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Invisible Wonders of Science: Revealing Nature’s Stunning and Secret World  

From the secret life cycle of the honeybee to the lightning-fast behaviors of hummingbirds, wonder can come from the most unexpected and unseen places. If you have been looking for new ways to inspire and excite your learners in the classroom, look no further than the mind-blowing work of National Geographic Explorer and photographer Anand Varma!  Varma’s stunning photography highlights creatures whose incredible details typically … Continue reading Invisible Wonders of Science: Revealing Nature’s Stunning and Secret World  

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”

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

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

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?