Ants are essential insects known for their strength, teamwork, and farming skills. With an estimated 20 quadrillion worldwide, they outnumber humans by millions to one. Ants improve soil, farm fungi and aphids, and live in large colonies with complex roles. They can lift thousands of times their body weight and communicate using pheromones and vibrations. Some colonies even span thousands of miles.

Tornadoes are powerful, dangerous storms formed by rotating winds from thunderstorms. The U.S. sees about 1,200 tornadoes yearly, more than any other country. While most common in the Midwest during June and July, they can occur year-round, often between 4 and 9 p.m. Always take tornado warnings seriously and seek shelter in a basement or interior room.

Honeybees die after stinging because their barbed stingers get stuck and tear from their bodies, but other bees, wasps, and hornets can sting multiple times. Only female bees sting, and many bee species don’t sting at all. If stung, remove the stinger quickly, clean the area, and apply ice or a baking soda paste. Use creams or pain relievers for swelling. Seek medical help for stings to the mouth or signs of an allergic reaction.

There are over 12,000 ant species and an estimated 20 quadrillion ants worldwide. Ants live almost everywhere except places like Antarctica. They come in many colors and live in social colonies that can have hundreds of thousands of ants. Each ant has a specific job, and diets vary by species. Ants can carry objects 10 to 50 times their own weight, and some even eat animals larger than themselves.

Dancing in the rain is more than just fun — it’s good for your body, brain and spirit. While storms with thunder and lightning require shelter, a safe, warm rain offers a chance to feel joy, be present and refresh your spirit. Dancing boosts mental health, relieves stress and reconnects you with the moment. So next time it rains safely, let go, dance freely and enjoy every drop — and maybe even spot a rainbow when it’s done.

Southern flying squirrels live in Illinois but are rarely seen because they’re nocturnal. Unlike birds, they don’t truly fly. Instead, they glide using skin flaps between their limbs to glide. They usually glide 20–30 feet but can reach up to 240 feet. Their diet includes acorns, nuts, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, insects, and bird eggs.

Static electricity happens when atoms rub together and steal electrons, creating a charge. Like magnets, opposite charges attract. When electrons build up, your hair stands up or you get shocked by metal. You can see static in action with a fun experiment: rub wool on an acrylic sheet, then hold it above crispy rice cereal. The cereal “dances” as it’s pulled toward the charged acrylic.

Galls are plant growths caused by insects like wasps or flies to protect and feed their larvae. A female lays eggs in plant tissue, triggering the plant to form a gall. Galls don’t harm plants and serve as food and shelter for larvae. Predators like birds and squirrels may still break them open. Galls vary in shape, size, and color based on the egg-laying species. Even after larvae leave, galls can shelter other insects.