April 2017 Issue
Departments
Open for Discussion: Surviving on Mars
By Brian Rohrig
Astronauts who land on Mars in the future will face many challenges, including cold temperatures, high levels of radiation, and the absence of food and water on Mars. How will they survive there?
As a Matter of Fact
The Chemistry of Coffee
Features
Growing Green on the Red Planet
By Roberto Molar Candanosa
In the movie The Martian, astronaut Mark Watney is stranded on Mars but is able to survive by growing food in a habitation module. Would real astronauts be able to grow food and survive on Mars, too?
Teacher's Guide
Background Information for the Teacher's Guide
Recycling Plastic Bags
By Kathy De Antonis
Plastic bags are convenient because they are both light and sturdy, but very few of them are recycled. Instead, they accumulate on land, in waterways, and in the oceans.
*Available in print issue only
Teacher's Guide
Background Information for the Teacher's Guide
Espresso, Café Latte, Cappuccino…A Complex Brew
By Brian Rohrig
Did you know that espresso is much stronger than regular coffee, a café latte is made by adding steamed milk to a shot or two of espresso, and a cappuccino has less milk and more foam than a café latte? Read on for more details.
*Available in print issue only
Teacher's Guide
Background Information for the Teacher's Guide
Don’t Let Cortisol Stress You Out!
By John P. Roche
Many high school students are stressed. How does stress occur in the body, and what are some of the most effective ways to defeat it?
*Available in print issue only
Teacher's Guide
Background Information for the Teacher's Guide
Genetically Modified Foods: Are they Safe to Eat?
By JoAnna Wendel
Most cereals, chips, tortillas, sugary drinks, and snacks contain ingredients that come from genetically modified plants. So why are some food companies trying to stay away from genetically modified ingredients? Are there any potential risks to human health?
*Available in print issue only
Teacher's Guide
Background Information for the Teacher's Guide
