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Scientists predict that, by 2060, one million U.S. adults per year will develop dementia. The new estimate surpasses previous estimates of how many people will struggle with memory, reasoning and language difficulties that interfere with life.

Check out these lesson plans paired to articles from the November issue of Science News to have students use models to understand matter, energy and forces during chemical reactions and learn how the frilly-footed ripple bug inspired scientists to invent a water-walking robot.

Students will consider how atoms and molecules interact with one another. Then they’ll analyze the effects of different types of energy on chemical reactions and how forces impact the motion of gas bubbles in a solution. Students will work in pairs to formalize their thinking using models to understand matter, energy and forces during chemical reactions.

Nature solved a great design ‘feet’ — and engineers are now taking notice. Inspired by water-striding insects, they’ve invented a fancy-footed, water-walking robot. Learn how researchers might look to nature for inspiration in design and invention. Answer questions about the value of analogies in explaining unfamiliar concepts, then discuss possible applications for fancy-footed robots.

Sudents will learn the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods by observing how covering the holes on a pickleball affects the ball’s drag and motion through the air. Students will leave this activity with an understanding that qualitative and quantitative research methods are both valid forms of research and that personal experiences and qualitative research often precede quantitative research methods.

The atmosphere abounds with aerosols, tiny particles with large sway over global temperature. A new visualization from NASA reveals how these airborne particles swirl through Earth’s sky.

Earth’s climate doesn’t have to look like it does now. In fact, it usually hasn’t. Across 4.5 billion years, geologic forces have shaped the planet’s climate from its fiery infancy to the (for now) chilly present. Studying these changes may help us understand what may happen next because of climate change.

Investigate the health of your local watershed and explore how to monitor pollution and discuss the chances of a passing star causing a cosmic collision with these lesson plans paired to articles from the November issue of Science News Explores.

Pollution that runs off into streams, rivers and lakes can travel far because watersheds are connected by underground aquifers. Students will identify and describe the characteristics of their local and adjacent watersheds before describing how to monitor watershed pollution.

Computer models suggest a remote yet haunting possibility— that passing stars could carry the potential to warp Earth’s orbit, triggering a cosmic collision. Answer questions about cause and effect. Discuss matter from the scale of the tiniest quark to the vastness of the known universe.

Three types of ticks may spread alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat. Researchers think the condition is caused by molecules in the saliva of certain tick species. The best way to avoid the syndrome is to prevent tick bites.

Pair these lesson plans with articles from the October issue of Science News to review genetics concepts, explore natural and artificial selection and discuss the potential to virtually boost immune responses.