3rd Grade

The Wizard of Oz wasn't the first movie to use color. But it used color in a way that makes it hard to imagine the film without it. The Yellow Brick Road, the Emerald City, and Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers...

The stars in the sky are part of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Scientists have tried to map the Milky Way for centuries, but it is hard! The Milky Way is so large, scientists cannot simply take a picture of it. Discover how...

Have you ever wondered where inventors get some of their ideas? This answer may surprise you: sometimes the inspiration comes from plants! Learn how some tiny plants have made a huge difference in the world. Created in...

How did sailors long ago know how to get from here to there? They needed smarts, bravery, and tools of navigation! Many of the tools used then are still used in some form today. Modern technology allows navigation to be...

Long ago, farmers used natural farming methods. Then, faster ways to grow food were invented. Some of these methods were not natural. Organic farming has changed that. Farmers are working again with nature to grow...

Found art is a type of art that involves creating pieces from found objects that are not usually considered to be artistic. From dryer lint to plastic found in the ocean, learn how ordinary objects can be made into...

Did you know that steam can be used to power engines? In fact, steam power drastically changed the manufacturing and transportation industries. Learn about the history of steam power and the engineers who made it...

Seismologists have an important job. These scientists study earthquakes. Why is it so important to study earthquakes? By studying quakes, seismologists can help protect people from injury and death. Learn about the men...

Imagine a city of islands. There are no cars or streets and people ride boats to get around. This place is Venice, Italy. Built on a lagoon, Venice is in trouble. The city is sinking, and engineers are racing to save it...

  The clouded leopard is a shy and reclusive cat. This relative of lions and tigers is an endangered species. Their shy nature makes studying them difficult for zookeepers and scientists. Discover what makes them so...

The first prosthetic devices consisted of wooden legs and hooks for hands. Today, many prostheses and bionics can do everything a natural limb can do--and more! Learn about inventions from the past that have been...

Streams are an important part of our world. They are the source of drinking water for countless plants and animals. But many streams are eroding. In Maryland, there is a huge effort to restore Muddy Creek. Find out what...