Scroll down for articles from Highlights for Children, ASK Magazine, and Trail Tales
Polar Opposites?
The two ends of our Earth have a lot in common—but they differ in surprising ways! (January 2024)
Spotlight: Blue Whale
The biggest animal ever to live on our planet, blue whales have incredible features that allow them to flourish in our oceans. (August 2022)
Spotlight: Finger Print
What are fingerprints and why do we have them? And did you know: koalas have them too! (October 2019)
Bee? Wasp? Flower Fly!
Ever have a feeling something is hovering near your head, watching your every move? There’s a good chance it’s a flower fly. (May 2019)
Champions of Hibernation
You may think dormice hang out with the Mad Hatter, but in real life they’re some of the longest-hibernating mammals. Find out more about these super sleepy critters. (May 2014) Download pdf: Champions of Hibernation
How Many Turns for the Tern?
Scientists have known for many years that Arctic terns migrate from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year, but just how far do they really fly? Dr. Egevang used geolocators to find out, and the results stunned everyone—even him! (June 2013)
How Brainy are Monkeys?
You may find counting as easy as 1-2-3, but can animals count? Do they need to? Dr. Dawn Kitchen tested black howler monkeys in the jungles of Belize to find out, and the answer came through loud and clear. (March 2013) Download pdf: How Brainy are Monkeys?
How Bats Slurp at Night
You probably know most bats use echolocation to find their food. But how do they find water? Learn how Stefan Greif answered this surprisingly difficult question. (December 2012) Download pdf: How Bats Slurp at Night
Under the Ice
Can you imagine living your entire life on—or under—a shelf of sea ice? Weddell seals do. Explore the life of this Antarctic seal to learn what it takes to live in this extreme environment. (September 2012)
The Hidden Lives of Crows
New Caledonian crows are known to make and use tools in captivity, but no one had seen them do it in the wild. Dr. Christian Rutz set out with bird-cams to learn just how these shy birds use tools to snare food. Publication date to be announced.
Leaving Their Mark
Think kids can’t make a difference? Check out this group from Crete, Nebraska–they’re helping to restore the prairie to provide a home for wildlife near their town. Publication date to be announced.
A Trash-Free Future?
Can you imagine a world without trash? It’s possible, but it will take some creative thinking and creative building. One day, we might repair, reuse, and recycle everything. Take a glimpse of this trash-free future. (March 2019) Download pdf: A Trash-Free Future?
At the Animal Clean Plate Club
Are you a picky eater or do your tastes tend toward the adventurous? Meet some of nature’s pickiest—and most adventurous—eaters and learn how such particular appetites can be advantageous. (May/June 2015) Download pdf: At the Animal Clean-Plate Club
It’s a Jungle Up There
Ever heard the term “it’s a jungle out there”? Cities of the future might be just that. Landscape architects are busy designing living walls and green roofs in cities around the world. And the benefits of doing so are extensive. (July/August 2013) Download pdf: It’s a Jungle Up There
Mane Attraction
The lion’s mane is probably the best-known symbol of nature, but why do lions have manes? Discover how Peyton West answered this centuries-old question. (March 2013) Download pdf: Mane Attraction
Pollinator Gardening: A little goes a long way!
You know pollinators are important. You know we depend on them for much of our food. So why not create a space that’s just for them? (Spring 2014)
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