How Much Pee is in Your Pool?

HEALTH You know that sharp odor of chlorine from the swimming pool? Turns out it’s not just chlorine, but a potent brew of chemicals that form when chlorine meets sweat, body oils, and urine. (NPR) Hold your nose and take a look at some cool pools! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas How can scientists … Continue reading How Much Pee is in Your Pool?

11 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 … … the World Nomad Games are SPECTACULAR. The World Nomad Games are being held at Lake Issyk-Kul. Find the lake on our map of Kyrgyzstan! Take a look at some of the sporting events at the World Nomad Games. What sports most intrigue you? One … Continue reading 11 Things We Learned this Week

Should You Break the 5-Second Rule?

HEALTH Supposedly, dropped food is relatively hygienic for about five seconds. Is there any truth to this supposed “rule”? (BBC) Use our resources to better understand why the five-second rule is . . . misunderstood. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas What is the “five-second rule”? The five-second rule is an urban legend that contends … Continue reading Should You Break the 5-Second Rule?

Holey Cow! Swiss Cheese Mystery Solved

FOOD Scientists may have discovered why Swiss cheese has holes in it: apparently, it’s all down to how dirty the buckets are when milk is collected. (BBC) Learn more about food science and sanitation with our Food Education resources. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Will the “eyes” of Swiss cheese keep away the three … Continue reading Holey Cow! Swiss Cheese Mystery Solved

Sanitation Setback

HEALTH Bringing millions of latrines to the poor has long been a goal of public health experts. Now, a major study has stunned advocates of latrine-building by showing that it may do little good. (New York Times) Use our resources to learn more about sanitation and why we shouldn’t take it for granted. Teachers, this is a great, accessible, real-world example of the scientific method. … Continue reading Sanitation Setback