MS-ETS1-1

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

  1. Science & Society

    This sun-powered system delivers energy as it pulls water from the air

    The device not only produces electricity but also harvests water for drinking or crops. It could be especially useful in remote and dry parts of the world.

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  2. Materials Science

    This new fabric can ‘hear’ sounds or broadcast them

    With special fibers that convert tiny vibrations to voltages, a new fabric senses sound. Someday, such fabrics could monitor the body or aid hearing.

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  3. Chemistry

    New cloth cools you when you’re hot, warms you when you’re cold

    Scientists 3-D printed the new fabric, which has even more tricks up its sleeve — such as conducting electricity and resisting radio waves.

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  4. Climate

    A bold plan to save the planet turns carbon dioxide into stone

    Scientists hope that capturing carbon dioxide this way will limit both further warming of our planet and an escalation of extreme weather events.

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  5. Life

    Kitchen sponges are bacteria’s dream home

    Sponges are favorite spots for bacteria, partly because of the mixed-housing environment that the cleaner-uppers offer microbes.

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  6. Materials Science

    Engineers borrow a tree’s cellulose to toughen new materials

    Cellulose gives plants their strength. Engineers are turning this renewable, environmentally friendly resource into brand new materials.

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  7. Life

    Robots made of cells blur the line between creature and machine

    Scientists are using living cells and tissue as building blocks to make robots. These new machines challenge ideas about robots and life itself.

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  8. Tech

    A new device uses atoms’ quantum weirdness to peer underground

    Quantum sensors like this one could monitor magma beneath volcanoes or uncover archaeological artifacts.

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  9. Chemistry

    A disinfectant made from sawdust knocks out deadly microbes

    It’s made by pressure-cooking sawdust and water, is cheap and easy to make — and could lead to greener cleaning products than chemicals used today.

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  10. Tech

    Scientists Say: Machine learning

    Machine learning allows computers to learn new skills without programmers having to write out step-by-step instructions.

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  11. Archaeology

    The earliest known pants are surprisingly modern — and comfy

    This 3,000-year-old garment was not only stylish but also functional. By recreating it, scientists also unraveled its complex and multicultural origins.

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  12. Brain

    Teen inventors say: There’s got to be a better way

    Finalists in the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search are revamping prostheses, earthquake safety systems and air travel.

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