The Atom

In this interactive activity from ChemThink, take a closer look at atomic structure, properties, and behaviors.

Atom Builder

Build a carbon atom out of up quarks, down quarks, and electrons in this interactive activity from the NOVA Web site.

Atomic Structure of an Alloy

Learn about the atomic structure of bronze, a copper alloy, in this video excerpt from NOVA: "Hunting the Elements."

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Atoms: The Space Between

This video segment adapted from A Science Odyssey takes a look at the scale of the atom and the tremendous amount of space between the electrons and the nucleus. If all this empty space exists in matter, how can any substance be solid?

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Birth of a Supernova, Type Ia

In this interactive activity from NOVA Online, learn about a type of exploding star — a Type Ia supernova — that is so bright that astronomers can measure the distance to the galaxy in which it resides, and even learn which elements make up the star.

Carbon Cycle Diagram

This diagram from NASA's Earth Science Enterprise illustrates Earth's carbon cycle.

Diamonds: The Science Behind the Sparkle

This illustrated essay from the NOVA Web site explains why the atomic structure of a diamond slows down light and produces a sparkle more brilliant than from any other colorless substance.

A Fission Chain Reaction

This video excerpt from NOVA: "Hunting the Elements” uses ping-pong balls and mousetraps to demonstrate nuclear fission.

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The Impact of Technology: Nylon

This video segment adapted from A Science Odyssey looks at the invention of nylon.

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Nanotechnology

Learn about the fundamentals of nanotechnology and its applications, in this video segment adapted from Pennsylvania College of Technology and WVIA.

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NOVA Elements

Explore the periodic table, and build atoms and molecules in this web edition of the NOVA Elements iPad App.

Quarks: Inside the Atom

This video segment adapted from NOVA shows how the particle accelerator helped physicists find parts of the atom even smaller than protons and neutrons.

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Radioactive Decay of Carbon-14

This video excerpt from NOVA: "Hunting the Elements" examines carbon isotopes and radiocarbon dating.

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Rare Earth Elements

This video excerpt from NOVA: "Hunting the Elements" explores the ubiquity of rare earth elements.

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Static Electricity: Snap, Crackle, Jump

In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, see static electricity make breakfast cereal jump and hair stand on end.

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String Theory: A Sense of Scale

This interactive activity from the NOVA Web site puts the infinitesimally small world of string theory into perspective.

String Theory: Elementary Particles

This illustrated essay from the NOVA Web site looks at the fundamental forces and particles that make up all matter.

Taking Pictures of Things You Can't See

Dr. Chris Muhlstein explains the challenge of studying materials that are too small to see with the naked eye. The technique some scientists use to observe individual atoms is similar to the technique of using touch to find out the size, shape, and location of objects in a dark room. By using a very small, sharp sensor, scientists can create an image of atoms.

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