HS-ETS1-2

Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

  1. Earth

    Help for a world drowning in microplastics

    Microplastic pollution in our oceans and lakes is a problem. Scientists are testing solutions — from more biodegradable recipes to nanotechnology.

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  2. Materials Science

    Self-powered surface may evaluate table-tennis play

    Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology built a 'smart' surface on which to play table tennis. It can track the location, speed and direction of the ball.

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  3. Physics

    Giving Notre Dame back her unique voice

    A 2019 fire robbed Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral of more than her roof. She also lost her voice. Now scientists are using acoustics to return her unique soundscape.

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  4. Tech

    Viewing virtual reality of icy landscapes may relieve pain

    Traveling to polar vistas via virtual reality eased a temporary burning in the viewers’ skin. The same VR also lessened simulated chronic pain.

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  5. Math

    How math makes movies like Doctor Strange so otherworldly

    In the 1970s, a mathematician introduced geometric patterns that he named fractals. Moviemakers are now using those patterns to create dazzling digital effects.

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  6. Brain

    Surprise! Exam scores benefit from months of regular sleep

    Getting enough consistent, quality sleep accounted for nearly a fourth of the differences in students’ exam scores in class.

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  7. Physics

    Like Magneto? Microcrystals give magnets superpower over living cells

    New iron-rich protein crystals could help researchers better understand the nerve cells that control movement and sensation. All they need are magnets.

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  8. Tech

    Drones help scientists weigh whales at sea

    Drone imagery lets scientists estimate a whale’s weight. And that may help monitor the health of these big mammals for conservation purposes.

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  9. Chemistry

    Scientists look to hack photosynthesis for a ‘greener’ planet

    Photosynthesis turns sunlight into energy for plants. Scientists want to know more about it, imitate it — even improve it.

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  10. Chemistry

    Chemistry’s ever-useful periodic table celebrates a big birthday

    2019 is the International Year of the Periodic Table. But the traditional chart is just one of many shapes that chemists and other scientists have developed to organize the elements.

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  11. Health & Medicine

    Ultrasound might become a new way to manage diabetes

    Ultrasound turns on production of the hormone insulin in mice. Someday, it might help maintain healthy blood-sugar levels in people who were recently diagnosed with diabetes.

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  12. Earth

    Explainer: How is water cleaned up for drinking

    Unless you’re drinking well water, city folks typically get drinking water that has been treated in a water-treatment plant. Here’s what that means.

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