A tomb of 49,000 year-old Neanderthal bones discovered in El Sidron, a remote, mountainous region of northern Spain, leads to a compelling investigation to solve a double mystery: How did this group of Neanderthals die? And could the fate of this group help explain Neanderthal extinction?

Did you know that all living cells contain DNA? That’s right, every cell in your body, animals, and plants contains DNA. DNA is short for deoxyribonucleic acid, known as the “molecule of life.” This molecule contains instructions on how to make a living thing; DNA tells you to be you and a strawberry to be a strawberry. Normally, you cannot see DNA with the naked eye. However, if you collect it from thousands of cells, there is enough to be visible. In just a few simple steps, you can perform a DNA extraction at home using household materials! 

From coast to coast, some 30 million white-tailed deer make their home in the United States. Deer are the most highly studied mammals in the world, but does the typical homeowner with deer in the yard know how long deer can live? When they sleep? How many babies a doe can have each year?

Enter the hidden world of white-tailed deer outfitted with night-vision cameras and GPS tracking equipment to see them not as common backyard creatures, but as intelligent, affectionate family members.

Join Team Wood Thrush from Lucille M. Brown Middle School at our Explore the Outdoors Event, Sunday, April 28th from 1:00 until 5:00. These passionate young bird lovers will be at the Community Idea Stations and adjacent Huguenot Park sharing their love of the great outdoors. They will be teaching us how to recognize and "sing" bird calls and talking with us about what is needed to save this endangered neo-tropical bird. Watch this Science Matters video about Team Wood Thrush last year to learn more.