WPSU Science Resources
Explore science content created by WPSU and PBS to discover more about the world around you! There are resources for all ages covering topics of life science, physical science, earth and space science, environmental literacy and sustainability, technology and engineering, and career connections.
Life Science
A Season at Shaver’s Creek
Discover the dynamic ecosystem at Shaver’s Creek with our narrated cam trail footage of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Virtual Field Trips: Shaver’s Creek
Visit Penn State’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and learn about the raptors and reptiles as well as the decomposers who complete the Shaver’s Creek ecosystem.
Virtual Field Trips: Elk Country
Learn about elk history, animal adaptations, and human impact on habitats.
WPSU-FM: BirdNote
Listen to the sounds and stories of the unique lives, habitats, and adaptations of birds.
Science-U: Who are our Closest Ancestors?
Examine fossils to see which hominin species is more closely related to us, modern humans!
Year Round Gardening
Explore gardening tips from sprouting seeds to preserving your harvest throughout the year.
Health Minute
Improve your physical, mental, and emotional health with information on everything from antibiotics to the health benefits of chocolate.
Finding Your Roots: The Seedlings
Investigate “who am I?” with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and learn about inherited traits, genetic diversity, and genealogy with kids.
Reach Podcast: Diseases & Wildlife
Learn how to prevent the next pandemic with research using ticks and mice.
Physical Science
SciTech Now: Sonification
Listen to how scientists turn data into sound for new discoveries.
Science-U: Can Something be Both a Solid and a Liquid?
Learn about the variable viscosity of non-Newtonian fluids and how they change their state of matter under pressure.
Science-U: How Does a Soda Geyser Work?
Learn about nucleation and chemical reactions making an explosion with soda and candy!
Science-U: Can you Transform a Toy Car into a Pullback Car?
Build a pullback car from simple materials transforming potential energy into kinetic energy.
Mission: Materials Science: Slippery Solids
Discover how dry lubricant materials reduce friction and make objects slip and slide.
Earth and Space Science
Space Discovery
Blast off with WPSU as you explore videos, activities, and resources that spark discovery and curiosity.
Wonders of the Night Sky
Discover how to find constellations, planets, and more in the night sky.
PA PBS: Family Night Weather & Climate
Learn the difference between weather and climate as well as exciting related careers.
PA PBS: Family Night Space
Explore space without ever leaving the planet while learning how to solve space problems.
PBS: Climate, Nature & Our Planet
Examine our changing climate with the perspectives of climate scientists.
PBS: Weathered
Hear real stories from people affected by natural disasters and learn how we can be prepared.
Our Town From the Sky
Enjoy a scenic aerial tour of some of Central Pennsylvania picturesque towns.
Reach Podcast: Climate Change
Explore how scientists study climate change and document its effects.
Environmental Literacy and Sustainability
Virtual Field Trips: Centre County Refuse and Recycling
Reduce, reuse, and recycle: discover how recycling gets sorted and processed after it leaves your home.
Science-U: Can you tell if a stream is healthy?
Learn about stream ecology and how to look for signs that a stream is healthy and supporting the surrounding ecosystem.
Science-U: Can You Cook a S’more without Fire or Electricity?
Cook a s’more using the renewable energy of the sun and a pizza box.
Science-U: What do Bumblebees do all day?
Learn how entomologists safely observe the daily habits of bees.
Liquid Assets
Explore the history and challenges of our cities’ water infrastructure.
Microbes Clean Abandoned Mine Pollution
Investigate abandoned mines and how scientists are using microbes to clean up the pollutants in these environments.
Water Blues Green Solutions
Hear about simple ways people and companies can protect, restore, and preserve water from strategies to manage stormwater, creating a raingarden, to reusing wastewater.
Reach Podcast: Spotted Lanternfly
Investigate the severe impact the spotted lanternfly has on agriculture and our ecosystem.
Technology and Engineering
PA PBS: Family Night Engineering
Engage in hands-on engineering activities and learn about cool careers.
Mission: Materials Science: Sand Structures
Learn about composite materials by b;uilding sand towers using of different substances.
Geospatial Revolution
Explore geographic information system mapping technology and its impact on life and privacy.
Virtual Field Trips: WPSU Studios
Learn how we use light and sound to create and broadcast your favorite WPSU and PBS shows.
Reach Podcast: Technology
Examine how technology affects us in both helpful and harmful ways.
Reach Podcast: Materials & You
Discover how materials scientists develop new substances to do everything from creating sensors to building stronger bones.
Careers
Women in Science Profiles
Learn about women scientists, their research, and their journeys.
Pennsylvania Makers
Explore PA artists and their unique talents and creativity.
Mission: Materials Science: Scientists in Action
Hear directly from materials scientists about their discoveries of new, innovative technologies.
Career Ready Resource
Consider different careers and the pathways that will get you there.
