In the Know

Have you ever roasted a marshmallow around a campfire? You weren’t just roasting a marshmallow, though. There is real science behind that ooey-gooey treat! Roasting a marshmallow causes the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that … Read more

Thrill-seekers are people who enjoy thrills and do well in stressful situations. They also have a sensation-seeking personality trait [a characteristic]. Psychologists can now administer a test and find out who has this trait. In … Read more

When you hear the word concrete, what do you think of? Concrete is the most commonly used human-made material. It is used to build roads, bridges, and buildings. Félix Candela Outeriño used concrete to make … Read more

Did you know that birds inspired the first airplanes? Scientists often get ideas from nature. Scientist Emmett Chappelle got some of his ideas from fireflies. He noticed a firefly’s ability to make light, or bioluminescence. … Read more

Fireworks are a spectacular show of art and science. With brilliant bursts of color accompanied by a whoosh, sizzle, and boom, fireworks have become a staple of summer celebrations. Have you ever stopped to think … Read more

Welcome to one of the biggest light shows nature has to offer! In late May or early June, something spectacular happens in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each night for about two weeks, thousands of … Read more

Lasers use mirrors to concentrate light energy into a thin, powerful beam. You might be surprised by how often people use lasers. In fact, you may have a laser at home. A DVD player uses a laser to … Read more

How are you celebrating Earth Day this month? You might be doing things to help fight climate change, like recycling or planting a tree. But what exactly is climate change, and why is it happening? … Read more

Take a look around you. Everything you are sitting on, holding, and looking at was invented by someone! Do you ever wonder how people get ideas to invent new things? Inventors and engineers follow a … Read more

The Heart’s Job You probably know you need oxygen to live. In fact, all the cells in your body need oxygen—and your heart makes sure they get it. A heart is an organ inside you … Read more