Tag: insects

Current Event Connection, Main

People are calling this new species of dancing spider “adorable”

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”

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Piloting Poop by Using the Stars

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

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Scientists Crack Mystery of Monarch Navigation

SCIENCE The uncanny mechanisms that monarch butterflies use to navigate thousands of kilometers has long baffled scientists. A new study suggests how they determine which way to go. (Christian Science Monitor) Read our profile of the “lepidopterist neurobiologist” who helped author the new study. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas According to the fascinating new … Continue reading Scientists Crack Mystery of Monarch Navigation

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Current Event Connection

Robo-Roach to the Rescue?

TECHNOLOGY Have you ever stomped a roach, just to have it skitter away unscathed? Now scientists know how they do that, and how to put it to good use. (Nat Geo Phenomena blog) Browse through other ways scientists are studying nature for the latest technology. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Take a look at … Continue reading Robo-Roach to the Rescue?

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection

Mosquitoes: What’s the Point?

ENVIRONMENT We could wipe mosquitoes off the face of the Earth. Why don’t we? (Nat Geo News) Use our resources to learn a little about a slightly less drastic alternative here. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, and vote in today’s poll! Discussion Ideas It is very unusual for the good folks at National Geographic to openly … Continue reading Mosquitoes: What’s the Point?

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