What Cities Have the Most Unpredictable Weather in the U.S.?

UNITED STATES Perhaps you’ve heard the line: “If you don’t like the weather in Chicago, wait five minutes.” Or you’ve heard it applied to a city nearer to you: Denver or San Francisco or Atlanta or Boston. But where in the country is the weather truly the most unpredictable? (FiveThirtyEight) How do scientists measure weather? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources … Continue reading What Cities Have the Most Unpredictable Weather in the U.S.?

Jupiter Gets its Close-Up

SCIENCE The first science results from NASA’s Juno mission to Jupiter portray the largest planet in our solar system as a complex, gigantic, turbulent world. (NASA) D’you know about Juno? Catch up with our media-rich study guide! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Why are Jupiter’s polar storms (like the swirls that dot the Jovian … Continue reading Jupiter Gets its Close-Up

This Week in Geographic History, May 29 – June 4

Here’s an advance look at some of the “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events coming up this week. For each date, we’ve matched it with a map or visual, background information, and a classroom activity so you can plan ahead. Monday, May 29 TDIGH: First Successful Summit of Mount Everest In 1953 two mountaineers were the first to make it to the summit of … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History, May 29 – June 4

11 Things We Learned This Week

This week, we learned … … the secret life of urban crows. Read of the week! We love corvids like crows. What are some of your favorite birds?   … all about the most important scientist you’ve never heard of. Another great read! What chemicals are associated with vehicle emissions today?   … the debate about where to find the origin of life—by land or … Continue reading 11 Things We Learned This Week

Why Did Whales Get So Big?

SCIENCE According to new research, it was only recently in whales’ evolutionary history that they became so enormous. (Smithsonian) Use our activity to size yourself up to a blue whale! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas A new study analyzes the evolution of baleen whales. What are baleen whales? Baleen whales (Mysticeti) are huge, carnivorous … Continue reading Why Did Whales Get So Big?