8th Grade

The Inka were master farmers, builders, and planners who lived in the Andes Mountains. This challenging environment required the Inka to develop innovative engineering solutions in order to farm, live, and thrive...

How much life can fit in one cubic foot? Photographer David Liittschwager and zoologist Chris Meyer learned the answer is: quite a lot! Learn how studying life in just one cubic foot can teach us about life on the...

What is it like to eat, sleep, and work in space? Find out as you read about life in a space station orbiting above Earth! Discover how astronauts function in a challenging environment that includes weightlessness,...

Aquariums allow people to explore underwater environments while keeping their feet on dry land. Learn how aquariums are created and how both their tiniest and mightiest members play big roles in these underwater...

Magnets are the sparks that bring electric guitars to life! Learn how the guitar has changed over time and how it has impacted music. You'll also learn how electromagnets work and what they're made of. Follow the...

Little green aliens have invaded the planet! No, not space invaders from Mars. These are plant invaders. Sure, they look harmless. But invasive species can wreak havoc on ecosystems. Learn how people are working to...

People at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are working hard to save animal species from extinction. Meet five animals they have saved and learn about the people on a mission to save...

Migration has huge benefits for birds, but the benefits of migration come at a cost. Learn how ornithologists are using modern technology to help these long-distance travelers. Created in collaboration with...

Leap back into history and see the first skateboards in action. Investigate the how and the why behind the modern skateboard's design. Then, watch science in action as we break down the ins and outs of popular...

The unique properties of glass make it the perfect material for science. It has been used in laboratories for centuries. Glass containers like test tubes and Petri dishes help scientists do important research...

Humans are dependent on electricity. Every day, we flip switches, tap screens, and reap the benefits of this technology. But how did it all start? Thomas Edison created an electric light bulb that changed how...

Scientist. Inventor. Cartographer. Painter. Engineer. Architect. All of these words describe Leonardo da Vinci, the 16th century superstar who epitomized the "Renaissance Man." Students will learn...