The Science of Halloween
Join Chemistry Professor Lubna Haque as we explore some of the spooky science behind Halloween
Science is all around us, and we often find ourselves wondering why or how things happen in the world. So That Explains It! is a video series where our COD Experts answer your burning STEM questions. The following videos are typically around 5 minutes and cover a range of topics.
Videos
Fall Leaves
Why do some leaves change color in the fall? Biology Professor Beth Kirkpatrick explains the biology behind fall color change.
Wildfires
Former Prairie Manager Remic Ensweiler explains why sometimes fires are a good thing for the Earth.
Winter Tire Deflation
Join Associate Chemistry Professor Kathy Hess as she explains why your car tires deflate in the winter and what you can do about it.
How Vaccines Work
Registered Nurse and Simulation Manager Melissa Ericson explains vaccines and natural immunity in this episode of So That Explains It!
Margin of Error
Mathematics Professor Mike McCabe discusses the statistics of political polling and margins of error.
The Importance of Bees
Adjunct Professor Mike Bock discusses the importance of honeybees to our ecosystem.
The 17 year Cicada
Lynda Randa, Professor of Biology, highlights the 17-year cicadas and discusses when they will appear in the Chicago area.
The Color of Fireworks
The Chemistry Bonding Club discusses the science behind fireworks in this episode of So That Explains It!
Flower scents
Biology Professor Beth Kirkpatrick and MAC Director Diana Martinez join forces to explore the significance and science of marigolds for Dia de los Muertos.
Black Friday
Computer and Information Science Professor Sam Shamsuddin discusses why websites crash in this episode of So That Explains It!
Lights Out
Physics Professor Alyssa Pasquale explains why a whole section of your holiday tree goes out when just one light is out.
Winter Weather Braking
Join Physics Associate Professor Carley Bennett as she discusses the physics of braking and how winter weather affects our driving.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Join Nursing Associate Professor Judy Carino as she explains Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka “the winter blues”
The Perfect Bracket
Our math faculty and staff discuss the mathematics behind winning your March Madness Bracket pool.
Native vs. Invasive Seeds
Former Outdoor Lab and Prairie Manager Remic Ensweiler discusses the importance of native seeds and taking care of the Earth.
James Webb Telescope
Astronomy Professor Joe DalSanto discusses the James Webb Telescope and its importance in understanding the universe.
How Video Games are Made
Celebrate National Video Game Day with Computer and Information Sciences Professor Steve Santello as he shared how video games are made.
Mole Day
Chemistry Assistant Professor Andy Sua explains the importance of Mole Day in this episode of So That Explains It!
Why Penguins Have Wings
Join Biology Professor Lynda Randa as she explains why penguins have wings if they cannot fly.
Bees in the Winter
Adjunct Professor Mike Bock explains what happens to bees in the winter in this episode of So That Explains It!
Goosebumps
Join Biology Professor Beth Kirkpatrick as she explains the phenomenon behind why we get goosebumps.
The Biggest Number
STEM Specialist Linda Shaw explores how we determine the biggest number in this episode of So That Explains It!
The Age of the Earth
The Earth is over 4 billion years old, but how do we know that? Astronomy Professor Joe DalSanto explains in this episode of So That Explains It!
Brain Freezes
Why does eating ice cream too fast cause a “brain freeze”? Biology Professor Kathy Finan explains the science behind this phenomenon.