The Wacky History of Cell Theory
STEM Explained
It took several scientists building on each other’s discoveries to come up with Cell Theory - one of the cornerstones of biology.
The Chemistry of Redheads
STEM Explained
Learn how chemistry and genetics makes redheads stand out from the crowd.
What is Mitosis?
Backgrounders
Mitosis is an important part of cell division that helps organisms grow and repair themselves.
How Do Plants Survive in the Desert?
STEM Explained
Plants need to exchange gases and water with their environment as part of photosynthesis. Some plant cells have evolved specifically for this purpose.
Why do leaves change colour in the fall?
Hands-on Activities
How do the green leaves of summer change to vibrant colours in fall? Explore plant pigments in this chromatography activity.
The Immune Response
STEM Explained
When you cut your finger, your immune system kicks in to protect you from pathogens.
Spaceflight and Bone Loss
STEM Explained
Astronauts can experience bone loss in space. To understand why, you need to know a bit about how bones are formed and maintained in your body.
How does water move up a plant?
Hands-on Activities
Do an experiment with celery to learn about the structures that help plants take up water.
How do I construct a terrarium?
Hands-on Activities
You can make your own terrarium for growing plants!
How Do Plants Use Chemical Signalling?
STEM Explained
How do plants use scents? Learn how some plants use chemical signals to send messages to animals or other plants.
Green Walls
STEM Explained
Green walls use plant processes to improve air quality in buildings.
Why is Henrietta Lacks Important?
STEM Explained
When the cells of Henrietta Lacks were collected by medical researchers after her death in 1951, it changed the future of medicine.
DNA Damage and Repair
Backgrounders
This backgrounder explains the different ways that cells repair damage to DNA.
Eutrophication: Why you should care about pond scum
STEM Explained
When fertilizers from agriculture get into lakes and rivers, big problems can result for aquatic ecosystems, food chains & webs!
Can Your Own Cells Cure Cancer?
STEM Explained
When a person has cancer, CAR-T Therapy uses their own cells to destroy the cancer cells in their body.