On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after liftoff, killing all seven of its crew members. At this site, you can read and watch videos about this national tragedy.
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The AI Revolution Is On
Artificial intelligence is all around us—and it’s not a bunch of robots that behave like humans. Find out what AI looks like in today’s world, and discover how we got here.
Why Are Superachievers So Successful?
Examine the qualities that “superachievers” share, and consider whether you might be able to apply their strategies to your life.
Are Kids Happier than Adults?
Do you think you will you be happier as an adult than you were as a child? This article provides some interesting food for thought.
Slavery in America
Read this article to learn about how slavery came to the United States and about the fight to abolish it. From this page, you can also watch videos and browse links to other related topics, such as important historical figures of the time, the American Civil War, and the abolitionist movement.
Poe Museum
Are you curious about Edgar Allan Poe? Would you like to read his stories? Explore this site to learn about his life, read his work, and even solve the mystery of his death!
10 Worst Things to Donate After a Disaster
When disaster strikes, many of us want to help as quickly as we can! We personally load boxes full of clothes, blankets, medicine, and even teddy bears, and then we ship them off to organizations helping survivors. Are there better ways for us to help? Read this article about things to do—and not to do—to truly help out after a disaster.
9/11 Memorial
Though paralyzing and devastating to the nation, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, also served to unite its citizens. Ten years later, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum opened to the public. At this site, you can learn about the design and construction of the memorial, access a webcam to view it, take a virtual tour, and explore the museum’s collections.
What Separates Us from Chimpanzees?
The line between humans and animals, biologist Jane Goodall argues, is fuzzy. In this TED Talk, she explores not only how human-like chimpanzees and other animals can be, but also how the human world and the natural world are intertwined—and how we can use our influence for good.
James I on the Divine Right of Kings
King James I of England was a proponent of the divine right of kings: the idea that a king’s power came directly from God. This idea is key to several of Shakespeare’s plays, including Macbeth, and was delineated in a speech the king gave to Parliament in 1609. This site provides the original text, a transcript, and an audio recording.
The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom
In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Watch the trailer for this Academy Award nominated documentary to see how survivors of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami are inspired by the cherry blossom to rebuild their lives.
The Museum of Tolerance
Located in southern California, the Museum of Tolerance is “dedicated to challenging visitors to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts.” Explore the interactive exhibits available at the official site of the museum.
Dying for Freedom
Though the Emancipation Proclamation freed countless slaves, it failed to put into place any measures to assist them in their lives after slavery. Read about the untold obstacles to freedom these people faced.
The Real Story of Revere’s Ride
To learn more about Paul Revere’s famous ride, visit this site created by the Paul Revere Memorial Association. Read through the account of what really happened that night, check out the interactive map that tracks Revere’s journey, and read his own account of the events.
Elephants Outwit Humans During Intelligence Test
Scientists working with elephants from the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang, Thailand, designed an experiment that required the elephants to work together in order to get food. The elephants’ ability to understand and use teamwork was surprising!
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Since the beginning of human history, art has reflected the responses of people to their lives and the changing world around them. Explore this comprehensive timeline, which places examples of art through the ages in historical and geographic context.
Stylized Fairy Tales Inspired Sandra Cisneros’ Cross-Cultural Voice
Find out what inspired author Sandra Cisneros’ special voice by reading or listening to this National Public Radio interview.
Auden’s Musée des Beaux Arts
Auden’s poem is only partly about the painting “Landscape with the Fall of Icarus.” In this article, Scott Horton discusses the other source for Auden’s images and provides historical context for both the poem and the art: Breughel’s “The Census at Bethlehem.”
Odysseus’ Journey
Using this interactive map, you can follow Odysseus on his travels and learn about each destination on his 20-year-long journey.
Why We Explore
Our goals and technology for space exploration have changed, but our pursuit of knowledge is just as active today as it was during President Kennedy’s era. Discover the future of space exploration by accessing videos and interactive infographics on NASA’s website.