Touchpoint 1
Why are fish getting smaller as waters warm?
What is it?
Some scientists believed that fish require more energy, therefore more oxygen, in warmer water. This extra energy need reduces the fish’s ability to grow big. These scientists say the fish can adapt.
Potential message to students:
If the planet warms, do you think humans will become overall smaller? It will take more energy to grow up and the heat will make it harder to grow tall and big?
Touchpoint 2
Potato plant radiation sensors could one day monitor radiation in areas surrounding power plants
What is it?
To build a nuclear reactor, we have to add sensors around it to detect radiation. These sensors are not always reliable. Researchers think we can grow potatos around the nuclear plants and detect radiation by changes in leaf color.
Potential message to students:
Take wild guesses as to what else plants can detect. Do you think plants in a major city could detect high pollution levels on a single day? How about a plant at home that can detect natural gas leaks?
Touchpoint 3
We designed wormlike, limbless robots that navigate obstacle courses − they could be used for search and rescue one day
What is it?
Limbs keep humans and other animals from getting into tight places. Snakes can get into a lot of places we can’t. What if we could create snake-like robots? Then if there is an earthquake, these robots can be released to look for people still alive.
Potential message for students:
What are some other thinks that robots with no limbs can be used for? How about finding a person after an avalanche? What other animal types do you think would make great robots? How about an insect with a camera?