11 Things We Learned This Week

This week, we learned … … how the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history happened. Read of the week. Learn more about Hurricane Joaquin with our resource here.     … how Somaliland successfully fights terrorism. Why might Somaliland be more stable than neighboring Somalia?     … Latinos in New Mexico are redefining their heritage within the context of the region’s history of slavery. … Continue reading 11 Things We Learned This Week

Parts of Stonehenge May Have Been In Place Long Before Humans

WORLD One of the mysteries of Stonehenge is why its giant stones were dragged to an unremarkable hillside instead of being erected where they were originally found. One archaeologist might have an answer—some of the stones were already there. (Science Alert) Learn a little more about the stones of Stonehenge, and test yourself with our 5-question Quick Quiz! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list … Continue reading Parts of Stonehenge May Have Been In Place Long Before Humans

Vikings Could Have Used ‘Sunstones’ to Navigate the North Atlantic

WORLD For centuries, Viking seafarers ruled the North Atlantic, braving open seas to travel thousands of kilometers to their colonies in Iceland and Greenland—all without magnetic compasses. How they performed such a feat has long puzzled scientists. Now, one group of researchers has an answer, based on computer simulations—and legendary crystals. (Science) What were Viking sunstones? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key … Continue reading Vikings Could Have Used ‘Sunstones’ to Navigate the North Atlantic

Orange Snow in Eastern Europe

WEATHER Sand storms in the Sahara influence snowfall over the Black Sea. (Smithsonian) What else makes for “strange rains”? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas View this post on Instagram Марс атакует 🌔 #smurygins_family_trip A post shared by Alina Smurygina (@sinyaya_ptiza) on Mar 23, 2018 at 11:55pm PDT Take a look at the photo above. … Continue reading Orange Snow in Eastern Europe

Africa Is Rifting Apart, But This ‘Crack’ in Kenya Doesn’t Have Much to Do With It

SCIENCE A widely reported crack in the Great Rift Valley was not formed by tectonic movement, but by erosion of soil from recent heavy rains. (The Guardian) What is the Great Rift Valley? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Enormous earthen cracks have emerged around Mai Mahiu, an area in Kenya’s Rift Valley Province, making people … Continue reading Africa Is Rifting Apart, But This ‘Crack’ in Kenya Doesn’t Have Much to Do With It