Do you enjoy the feeling of being frightened? If you do, then you may be a fan of roller coasters. Learn about some of the scariest roller coasters in the world, and watch videos of what the rides are like.
Tag Archives: Science & Nature
The peppered moth: A black and white story after all
England’s peppered moths provide a classic example of how a species adapts to changing environmental conditions. In this journal article, scientist Jim Mallet discusses not only changes in the moths themselves, but also changes in how their story has been interpreted.
Greening the Desert
You’ve probably seen remarkable images of irrigated land, rich with crops, in the midst of barren desert. New approaches are helping to alleviate hunger by developing crops in some of the most forbidding places on earth—but at what cost to the environment?
Atlantis—True Story or Cautionary Tale?
The legend of the lost island city of Atlantis is thousands of years old. But is it true? This article explains some of the theories behind Atlantis, and what the story of the city may really mean.
The Scott Expedition
Explorers Ben Saunders and Tarka L’Herpiniere recently made history when they completed the 1,795 mile journey from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back. With links to their blog, maps, activities, and more, this site provides an in-depth look at one of the most amazing stories of polar exploration in history.
How Wildlife Survives Hurricanes
When hurricanes hit land, they don’t only destroy the homes of people. They also destroy the homes of animals. How are animal populations affected by these huge storms? Read about how fish, birds, deer, and other animals are hurt or even helped by the impact of hurricanes.
28 Years Ago, Challenger Shuttle Disaster Gave NASA Painful Lesson
In this opinion piece, Hugh Harris, former director of the NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center Public Affairs Office, shares his experiences and thoughts on the United States Space Program.
Archaeological Evidence of Homer’s Trojan War Found
Archaeological evidence now supports the idea that the city of Troy was not only larger and more important than previously realized, but that it also may have been able to withstand a ten year siege, just as Homer reported in the Iliad. Was the war really about the kidnapping of Helen? Or might it have been about the city’s overwhelming power? Read to find out.
Animal Intelligence: How We Discover How Smart Animals Really Are
It’s easy enough for most of us to identify different types of intelligence in human beings. After all, we’re human, and we know a lot about our own kind. But have you ever wondered how people identify types of intelligence in animals? Check out this summary of ways that we identify and evaluate intelligence in the non-human world.
Ten reasons why we need more contact with nature
In this article, we take a look at some of the reasons why people need to step away from their computers and head outside.
3D movie reveals hidden dimensions of universe
With advances in digital and microscopic imagery, a new film entitled “Mysteries of the Unseen World” is showing viewers everyday items from perspectives their eyes would never allow them to see. Watch this interview with Louie Schwartzberg, the film’s director, to learn more.
The Common Belief Fallacy
People often refuse to see facts that disprove a common belief. This excerpt from the book You Are Now Less Dumb by David McRaney examines why we stick to easily-disproved ideas and how we can get smarter about what we see and think.
Nevada Rescue: 5 Things Family Did Right to Survive
A family of six spent two days stranded in the freezing Nevada wilderness. Read this article to learn how they survived their ordeal.
San Jose Teen Honored as Hero For Yosemite Rescue
Alec Smith, age 17, risked his own life to save a child from a dangerous river. He received the Carnegie Medal for his heroism.
The Quest to End the Flu
Every year, thousands of people die from the flu. However, the methods used to make flu vaccines are slow. Read this article to find out about the researchers who are on a quest to find new, faster ways to make vaccines.
Top 10 Most Poisonous Plants
Trees that seem to reach out to sting you? A plant that poisons milk and killed Abraham Lincoln’s mother? A bean used in assassinations? Check out this list of plants we should fear, some of which may live in our very own homes!
Humboldt in the New World
Journeying through South America, Alexander von Humboldt sought nothing less than “the unity of nature.”
Optimism May Be Hard-Wired into the Brain
Researchers have discovered that our brains are much better at remembering positive events than negative ones. How does optimism play a role in survival? Read this article to find out more.
We Don’t Have to Choose Between Fossil Fuels and Green Energy
Does America’s energy future depend on fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, or alternative energy, such as solar and wind power? According to author Michael Levi, Americans should embrace both forms of energy. Read this article to find out how Americans can find common ground on this important issue.
Swift Water Rescue
Nature not only has the power to stir human emotions—it also has the power to kill us. This website details the dangers hidden in a beautiful river and how to avoid them.