Nancy Larson Science

08/08/2026

We are sharing a few scientific facts about cats as we celebrate them today. They're more than pets; they generate healing frequencies between 25 to 150 Hz, a frequency linked to tissue repair. Interacting with a purring cat triggers a powerful biochemical shift that directly lowers blood pressure, blunts physical stress responses, and significantly reduces long-term cardiovascular risks. We love cats! Research paper link https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3317329/

08/04/2026

Owls are so unique. They can turn their heads 270 degrees in either direction, letting them look almost all the way around without moving their bodies. A special blood pooling system keeps blood flowing to their brains when their necks turn and block normal flow. Owl eyes are fixed tube shapes, meaning they cannot move their eyes side-to-side; they must turn their whole head to see. An owl's eyes make up about 3% of its total body weight and give it incredible depth perception. Many owl species have ears placed at different heights on their heads, which helps them pinpoint exact locations of sounds in the dark. Soft fringes on their wing feathers muffle the sound of air, allowing them to hunt without making a single sound. Owls often swallow their tiny prey whole, including bones and fur. They cough up fuzzy packages called pellets containing the hard parts they cannot digest. If you teach Nancy Larson Science you know all about owl pellets.

07/29/2026

International Tiger Day is a reminder to honor these big cats, there are only 5,574 to 5,711 wild tigers in existence today. No two tigers have the exact same stripe pattern; they are like human fingerprints. Unlike most cats, tigers love water and can swim long distances. Amur (Siberian) tigers are the largest big cats, weighing up to 660 pounds. They are beautiful and powerful creatures, the largest population of free tigers live in Sumatra and their biggest predator is the human.

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day! Enjoy safe and happy times with your friends and family.

06/25/2026

Insects make up over 70% of all known animal species and are vital to the planet. They anchor global ecosystems by pollinating 80% of wild plants, recycling decomposing matter into fertile soil, and serving as a fundamental food source for wildlife. If you are teaching Nancy Larson Science 2 these photos go well with Topic F.

Pictured: Spiny Flower Mantis and Thorn Bug Treehopper

06/16/2026

Sea turtles are ancient marine reptiles that are believed to have roamed the oceans for over 100 million years. Today, out of the seven species worldwide, six are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. They face severe threats from human activity, including commercial fishing bycatch, illegal poaching, and habitat loss.To learn more about what you can do to help protect local nesting populations, you can visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

06/10/2026

06/08/2026

Today is a time to marvel at marine life, recognize the ocean's vital role in producing the air we breathe, and raise awareness about global conservation efforts. Oceans cover 70% of our planet. More than 50% of the oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean. World Ocean Day is meant to spark awareness of how important the ocean is for survivial on planet Earth. One simple thing you can do is start using less plastic and recycling more, we can help keep the ocean safe for animals like dolphins and sea turtles!

06/06/2026

Fun facts about butterflies! A group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope because their fluttering wings and vibrant, reflective scales create an ever-changing mosaic of color and movement, which perfectly mimics the mesmerizing patterns seen through the famous optical instrument. (Other names for a group include a flutter, flight, or rabble.) Most butterflies can see ultraviolet light, revealing patterns on flowers and other butterflies that humans cannot see and some species can travel astonishing distances. Butterflies do much more than add color to gardens—they help plants reproduce, support food webs, and provide valuable clues about the health of the environment. 🦋 Be kind to our fluttering friends.

06/05/2026

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5 to inspire global action for the planet. Created by the United Nations in 1972, it is a fun, global reminder that we all share one home and have the power to protect it. Celebrate by collecting trash, planting native plants or trees, and using less plastic.