![The newest chemical elements](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-10/new-chemical-elements-nihonium-moscovium-tennessine-and-oganesson.jpg?itok=DnC4xsXM)
The Newest Elements on the Periodic Table
STEM Explained
The periodic table was last updated in 2016 with four new chemical elements. What is a chemical element? What is the atomic structure of the newest chemical elements? How did they get their names?
![Cartoon woman on a surfboard](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-09/Woman_on_surfboard.png?itok=nK6so4x3)
The Physics of Surfing
STEM Explained
Learn about the history of surfboards, and how different materials and designs over the years affected the physics at work in surfing.
![Peyto Lake, Banff National Park](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-09/peyto-lake-banff-national-park.jpg?itok=0_N90Ej4)
The Rock Cycle in Canada
STEM Explained
Products of the rock cycle are visible all across Canada.
![Heat pump diagram](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2020-01/Heat_pump_diagram.png?itok=0BIHVWMg)
Tapping Underground Energy with Heat Pumps
STEM Explained
Using the heat of the Earth’s interior, you can heat your home with a ground source heat pump. This kind of heating is cheaper and better for the environment!
![The Parkes Observatory in New South Wales, Australia](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-10/Park_Observatory_NSW_Australia.jpg?itok=K11hu9qK)
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence - and How You Can Help!
STEM Explained
When astronomers search for extraterrestrial life, they often have to listen for radio waves coming from deep space. If you’re interested, you can help!
![Mars Science Laboratory Parachute Qualification Testing](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-09/Mars_science_lab_parachute_testing.jpg?itok=Ly8xx3i5)
Testing Parachutes for Mars
STEM Explained
NASA engineers apply kinematics and dynamics to test parachutes designed specifically to help space probes land safely using aerodynamics.
![man sick with the flu](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-09/man_sick_with_the_flu.jpg?itok=5C2Zm7yV)
The Surprising Reason You Feel Awful When You're Sick
STEM Explained
Viruses can make you feel awful! This article explains how feeling bad might be your immune system’s way of helping you heal.
![Students studying outdoors on grass](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-09/Friends-studying-on-grass.jpg?itok=lXTVfdrZ)
The Benefits of Going Outside
STEM Explained
Spending time outside has important physical and psychological benefits. It can even help you learn better!
![A set of lipstick in various colours](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2020-02/Assortment_of_lipsticks.png?itok=z_U-KbdM)
The Chemistry of Lipstick
STEM Explained
Learn about the organic compounds that make up lipstick as well as about some of the chemistry that goes into this popular cosmetic.
![A person’s hand holding a cold pack on an ankle](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2020-06/person_holding_ice_pack.jpg?itok=01sj50jv)
The Cold Pack: A Chilly Example of an Endothermic Reaction
STEM Explained
When you hurt your ankle, thermodynamics can help you heal! An endothermic reaction reduces the swelling by cooling your injury.
![Several longhouse and other stone structures on Pamiok Island, in Ungava Bay, Quebec](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2020-02/Pamiok_historic_site.jpg?itok=qMAFJMRh)
The Dating Habits of Archaeologists
STEM Explained
Radiocarbon dating is a method of radiometric dating. Learn how archaeologists use carbon isotopes to find the age of organic materials at archaeological sites.
![Wasted food on the ground](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-10/food_waste_on_ground.jpg?itok=Hpl8H3ev)
The Environmental Impact of Wasted Food
STEM Explained
One-third of all food produced is wasted. Learn about the environmental consequences of food waste, and what you can do about it.
![Screen capture from the TED Ed video “The genius of Mendeleev's periodic table”](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-09/Mendeleev_video_screen_shot.jpg?itok=LmlKtLid)
The Genius of Mendeleev's Table
STEM Explained
Dmitri Mendeleev’s version of the periodic table was brilliant - find out why!
![AeroVelo's winning flight](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-10/Aerovelo%27s_winning_flight.jpg?itok=LW292kJO)
The Hovering Human
STEM Explained
Learn how a team of Canadian engineers used Bernoulli’s Principle to design a human-powered helicopter. It set a world record for human-powered hovering flight!
![Finger with a drop of blood](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-10/Finger_with_a_drop_of_blood.png?itok=9rIlbgSt)
The Immune Response
STEM Explained
When you cut your finger, your immune system kicks in to protect you from pathogens.