What did you learn this week? Let us know in the comments or at education@ngs.org. This week, we learned … … under Hawaii’s starry skies, there is a fight over sacred ground. So, we know what’s going on on top of Mauna Kea. What’s going on below? Where else are indigenous groups protesting for greater sovereignty? … humans can only live about 115 years. … Continue reading 10 Things We Learned This Week!
SCIENCE Two spider lovers in Australia have discovered seven new species of peacock spider. These crawlers are known for their bright colors and unusual mating dances. To biologist and photographer Jürgen Otto, they’re cute enough to be compared to kittens. He hopes their approachability may change the public perception about spiders as a whole. (National Geographic) Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key … Continue reading People are calling this new species of dancing spider “adorable”
SCIENCE Dung beetles are on the ball! But they take “celestial snapshots” before getting the ball rolling. (Washington Post) How would you place in a dung beetle derby? Play our fun game to find out! Discussion Ideas The Washington Post says dung beetles are “coprophagic critters” that use celestial navigation to get the ball rolling. What does coprophagic mean? Coprophages are organisms that feed on … Continue reading Piloting Poop by Using the Stars
SCIENCE Do dogs and wolves hear better when they tilt their heads? Do humans? (Reddit LifeProTips) Use our resources to get some tips on teaching about wolves. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Why do dogs, wolves, and other canids tilt their heads when listening? Canids tilt their heads to determine the vertical placement of … Continue reading Why Do Wolves Tilt Their Heads?
ENVIRONMENT For the third year in a row, skies over Madagascar are black with millions of locusts—the insects of biblical fame that gobble up crops and ravage landscapes, mostly in countries where people barely get by. (NPR) Use our resources to better understand the “Lessons of a Cannibal Plague.” Thanks to Alli for the heads-up on this great current-event connection! This video, which describes Madagascar’s … Continue reading Swarming Disaster
