In the Know

Maria Telkes was an American scientist who invented solar-powered devices.  She studied biophysics and chemistry. She earned her doctorate degree in 1924. Telkes learned that heat from sunlight could be captured and stored, and then … Read more

In the winter, it can be hard to see animals because it is cold outside. But some animals you might be able to spot, even in your backyard, are birds. Birds live in many different … Read more

Think about some of the amazing architectural structures in the world – bridges, towers, skyscrapers. Engineers spend hours developing plans and choosing materials for their structures. One of the most interesting architectural structures is made … Read more

Imagine jumping up and not coming down. Even if you jump high, you always come back down. Think about what would happen if you were washing a plate and it slipped out of your hands. … Read more

Humans need bats. Bats are often misunderstood animals. They are spooky symbols associated with Halloween, but bats are also intelligent creatures with unique skills and helpful habits. There are over 1,400 species of bats, which … Read more

One of the most beautiful phenomena in nature is the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Aurora comes from the name of the Roman god of the dawn. Borealis comes from the Greek … Read more

During the month of September, we celebrate Hispanic American heritage and culture. Mario Molina was born in Mexico City in 1943. As a young boy, he played with toy chemistry sets. He pretended his bathroom … Read more

Glass blowing is an art form that was invented thousands of years ago. The ancient Syrians were some of the first people to practice glassblowing as we know it today. They discovered that melted glass … Read more

Have you ever used a compass? A map? Or do you usually ask your parents for directions? Imagine being in the middle of the ocean and voyaging to islands that are hundreds of miles away—without … Read more