Monday, November 1, 2021

Science cartoons

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11/1/21

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Inside Science News for Students

Science can be intimidating. At Science News for Students, we try to bring kids the lighter side of science by covering fun topics, like why some scientists are potty-training cows, or why Rapunzel’s hair would make a great rope ladder . But some students may not be ready or willing to tackle a wordy article, no matter how light-hearted the topic. To those students we say: No worries. You might just find something you like in our new comic series, Wild Things.

Using cartoons and a bit of humor, Wild Things aims to make science more approachable for students who are daunted by big blocks of text. The first comic in the series illustrated how bees play a game of telephone to form swarms. The latest cartoon explores how cockatoos teach each other neat new tricks.

Because the Wild Things comic is a fledgling series, Science News for Students is seeking reader feedback on these stories. You can find a survey link at the bottom of each comic. All comments and suggestions are welcome!

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Catch up with the latest from Science News for Students

Pluto is no longer a planet — or is it?: In the 15 years since Pluto lost its status as a planet, some scientists continue to use whatever definition works best for them. Readability: 7.4 Resources: : classroom questions, power words, word find puzzle, alternate version at Science News

It doesn’t take a concussion for head hits to harm young brains: Most head impacts while playing football do not cause concussions. Yet even lesser impacts take a toll in young athletes, scans of their brains now show. Readability: 7.4 Resources: classroom questions, power words

Let’s learn about the creatures of Halloween: Check out the real-life vampires and zombies of the animal kingdom, and learn why people think ghosts and mummy curses are real. Readability: 6.8 Resources: power words, word find puzzle

Cockatoos learn from each other how to open garbage bins: This bin-opening behavior is an example of social learning. It’s also the basis of a foraging culture. Learn more in this web comic. Readability: 6.0 Resources: power words, comic

Bacteria make ‘spider silk’ that’s stronger than steel: Part spider silk, the material is better than what some spiders make. Researchers think it might even become the basis for surgical threads or unusually strong fabrics. Readability: 7.6 Resources: classroom questions, power words

Ask the experts: How to create a top-notch science fair project: Five finalists in the Broadcom MASTERS middle-school competition reveal how they created nationally competitive projects. Readability: 6.7 Resources: power words

Bloodthirsty vampire bats prefer drinking with friends: Vampire bats were known to bond with others in their roost. Now, research suggests bonded bats often drink blood from animals together. Readability: 6.4 Resources: power words, video, alternate version at Science News

Scientists Say: Marsupial: These mammals are known for riding around in a pouch on their mother’s belly, where they continue developing even after they’re born. Readability: 6.0 Resources: power words, audio recording

Analyze This!

Some female hummingbirds may sport bright feathers to look more masculine. Why? Female birds that blend in with the guys are less likely to get bullied away from bird feeders, scientists say. In the latest offering in our data-literacy series, Analyze This, have your students interpret how much the masculine-looking lady birds eat , compared with their more-feminine-looking friends.

Find out more about the resources available for using Science News for Students stories for learning. And if you like this newsletter, please share it with a friend or colleague. Did someone share this with you? Subscribe to this newsletter here. If you’ve got questions, suggestions or comments, email us at sns@sciencenews.org. Thank you for reading!