HS-PS2-6

Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.

  1. Animals

    The top side of an elephant’s trunk is surprisingly stretchy

    Research on elephant trunks could inspire new artificial skins for soft robots.

    By Meghan Rosen
  2. Tech

    You might someday ‘wallpaper’ your bedroom with this loudspeaker

    This thin, flexible and lightweight loudspeaker could reduce noise in loud spaces. It also might enable listeners to experience sound in new ways.

    By Kendra Redmond
  3. Tech

    Teens’ new tech would send alerts to reduce preventable deaths

    A trio of teen innovations created devices that can speed up the response time to pool accidents, overheating in cars and combat-related injuries.

    By Anna Gibbs
  4. Materials Science

    Scientists Say: Silicone

    Silicone is a generic term for a whole slew of humanmade polymers with many different forms and applications.

    By Maria Temming
  5. Brain

    Warning! Nicotine poses special risks to teens

    Even a single dose of nicotine during early teen years can start a life-long cycle of nicotine use and addiction.

    By Alison Pearce Stevens
  6. Chemistry

    Reusable plastic bottles release hundreds of pollutants into water

    Data show the plastic ends up tainting drinking water. For now, scientists don’t know what health risks downing these pollutants might pose.

    By Lindsey Konkel Neabore
  7. Health & Medicine

    Patches and robotic pills may one day replace injections

    Instead of a shot in the arm, a light-activated patch or robotic pill may one day deliver your medicine.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  8. Chemistry

    Let’s learn about cellulose

    The world’s most abundant natural polymer is finding all kinds of new uses, in everything from ice cream to construction.

    By Maria Temming
  9. Materials Science

    This new fabric can ‘hear’ sounds or broadcast them

    With special fibers that convert tiny vibrations to voltages, a new fabric senses sound. Someday, such fabrics could monitor the body or aid hearing.

    By Carolyn Wilke
  10. Materials Science

    Let’s learn about the future of smart clothing

    Researchers are fashioning new materials to make clothes more comfortable and convenient.

    By Maria Temming
  11. Materials Science

    Engineers borrow a tree’s cellulose to toughen new materials

    Cellulose gives plants their strength. Engineers are turning this renewable, environmentally friendly resource into brand new materials.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  12. Tech

    Robots made of cells blur the line between creature and machine

    Scientists are using living cells and tissue as building blocks to make robots. These new machines challenge ideas about robots and life itself.

    By Stephen Ornes
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