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Handout
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Stem Cells

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why? Files have provided a fantastic site about stem cells. Stem cells are described in detail and their role in the body. The content is mildly controversial and opinionated.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Attacking Aids

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why Files have provided a wonderful site examining the possible AIDS vaccines being developed. Several topics are discussed, including topics about the chemical makeup of the virus itself.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Heart to Heart

For Students 9th - 10th
Follow the story of James Reynolds as he receives a heart transplant. This site gives a fairly graphic, detailed account of the surgery involved.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Smoke and Mirrors

For Students 9th - 10th
Cancer sticks. Coffin nails. Tarlboro Lights. The Why Files tackle the smoking debate. The article discusses the effects of smoking, suggestions for quitting, and also the chemical makeup of cigarettes.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: The Ultimate Heating Season

For Students 9th - 10th
This article talks discusses the climbing temperature and how it is affecting our lives here on earth. It examines El-Nina, global warming, and the greenhouse effect.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Fiddle Physics

For Students 3rd - 8th
A fascinating investigation into the physics underlying the peculiarities of violin tone production. Quite interesting for anyone who enjoys violins.
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Lesson Plan
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Mosquito Bytes

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The Why Files have provided an informative site regarding mosquitos. Included in this resource is information pertaining to reproduction, life cycle, disease caused, and repellent advice.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Science Behind the News

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why? Files from the University of Wisconsin explains the science behind the news. The website, tackling issues in news headlines, provides a good mix of information and interactivity that takes the "chore" out of learning.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Alternative Medicine

For Students 9th - 10th
Alternative medicine has been debated over for many years. This site covers several pros and cons of several of the common practices.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: What's Your Beef?

For Students 9th - 10th
Concerned about where your beef comes from? This article discusses concerns about safe, and healthy beef. International trade and the methods used in raising the staple are included in article.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Steering for Steroids

For Students 9th - 10th
The Tour de France has been under scrutiny because of alleged doping by participants. This article dives into the fray of scandal during one year of the Tour.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Spare Parts for the New Millennium

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why Files have provided information pertaining to retinal restoration, heart disease, and diabetes. The information is specific and well organized.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: I Lost 84 Lbs!

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why Files have provided a site pertaining to weight loss. The site explores several scams that have become popular as well as legitimate weight loss strategies.
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Handout
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Stroke. Medical Crisis

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why Files have provided wonderful information pertaining to strokes. The information presented relates the causes of strokes as well as treatments for.
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Handout
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Salt and Blood Pressure

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why Files have provided information regarding the pros and cons of salt in relation to blood pressure.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: High Living

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why Files have provided an article that explores the health effects of space travel. The site focuses on life on a space station.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Big Baby, Brainy Baby

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why? Files have uncovered information relating baby birth size to early development. The study discusses the positives of delivering a larger baby.
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Handout
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Old Brains New Tricks

For Students 9th - 10th
Can you teach an old brain new tricks? The Why Files have organized a site that discusses the effect of aging on the brain's learning capability.
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Handout
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Resisting Antibiotics

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why? Files have provided information related to antibiotic resistant viruses. New antibiotics have been created to battle the ever-changing virus.
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Handout
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Chocolate 'N' Your Heart

For Students 9th - 10th
Good news for chocolate lovers. The Why? Files have provided information discovering the positive effects of chocolate on bad cholesterol.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Alternative Medicine: All in Your Mind?

For Students 9th - 10th
The Why? Files have provided information pertaining to alternative medicine. The discussions include analyzations of the effect of alternatives vs. the placebo effect.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: 3 2 1 Contact, Don't Touch That Dial

For Students 9th - 10th
A discussion of reflecting telescopes and their use in radio astronomy. The types of information gained from and the research emphasis fueled by such telescopes is described. Site uses Hollywood references and a humorous style.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Power Plants

For Students 9th - 10th
Photovoltaic technology is compared and contrasted to the natural phenomenon of photosynthesis. The means by which photocells harness solar energy is described and explained.
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Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Sputnik's Legacy

For Students 9th - 10th
This exploratory article (published September 11, 1997) outlines the history of the Sputnik Space program, but also includes the response within the United States educational system to speedily ramp up the study of science, math and...