It's the last Vax Facts Friday question until September!

Science is the process by which we develop knowledge. Over time, and with many experiments, a consensus about a scientific topic develops. However, science is ever evolving, meaning it changes as new information comes to light. That does not mean that previous research is outdated or irrelevant. Rather, it demonstrates that science builds on past understanding.

Check out our new video, “Behind the Scenes: A Tour of Penn’s Institute for RNA Innovation.” Get a firsthand look at the Weissman lab with Dr. Edward “Ted” Kreider and learn about this technology directly from a scientist working in this lab.

Learn about scientific discoveries or inventions that were not the original goal or expected outcome of the scientific effort at the time. As students learn about how science works, they can be engaged by examples of how science can take researchers down a completely different path than originally intended.

During the past several years of holding this essay contest, we have witnessed how educators have leveraged the contest to meet some of these goals. So, as a new school year begins, we wanted to share what we have seen and heard from teachers like you.