No matter what subject you teach, you’ve likely heard a student say, “Why do I have to do this?” or “This doesn’t even apply to my life.” Well, dear reader, I’m here to equip you with some of the best research to prove them wrong.
Below are some of our favorite scientific papers from across the internet; each one scientifically accurate and thoughtfully crafted. Use them to explore the scientific method, introduce scientific writing, or simply spark curiosity about research in your students.
Cheers to debunking the myth that science is boring or irrelevant!
1. Title: Phase behavior of Cacio e Pepe sauce
Plainspeak: Making the Best Cacio e Pepe sauce
Want to impress your friends and family with the ultimate (scientifically proven) cacio e pepe sauce? Look no further than the research led by G. Bartolucci at the Universitat de Barcelona! And if anyone claims they’ve had better, you’ll know they’re wrong—because science says this is the best. 🙂
2. Title: Neural correlates of interspecies perspective taking in the post-mortem Atlantic Salmon: An argument for multiple comparisons correction
Plainspeak: Doing MRIs of Dead Salmon to Prove People Wrong
This group of researchers placed a dead salmon in an MRI machine and analyzed its brain activity in response to images of human emotions. Surprisingly, the salmon’s brain lit up when “viewing” these images. Does this mean dead salmon feel sad when they see a crying human? Absolutely not! It’s a perfect example of why correlation does not equal causation.
3. Title: PARACHUTING CATS AND CRUSHED EGGS: The Controversy Over the Use of DDT to Control Malaria
Plainspeak: Parachuting Cats: Unlikely Plague Control
A classic study on unintended consequences: In Borneo, the government sprayed DDT to kill malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The mosquitoes died, but so did a wasp species, leading to a surge in caterpillars that ate thatched roofs. Geckos that ate the poisoned insects died, followed by the cats that ate them—triggering a rat plague and the spread of disease. The solution? Parachuting in more cats to control the rats, only for them to sometimes crash through weakened roofs.
4. Title: Pressures Produced When Penguins Pooh – Calculations on Avian Defecation
Plainspeak: Penguins Have Watery-Poop
This paper practically screams, “Seventh-grade boys will love this!” And hey, if it gets your students excited about science, it’s worth it. Amazingly, there was even a follow-up study in 2020. Because, apparently, the scientific community needed more data on this very important topic! Check out Penguin Poop Volume II.
5. Title: “Male Dance Floor Moves to Catch a Woman’s Eye”
Plainspeak: “Male Dance Floor Moves to Catch a Woman’s Eye”
The title says it all—no ambiguity here! This study is a perfect springboard for students to expand on scientific research. What happens when we increase the sample size? Change the music? Do the same dance moves work across different pairings; female to male, male to male? What about non-binary participants? The possibilities for investigation are endless!
6. Title: Classic Nintendo Games are (NP-)Hard
Plainspeak: Classic Nintendo Games are as hard as doing a hard thing
How difficult is doing something hard? Is it just kind of hard? Sort of easy, but mostly hard? This study takes the question to the next level by using NP-hardness (non-deterministic polynomial-time hardness) to mathematically determine just how challenging it is to play Donkey Kong. In other words, they didn’t just rely on frustrated gamers, they used computational complexity theory to prove that Donkey Kong is, quite literally, a tough game.
Even if our goal isn’t to turn every student into a scientist, we can help students see the relevance of science in their daily lives through these goofy (yet serious!) studies. By making science engaging, and connected to real-world problems, we can spark curiosity, develop critical thinking, and foster an appreciation for its impact, no matter their career path.
About the Author
Amy Szczepanski (she/her) is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.S. in both Biology and Environmental Science, a Master’s in Teaching, and has been teaching since 2014. Amy uses her experience to create highly engaging and effective content for both teachers and students. She loves all things STEM and is passionate about teacher advocacy.
Fun fact: Amy’s favorite hobby is taking long walks through New York City searching for delicious treats.
