Touchpoint 1
Cicada broods map: See the states where billions of cicadas are emerging soon
What is it?
Cicadas spend around 13 or 17 years underground as nymphs feeding on roots. They then emerge, fly, and make a loud buzzing noise. Two groups of Cicadas are about to emerge at the same time, which happens once every 221 years. These two groups are expected to emerge in 17 U.S. states, starting in late April.
Potential message to students:
Do you think these insects have a hard time going from being underground for so long to finally flying and seeing sunlight? How do you think they know to emerge after either 13 or 17 years?
Touchpoint 2
World’s chocolate supply threatened by devastating virus
What is it?
A virus is impacting up to 50% of some cacao harvests, the seeds of which are used for chocolate. Small bugs are spreading the disease between trees. Farmers have no choice but to cut down the infected trees to try and stop the spread.
Potential message to students:
What do you think will happen if there is a shortage of chocolate? Do you think the prices of candy bars could double? Do you think people will pay more or just eat something else sweet?
Touchpoint 3
New Tool Maps Brain Signals with Unprecedented Clarity
What is it?
Scientists have discovered a new chemical that can be injected into the brain of a dead person to see how a possible drug overdose impacts the brain. This would allow researchers to understand how drugs affect the brain and lead to possible treatments in the future.
Potential message to students:
Do you think doctors will need to get permission to do this brain scanning, much like they do before they can harvest organs? Do you think this brain map would benefit scientists outside studying things like opioid overdoses? Could it be used on anyone who died?