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Topic 1: Mechanics

Lunar lander floating above the moon, with the Earth in the background

Let's Talk Space Exploration Resources

Backgrounders

Discover a set of resources to develop background knowledge on the topic of space exploration.

Beijing National Olympic Stadium

Go for the Gold with STEM

STEM Explained

Learn about how STEM powers the Winter Olympics.

Satellites orbiting Earth

Introduction to Satellites

Backgrounders

Learn about the history, functions, and types of satellites.

Four forces acting on an aircraft

Four Forces of Flight

Backgrounders

Learn about the four forces of flight.

Astronauts from the Apollo Mission landing on the moon.

Let's Talk Lunar Resources

Backgrounders

Discover some background information on how we'll learn to live and work on the Moon - and beyond!

Drop spindle with wool

Recycling Yarn Part 2: Spinning

Hands-on Activities

This is the second part of a two-part activity on recycling yarn.

Hands holding a hot mug

Introduction to Heat Transfer

Backgrounders

Learn about the different ways that heat is transferred.

ChaoticMind75 - iStock

Why is it colder in the winter even though the Earth is closer to the Sun?

Hands-on Activities

Learn why we have seasons in this hands on activity.

What would happen if a meteor hit Earth?

What would happen if a meteor hit Earth?

Hands-on Activities

Explore the effects of asteroid impacts in this hands on activity.

Space junk

Space Junk

STEM Explained

Litter isn't just a problem on Earth. When litter ends up in space, it can cause collisions and other consequences for satellites, the International Space Station and even for people on Earth!

Carillon Hydroelectric Power Station, Saint-André-d'Argenteuil, Quebec

Generating Electricity: Hydroelectric Power

STEM Explained

Learn how moving water can be used to generate electricity. This is called hydroelectric power generation.

How much power is generated when climbing a set of stairs?

How much power is generated when climbing a set of stairs?

Hands-on Activities

Put on your running shoes and sharpen your pencil! Investigate the mathematical connection between work and power in this hands-on activity.

Construction vehicles use hydraulics. Image © Djahan, iStockPhoto.com

Hydraulics 101

STEM Explained

Hydraulics power many of the large machines you see around you.

A group of teens riding bicycles

How Can Understanding Physics Help Me Go Faster on My Bike?

STEM Explained

You don’t have to pedal harder to go faster. You just have to understand a little bit about dynamics, gravitational force and friction!

How can you lift a marble off a table without touching it with your hands?

How can you lift a marble off a table without touching it with your hands?

Hands-on Activities

Is it magic? No - it’s physics! Use circular motion to overcome the force of gravity and amaze your family!