From tiny microbes to the vastness of space, there’s always something fascinating to discover! This September, we’re exploring the hidden world of microbes and learning how sea animals adapt to changing ocean temperatures. We’ll also look up to the night sky for this month’s exciting skywatching events and explore what’s happening beyond our planet. Finally, get ready to put your engineering skills to work with a hands-on STEM activity inspired by oil spill cleanup.
How Do Microbes Move Through The World?
Microbes are constantly on the move. Despite their size, their journeys are anything but simple. Microbes navigate their environments using specialized structures and strategies to find food, escape danger, and colonize new territories.
Link to Article: https://www.internationalmicroorganismday.org/blogs/how-do-microbes-move-through-the-world
How Ocean Animals Beat the Heat—and the Cold
Temperatures can range from below freezing in the deep waters of Antarctica to more than 100°F in shallow coastal waters. And unlike humans, marine animals can’t just blast the air conditioning or put on a jacket when they get uncomfortable. Rather, years of evolution have equipped these creatures with several remarkable ways to regulate temperature and survive in extreme conditions.
Link to Article: https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2026/07/29/beat-the-heat/
What’s Up: September 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA
Use the Moon to find Antares and the Teapot, spot brilliant Venus, welcome the equinox, and see the Harvest Moon near Saturn and Neptune.
Cleaning Oil Spills with Chemistry STEM Activity
In this activity, learners will experiment with different methods of cleaning up a model oil spill.
Link to Activity: https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/cleaning-oil-spills-chemistry