Tag: microbes

Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Water Bears Grin and Bear It

SCIENCE Tardigrades might be tiny, but they’re mighty mysterious. Also known as water bears (or my personal favorite, moss piglets), the eight-legged micro-beasties can survive basically anything, including years of dehydration, massive doses of radiation and the vacuum of space. (Washington Post) Tardigrades are one of the most frequently found microorganisms at bioblitzes—are they the cutest? You be the judge. Teachers, scroll down for a … Continue reading Water Bears Grin and Bear It

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

10 Things We Learned This Week

What did you learn this week? Let us know in the comments or at education@ngs.org. This week, we learned … … crosswalk buttons are just one example of “placebo buttons” that don’t actually do anything. Do you think “placebo buttons” are helpful to pedestrians? Why or why not? Do some tests in your neighborhood! Does pressing a crosswalk button really hasten a red light? Video: … Continue reading 10 Things We Learned This Week

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Educator Spotlight, Main

Fourth graders explore extreme microbes!

This week is Explorers Week, when National Geographic brings together some of the most interesting scientists and explorers making a difference in the world today. In honor of the occasion, the Education team challenged a group of local teachers to design an end-of-year project focusing on one of National Geographic’s 2016 Emerging Explorers. We’ll be sharing their class’ stories all week on the Education Blog. Educator: … Continue reading Fourth graders explore extreme microbes!

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Antibiotic Resistance Q&A

HEALTH The idea of people dying from infections that were once easily cured may seem outlandish. But it is happening—and now, an antibiotic-resistant “superbug” has reached the U.S. (New York Times) Download an image of an infectious microbe here. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Read through the great New York Times article and work … Continue reading Antibiotic Resistance Q&A

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

White House Drops the Microbiome

UNITED STATES Half a billion dollars are being pledged to study the microbes in crops, soils, oceans—and humans. (The Atlantic) Take a look at some of these “misunderstood microbes” with our video study guide. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas President Obama recently announced the launch of the $121-million National Microbiome Initiative. What is a … Continue reading White House Drops the Microbiome

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