Grades 6-8
Article
Studying Antarctica's Marine Organisms
Antarctica's water is so clear that organisms have problems finding food. "It's like parents having to tell their young, 'We're not going to be able to feed you until Christmas, so hold your breath,'" says Donal Manahan.
Article
Shaped by Nature and Man: The Geological History of the Palisades
This 10th-grader from New York reflects on how the colliding of continental plates and the force of glaciers helped shape the "mysterious and majestic" Palisades.
Article
Agricultural Genetic Engineering
Are the tomatoes, cheese, and carrots on your table genetically engineered? And if so, why should you care? Wander the aisles of this engaging exhibit, imagined by a 10th-grader from Rhode Island.
Article
Seeing Double: An Exhibit on Cloning
Cloning was once considered scientifically impossible. And then came Dolly, the sheep that made headlines around the world. Tour the science of cloning with this 11th-grader from New Jersey.
Article
The Circle of the Food Chain and Decomposition
This seventh-grader from Mississippi asked, when it comes to planting a garden, isn't dirt just dirt? Find out what she learned by digging into the study of decomposition and making compost.
Article
The Indian Ricegrass
For most animals that forage in the southwestern U.S., Indian ricegrass is their number one food choice. This 12th-grader from Arizona asks, what's the best way to monitor it and prevent overgrazing?
Article
The History and Geology of Rocks and Fossils in Helena, Montana
Granite rocks that resemble elephant heads, sapphires that range from the common blue-green to shapes of pink and yellow ... examine the rocks of Helena, Montana, with this ninth-grader.
Activity
Are YOU cut out for Antarctica?
Because the Antarctic station is like no other workplace on Earth, researchers have to take a psychological test to make sure they are up to the challenge. Find out if you could work there — or if you'd be better off in the tropics!
Activity
Drawing Dinos
Ever wonder how scientists can look at a bunch of bones and draw what a dinosaur looked like? Learn their five-step trick. Then, bring a Stegosaurus skeleton to life.
diagram
The Parts of a Corn Seedling (Zea mays, Monocotyledon)
With two "seed leaves" to store food, soybean seedlings have great built-in growth resources. Learn more about these seedlings’ other components with this illustrated guide.
