Curious Minds

2019 sardine run in KwaZulu-Natal in full swing

Did you know there is a fish migration so huge it can be seen from space?

Saliva is made in special pouches called salivary glands. These glands look like rows of water balloons that fill and empty into tubes called salivary ducts. As the balloon-like glands fill up, the saliva gets squeezed into the tubes, and then your mouth.

Curious Minds

Why does English have so many different spelling rules?

English spelling has been evolving for over a thousand years and the muddle we’re in today is the fall-out of many different events that have taken place over this time.

Curious Minds

How old should kids be to get phones?

Every kid should have their own cell phone. Or should they?

Curious Minds

How hard is it to say ‘no’ to drugs?

Alcohol is by far the most commonly used drug, though rates of alcohol use are generally decreasing. A national survey of secondary students found 46% of 12-17 year olds had tried alcohol in the past year, but only 25% had in the past month.

Curious Minds

Curious Minds: Do you know why Table Mountain is flat?

Located in the Western Cape, South Africa, Table Mountain is of one Cape Town's most famous natural attractions, and no matter how many times you've seen it, it's hard not to be amazed at just how flat it is. But what's the real reason for that table-like peak?

Curious Minds

Reading struggles? Don’t wait to advocate for your child

Most of us avoid tasks that we are not good at, especially if we cannot find support to improve. But children are regularly required to read for all academic areas, and to gain knowledge in other areas of life. We cannot expect children to read if we don’t help them learn to read.

Curious Minds

LISTEN | Why did the dinosaurs die?

What happened to these ancient creatures?

Curious Minds

LISTEN | Why do we lose our baby teeth?

When we’re babies, our teeth come through so we can start chomping on solid foods. Then something strange happens and we start to get wobbly teeth.

Curious Minds

How do voices come out of our mouths?

The air from the lungs causes the vocal cords to move really quickly. This is called vibration and feels a bit like buzzing.

Curious Minds

Why are there seven days in a week?

Curious Minds

Why are moths attracted to light?

Moths flutter toward light at night, but why?

Curious Minds

Why do onions make you cry?

A few tips to avoid tearing up next time you’re getting ready to dice an onion.

Curious Minds

Do cats and dogs understand us when we miaow or bark?

Do cats and dogs understand humans when they make miaowing or barking noises?

Curious Minds

Is it okay for teens to drink coffee?

Since caffeine is in so many different foods and drinks, it’s easy for kids – or grownups – to get more than they should without realizing it.

Storytime

Houston, we have a bedtime story: Let a real-life astronaut read to your kids - from space

Developed in collaboration with NASA astronaut Alvin Drew and the Space Center Houston to promote reading and STEM education, the idea has grown to include a trove of stories read by both male and female astronauts from on-board the International Space Station!