Discover Resources
Browse curated homeschool resources from the community
Describing the Invisible Properties of Gas Brian Bennett
How do you explain the properties of something we can’t see? See how scientists use scientific principles, such as gravity, to observe gases. This lesson explores gases and how we have come to know what we know about them.
The Boy Who Defeated the God of the Underworld Joseph Mbele
If any of his wives ever birthed a son, he’d be killed immediately. That was the threat Shemwindo, ruler of the village of Tubondo, had delivered, for he wanted all the power to himself. But he was about to meet his match— and enter a rivalry that would take him to the underworld and back. Joseph Mbele shares the epic journey of Mwindo and his quest for vengeance.
Why Can Parrots Talk Grace Smith Vidaurre and Tim Wright
Whether they’re belting Beyoncé, head-banging to classic rock, or rattling off curse words at zoo-goers, parrots are constantly astounding us. They are among the only animals that produce human speech, and some parrots do it almost uncannily well. How is this possible? Grace Smith-Vidaurre and Tim Wright dig into the anatomy that allows parrots to talk, scream, curse, and recite facts.
Why Did the Us Try to Kill All the Bison Andrew C Isenberg
By the mid-1700s, many Plains nations survived on North America’s largest land mammals: bison. They ate its meat, made the hides into winter coats and blankets, and used the bones and horns for tools. But in the following decades, millions of bison would be deliberately slaughtered, threatening the survival of Plains societies. Andrew C. Isenberg shares what led to the animal's near-extinction.
The Science of Laughter Sasha Winkler
Isn’t it odd that, when something’s funny, you might show your teeth, change your breathing, become weak and achy in some places, and maybe even cry? In other words, why do we do this bizarre thing that is laughter? Since there’s no archaeological record of laughter, it’s impossible to say exactly how and why it evolved, but scientists have some theories. Sasha Winkler digs into the reflex.
Making a Ted Ed Lesson Concept and Design
Ever wondered how a TED-Ed animation is made? Go behind-the-scenes of “How do cancer cells behave differently from healthy ones” with educator George Zaidan, animation director Biljana Labovic, and animator Lisa LaBracio.
Will Laser Blasters Ever Be Possible Christopher Baird
A fleet of rebel spaceships is greeted by a frenzy of laser blasts – illuminating the sector with brilliant bursts of light. Science fiction has shown us scenes like this for decades, but the lasers in our daily lives seem far less dazzling and destructive. So, could sci-fi laser weaponry ever exist? And how do lasers even work in the first place? Christopher Baird investigates.
What s the Smartest Age Shannon Odell
Tomorrow is the annual Brain Clash — a decathlon of mental challenges, trivia competitions, and puzzles. Amir needs a smart and capable teammate and must choose between three people; all of different ages and talents. So, who should Amir choose for the contest? Shannon Odell breaks down the idea of “smart” and explores how our brain development impacts our skills at various stages of our lives.
The Infamous Jojo Thought Experiment Michael Vazquez and Sarah Stroud
Jo the First is a ruthless dictator who rules with an iron fist. To most onlookers, his rule appears cruel and unjust. But for his beloved son JoJo, this life is all he’s ever known and he grows up to inherit his father’s role and style of rule. Given JoJo’s unusual upbringing, does he bear full moral responsibility for his actions? Michael Vazquez and Sarah Stroud dig into this ethical dilemma.
How Does This All Female Species Reproduce Susana Freitas and Darren Parker
In 2021, workers at a Sardinian aquarium were stunned by the birth of a smooth-hound shark. What was shocking was that, for the last decade, the shark’s mother had been living only with other females. So, how was this birth possible? And can other species reproduce this way? Susana Freitas and Darren Parker explore the phenomenon of asexual reproduction known as parthenogenesis.
How Much Does it Cost to Fly Private Rachel Yang
Across 2023 and 2024, one internationally renowned musician flew their private jet 396 times in 365 days. Figures like this aren’t uncommon among the world’s richest jetsetters— in fact, this frequent flier probably isn’t even the celebrity you’re thinking of. So, what’s the price tag for this high flying lifestyle? Rachel Yang digs into the financial and environmental costs of flying private.
Whats the Best Way to Give a Presentation
This is episode 4 of the animated series, “Public Speaking 101.” Ideas change everything — and since language lets us share our ideas, learning how to use it well gives speakers the power to inspire people and even change how they think. This 11-episode course will teach you how to identify, develop, and share your best ideas, while mastering essential communication skills along the way.
5 Myths About Vikings That Everyone Believes Stephanie H Smith
The Viking Age. When medieval, horn-helmeted Scandinavian men ravaged Europe, scribbling mysterious runes and toasting their victories in goblets forged from enemy skulls before bidding farewell in fiery funerals. Except… that’s not quite how it went. So, what were the Vikings actually like? Stephanie H. Smith debunks common misconceptions about the time period.
What Makes Someone a Good Singer Think Like a Musician
"Think Like A Musician" connects you with working musicians who want to help the music-curious and music-passionate hone and share the gift of music with the world. Part interview, part animated course, our first season "Think Like A Performer" features artists sharing their insight on the ins and outs of fine-tuning your instrument and crafting a great performance.
The Trillion Dollar Paradox George Zaidan
Global warming is very, very expensive: extreme weather, rising sea levels, crop failures, health issues, and industry disruptions all cost money. So, what’s the best way forward? Is the estimated trillion-dollar price tag that comes with transitioning the world to clean energy worth the cost of investment? George Zaidan explores what it would take to become a green economy.
Can Steroids Save Your Life Anees Bahji
Steroids: they’re infamous for their use in sports, but they’re also found in inhalers, creams to treat poison ivy, eczema, and shots to ease inflammation. But what exactly are steroids, and how are they able to cause these seemingly different effects? Can understanding the biology of steroids reveal the way that they work?
A 5 300 Year Old Murder Mystery Albert Zink
In September 1991, two hikers discovered a corpse emerging from the ice. Researchers soon realized they were looking at the mummified body of a man who’d lived about 5,300 years ago, and theorized he got caught in bad weather and froze. However, a shocking discovery revealed his true cause of death and upended his story. So, how did he die? Albert Zink uncovers the truth about Özti the Iceman.
Why Did it Take so Long to Find Giant Squid Anna Rothschild
In 1873, fishermen glimpsed what they thought was a shipwreck. But when they probed the mass, it moved— and huge, serpentine appendages soon besieged their boat. One fisherman took an axe to the animal, and it disappeared in a cloud of ink, leaving behind definitive evidence that giant squids were more than mythical monsters. So, what do we know about these creatures? Anna Rothschild investigates.
Why Fish Are Better at Breathing Than You Are Dan Kwartler
Recent studies found that elite runners can take in twice as much oxygen as non-runners. And it’s likely that this superhuman ability played a role in breaking the two-hour marathon barrier in 2019. But when it comes to breathing efficiently, not even the best runners can compete with the average fish. What makes fish some of the best breathers on Earth? Dan Kwartler explores the science of gills.
What Happens to Your Brain Without Any Social Contact Terry Kupers
Everyone needs time to themselves, and peaceful solitude has stress-relieving benefits. But when being alone is forced upon you, the effects can be surprisingly extensive. And though different people experience distinct effects, symptoms tend to become more severe and persistent the longer one’s isolated. So, how exactly does isolation affect your body and brain? Terry Kupers investigates.
The Secret to a Great Performance According to Great Performers Think Like a Musician
"Think Like A Musician" connects you with working musicians who want to help the music-curious and music-passionate hone and share the gift of music with the world. Part interview, part animated course, our first season "Think Like A Performer" features artists sharing their insight on the ins and outs of fine-tuning your instrument and crafting a great performance.
Mysteries of Vernacular Ukulele Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel
When 19th century Portuguese travelers landed in Hawaii with a small four-stringed guitar, a member of the king’s court, nicknamed Jumping Flea, or ukulele in Hawaiian, took to the instrument. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel explain how an affinity for the ukulele gave the instrument its name.
How to Take a Great Picture Carolina Molinari
Have you ever looked at your camera and wondered what all of those buttons actually do? For manual photography, the aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity can all be manipulated to get just the right amount of light. Carolina Molinari suggests the best exposure for an action photo, a stunning portrait or a nighttime landscape.
Mysteries of Vernacular Yankee Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel
Is it a doodle dandy? A baseball team? The origins of the word yankee are unclear, though its usage in America as a pejorative is well-documented. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel track the varying levels of contempt that the word yankee has elicited from the pre-Revolution era to today.