INSPIRE

Inspire

Becoming an astronaut: interview with Matthias Maurer

March 19, 2018 | Issue 43

The European Space Agency’s newest astronaut recruit talks about his exhilarating experiences in astronaut training and what the future has in store for space flight.

Ages: 11-14, 14-16, 16-19
Keywords: Space, Astronaut

   

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UNDERSTAND

Understand

Ten things you might not know about fracking

March 21, 2018 | Issue 43

Fracking is a hugely controversial technology, so it’s worth taking a closer look at the science behind the headlines.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19
Keywords: Earthquakes, Environmental impacts, Oil resources, Citizenship, Earth science

     

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Understand

Is science true?

March 20, 2018 | Issue 43

Should we believe what science tells us? A philosopher of science comments on teachers’ responses to this challenging question.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19
Keywords: Science and society, Nature of science

       

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Understand

Titanic and the iron-eating bacteria

March 19, 2018 | Issue 43

A species of bacterium discovered on the decaying wreck of the Titanic is providing new insights into how to protect living cells from damage.

Ages: 16-19
Keywords: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Ecology, Microbiology, Archaeology

       

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Understand

Decoding DNA with a pocket-sized sequencer

March 19, 2018 | Issue 43

USB-powered sequencers smaller than your smartphone could revolutionise the way we decode DNA – in hospitals, in remote locations and even in space.

Ages: 16-19
Keywords: Biochemistry, Health, Biotechnology, Biology

         

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TEACH

Teach

Further fantastic feats: falling and bouncing

March 20, 2018 | Issue 43

Roll up, roll up! We bring you some more fantastic feats to challenge and entertain – and to showcase some physics, too.

Ages: 11-14, 14-16, 16-19
Keywords: Mechanics, Engineering, Dynamics, Physics

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Teach

Saving the Earth Hollywood-style

March 20, 2018 | Issue 43

Challenge your students to save the Earth from an asteroid collision, using calculations based on the Hollywood sci-fi fantasy film Armageddon.

Ages: 14-16, 16-19
Keywords: Linear motion, Astronomy

   

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Teach

Turning dandelions into rubber: the road to a sustainable future

March 16, 2018 | Issue 43

A species of dandelion is leading the way towards sustainable rubber. Find out how, by growing this unusual plant yourself and extracting the rubber from the roots.  

Ages: 11-14, 14-16, 16-19
Keywords: Chemistry, History, Environmental science, Design and technology, Biology

   

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EDITORIAL