Articles
Explore a variety of topics in our article library. Each article in a monograph or journal is based on a published, peer-reviewed study and includes an activity, reflection questions, and more. Articles in our Readers introduce the work of a scientist to students from kindergarten to 2nd grade.
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Mountain pine beetles are important to the Western United States. They have a very special life cycle that includes staying…Mountain pine beetles are important to the Western United States. They have a very special life cycle that includes staying “supercool,” or dormant, for most of their lives. The scientists... -
Cutthroat trout are a type of salmon. The scientists in this study wanted to find out if cutthroat trout behave…Cutthroat trout are a type of salmon. The scientists in this study wanted to find out if cutthroat trout behave like other salmonids. Other salmonids had been found to swim... -
Slab avalanches are the most dangerous kind of avalanche. A slab is a layer of new snow sitting on top…Slab avalanches are the most dangerous kind of avalanche. A slab is a layer of new snow sitting on top of a layer of snow, called a weak layer. Scientists... -
In recent years, populations of quaking aspen have been in decline in the Western United States. Stands of aspen are…In recent years, populations of quaking aspen have been in decline in the Western United States. Stands of aspen are now mixed with conifer trees. Each year, fewer aspen-dominated stands... -
In the Western United States, shallow rocky soils and a dry climate often make it hard for new trees to…In the Western United States, shallow rocky soils and a dry climate often make it hard for new trees to grow in areas that have been harvested of older trees.... -
When people go hiking or camping in back country or wilderness areas, they almost always impact the natural environment in…When people go hiking or camping in back country or wilderness areas, they almost always impact the natural environment in some way. When people use the back country, they sometimes... -
Sunlight is the source of energy for plants, which create food through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis occurs in the foliage, or the…Sunlight is the source of energy for plants, which create food through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis occurs in the foliage, or the green leaves or needles, of a plant. The amount of... -
In many places where martens live, trees are harvested for wood products, leaving martens with an environment very different from…In many places where martens live, trees are harvested for wood products, leaving martens with an environment very different from the forested one they prefer. When tree harvesting occurs, the... -
Do you know anyone who has gone snow skiing or snowboarding in the past year? Over the past 30 years,…Do you know anyone who has gone snow skiing or snowboarding in the past year? Over the past 30 years, outdoor activities like skiing have been growing in popularity, with... -
When humans divert water from mountain streams, there is less water in the streams at certain times. The scientist in…When humans divert water from mountain streams, there is less water in the streams at certain times. The scientist in this study wanted to know whether stream channels are changed...
