs or metal hook-shaped hands in movies. These are early examples of prosthetics that could have been used by anyone who had lost a hand or leg. … Read more

“Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has turned on the fasten seatbelts sign. Please take your seats. We are experiencing some turbulence.” Hearing this on your flight might be alarming, but a recent study shows that … Read more

At 8,850 meters (29,035 feet) above sea level, Mount Everest is the highest point on Earth. Hundreds of brave climbers attempt to reach its majestic peak each year, but there many dangers associated with the … Read more

Have you ever watched a 3-D printer at work? It is mesmerizing. The printer deposits layer after layer, one on top of another, and before your eyes a detailed 3-D object takes shape. Within just … Read more

What do you think of when you hear the word chemistry? Do you think of a scientist in a lab coat or a flask with a colorful liquid in it? All of these things are … Read more