SuperScience articles from February 2005

SuperScience archives from February 2005

Comet crasher.(newsblast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Scientist know that comets are objects that circle the sun. They also know that a comet's surface is made from Ice, gas, and dust. What they don't know is what's inside these mysterious objects--but they're about to find out. NASA...

Supersize popcorn.(newsblast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... If you've always dreamed of munching on giant-size popcorn, get ready to start popping! Researchers in Pennsylvania have discovered a way to double the size of popcorn. Popcorn kernels are made mostly of starch. When a kernel is heated,...

Cancer-catching canines.(newsblast)(dogs can detect cancer)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... People already use dogs' g power for many important jobs, like finding people trapped in avalanches. Now, scientists have discovered that man's best friend can also use its nose to detect cancer. Cancer is a disease in which cells (the...

Flower power.(newsblast)(Sunflower seeds as alterantive fuels)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Sunflowers are very useful plants. They provide us with delicious seeds for snacking and oil that can be used to cook French fries. And one day they may even power cars! At present, most cars work by burning fuels such as gasoline. This...

The case of the stained tablecloth: this month, learn about the properties of different soils.(science mystery)(Short Story)
February 1, 2005... Read the story below. Then use the materials listed at the end to solve the mystery. "Aunt Lorraine will be thrilled when she sees her Valentine's Day gifts," said Lisa, admiring the daisy she bought. "I think so too," said her older...

Friends 4-ever: meet some of nature's strangest pairs.(life science)
February 1, 2005... Hippos and birds? Frogs and flowers? Some wild animals and plants have unusual friends. These pairs of plants and animals hang out together for many important reasons. For example, they might depend on each other for food or for protection....

Find a match: can you find a partner that suits your needs?(hands-on)
February 1, 2005... YOU'LL NEED: * SHEET OF PAPER * SCISSORS * PEN OR PENCIL * 2 PAPER BAGS THINK: If you had to borrow a classmate's notes, whose would be most helpful: someone who takes great notes and gets good grades, or someone who...

Help wanted: can you find a good partner for an animal?(hands-on)
February 1, 2005... YOU'LL NEED: * A LIBRARY OR THE INTERNET * SHEETS OF PAPER * PENS, PENCILS, MARKERS, OR CRAYONS THINK: Suppose you wanted to find a pal for a pet bird. Would you choose to pair it with another bird, or a cat? Why? ...

Avalanche! Can anything stop this deadly force of nature? Scientists search for answers.(physical science)
February 1, 2005... It starts as a slight rumble. Then a cloud of white appears. Within seconds, over 100 tons of snow come crashing down the mountain. For anyone caught in this deadly path, there's no escape. Each year more than 200 people are killed and hundreds...

Slide effect: can you cause an avalanche?(hands-on)
February 1, 2005... THINNK: Suppose you were about to stack the layers of a layer cake. One layer is very weak. Would you place that weak layer at the top or at the bottom of the stack? PREDICT: There are many layers of snow stacked on a mountain. Some layers...

Mystery photo.(the Back Page)
February 1, 2005... What's pictured in the magnifying lens? To find out, use these hints (plus a dictionary or the Internet!). 1. Its flavor comes from plants such as spearmint and peppermint. 2. It is soluble, or capable of e being dissolved. 3. It...

You asked.(the Back Page)
February 1, 2005... Q Why do we blink? A: Blinking is an involuntary action (an action that happens automatically) that your body does to protect your eyes. If particles such as dust and dirt entered your eyes, they would cause a lot of irritation. To...

Crosscross puzzler.
February 1, 2005... Use this issue o[ Super-Science to fill in the crossword puzzle above. When you're finished, unscramble the colored letters to find the word that best completes the sentence below: ACROSS 1. A__avalanche is very destructive. 2....

Making connections is critical!(Editorial)
February 1, 2005... As an educator, you are well aware that making connections is an essential part of learning. Every issue connect science to their everyday lives. This concept is illustrated in this month's cover story "Friends 4-Ever." In this article,...

Scavenger hunt.
February 1, 2005... Name: -- Date: -- Scavenger Hunt Search the magazine to find the answer to part A of each question. Then search your brain to find the answer to part B! 1 a: What effect does carbon dioxide have on the Earth? -- b: What do you...