High rise building with green space on top.

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. (ASK magazine, July/August 2013) Download pdf: It’s a Jungle Up There

Download classroom activities: It’s a Jungle Up There supplement (Grades 1 to 5)

Clusters of red bananas.

Saving the banana

Bananas are the world’s most popular fruit, but they might not be around for long without help from a hard-working team of scientists. (Science News Explores, Online. August 28, 2014)

Classroom discussion questions (Grades 6 and up)

Hands holding a clump of healthy soil

The dirt on soil

What lies beneath your feet? More than you ever imagined. Get the dirt on soil and all of the important roles it plays in everything from food to floods to climate change. (Science News Explores, Online. October 16, 2015)

Classroom discussion questions (Grades 6 and up)

Stacks of milk, white, and dark chocolate squares.

Increasingly, chocolate-makers turn to science

Chocolate is more than just a sweet treat: It contains nutrients and other plant chemicals that may boost health. Scientists are working to grow stronger, healthier trees and make cocoa that’s rich in health-boosting chemicals. (Science News Explores, Online. February 8, 2018)

Classroom discussion questions (Grades 6 and up)

Diverse garden of native plants and rock.

Making yards more diverse can reap big environmental benefits

Replacing grass with native plants uses less water and fewer chemicals while providing additional benefits to people and wildlife. (Science News Explores, Online. June 1, 2023)

Classroom discussion questions (Grades 6 and up)

Green space with grass in the foreground and trees in the distance under a blue sky with a few clouds.

Spending time in green spaces can provide big health benefits

Walking through a park or playing in a yard can make you feel better, both mentally and physically. Here’s how — and evidence it works for people at any age. (Science News Explores, Online. September 28, 2023)

Classroom discussion questions (Grades 6 and up)

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