I went on a class field trip to Fernwood Botanic Garden in southwest Michigan when I was in sixth grade. When we toured the restored prairie, the naturalist told us about invasive non-native plants such as garlic mustard and how they destroy native habitats. Most of my class was bored, but I was amazed. I wanted to learn more, especially because my grandfather owns a section of prairie in southwest Michigan. About five years ago, he completed a prairie restoration on some of his land, and I wanted to know if he also had non-native plants growing in his prairie.

Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays, protected inlets that hold millions of marine bioluminescent dinoflagellates. These bays are huge tourist attractions, and swimming in them, when permitted, is popular. Often the visitors have sprayed themselves with insect repellants containing the active ingredient DEET. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of DEET on the ability of the dinoflagellates to emit light.

People often assume that drawing skills are something you're born with. But the truth is, like any other skill, drawing is something you can learn. Start sketching with these helpful hints.

Learn how to turn a soda bottle, plastic shoe box, or small aquarium into spiffy guest quarters for tarantulas, milkweed bugs, butterflies, ants, and other arthropods.

More than any other, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet has the greatest potential to raise sea levels all over the world. Learn how scientists are studying it, both in the field and back in the lab.

Did you know grasshoppers have two different types of eyes, or that they smell the world with their antennae? Zoom in on this arthropod's fascinating features.

Compound or single? Knowing this fundamental difference in leaf type is key to identifying plant specimens. This illustrated guide shows you what both look like. 

Leaves are attached to stem nodes in three different arrangements: alternate, opposite, and whorled. Learn how to spot these leaf arrangements before venturing out on your next field study. 

Did you know that the first time you come in contact with poison ivy, you probably won't get a rash? Every time after that, though, is a different story. Learn how to spot different varieties.

Autumn leaves, flawless fronds, prickly grasses, and perfect petals—all are great specimens to be noted and preserved. Find out how to press like a pro.