Kikot, Thom

Introduces students in grades six through twelve to concepts in measurement, focusing on time and temperature and how they relate to the death of stars, the extinction of the dinosaurs, thermometers, freezing, and hurricanes.

Presents an look at modern America, providing an overview of the historical events from Ronald Reagan's presidency to the tragedy of 9/11.

Examines the structure and function of plant and animal cells, discusses DNA and the mapping of the human genetic code, looks at the problem of obesity in the U.S. and the search for a genetic answer, and considers the importance of maintaining good mental, social, and physical health.

Explores the history and culture of Mesoamerica, looking at Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire,discussing the effects of European exploration on the New World, examining the Spanish conquest and destruction of the Aztec and Inca Empires, and investigating the mystery of the Red Queen, an unidentified Mayan mummy discovered by archaeologists in 1994.

Discusses the discovery of magnetism and how it works, examines the science of electricity, looks at electric currents, explores the use of electricity and magnetism on theme park rides, and considers the many uses of electronics.

Examines the rise and fall of ancient Greece, Rome, and Byzantium, and discusses the lasting influence of these civilizations on government and culture.

Presents an investigation of human and plant cells, looking at how doctors grow replacement skin cells, tracing the historical evolution of the microscope, discussing single-cell organisms, the structure of animal cells, and different types of human cells, and exploring the structure and properties of plant cells.

Explores aspects of World War I and its aftermath, looking at czarist Russia as an example of the growth of nationalism in the early 1900s, discussing the causes of the war and the experiences of soldiers on the front, re-creating the last flight of the infamous Red Baron, and examining the fall of czarist Russia and the onset of communism.