By David Shaw, 7 April 2017
In everyday life, most numbers we use are less than 1000. Sometimes scientists need to use MUCH larger numbers. Here’s an insight into how they do it.
Categories:
By David Shaw, 30 March 2017
The periodic table doesn’t change very often, which is why it’s worth celebrating when it does. This month, three new elements were inaugurated at a ceremony in Russia. And in Tokyo, a fourth was welcomed to the world. Say hello to moscovium, tennessine, oganessson and nihonium!
By David Shaw, 20 March 2017
Here’s a quick puzzle for you – this square is too wide for its envelope. Can you find a way to make it fit?
By David Shaw, 17 March 2017
Is there life on other planets? It may seem like we’re alone in the universe, but there’s still hope. The race is on to find signs of life on Earth-like planets, which have atmospheres and liquid water on the surface.
By David Shaw, 7 March 2017
The numbers that we use are not the only way to write numbers. You might know how to count with tally marks, or read Roman numerals. But there are plenty of other ways to write numbers. This one comes from the Maya people.
By David Shaw, 27 February 2017
It’s really annoying to get bitten by a mosquito. Your skin often swells, and the bite can itch for days. But in many places in the world, that small bite isn’t just annoying. It can cause a life-threatening disease: malaria.
By David Shaw, 7 February 2017
They’re bright red, a bit crunchy, and they don’t really taste like much. The standard tomatoes you can buy in a supermarket are a bit boring to eat. But if you’ve ever grown tomatoes yourself, you’ll know how sweet and full of flavour they can be. So what’s happened to the humble tomato?
By David Shaw, 31 January 2017
Here are two tricky puzzles, which look strangely similar. Did we somehow get a puzzle inside your puzzle? You will need Scissors Copy of the printouts, which you can download here (two pages) What to do
By David Shaw, 20 January 2017
Written by Rachael Vorwerk Inside a small sample of powder, there hides a gigantic secret. In just a teaspoon of the stuff you’ll find the entire surface area of a football field. It sounds like something from Back to the Future, but for CSIRO scientists it’s the norm.
By David Shaw, 16 January 2017
Many people know how to play solitaire or patience, but there are actually lots of different one-player card games. This version of patience has a bit of addition, and also some tricky strategic thinking.
12 months, 8 issues
Print & digital subscriptions available.
Sign up to our Double Helix newsletter
Stay in touch with new updates by signing up to our free newsletter
Perfect for ages 8 – 14
Developed by experienced editors
Engaging and motivating
*84% of readers are more interested in science
Engaging students voice