In the Know

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

It’s winter, and the air is cold but calm. You’ve just trekked a mile across a frozen section of Lake Superior. You’re ready to explore the ice caves of the Apostle Islands! These caves are … Read more

What is kelp?  Because kelp looks so much like grass, many people assume it is a plant. However, kelp belongs to the kingdom Protista. This kingdom is made up of organisms with simple cellular organization. … Read more