Chemistry of Life

This episode unravels some of the foundational chemistry that affects everything on planet earth.

It begins with the primary conversion of simple chemicals into complex compounds that form the building blocks of all life.

Using the further conversions that occur in a dairy cow, the ITO team decodes how plant material is converted to a variety of dairy-related foods that impact our lives.

They also explore both the history and hands-on science that viewers can take into their kitchens to learn more for themselves with simple experiments… about the chemistry of life.

    Full Video

    RElated Content

    Turning Crude Oil into Fuels

    Have you ever wondered where the fuels that power our vehicles comes from? Or, have you thought about how they turn syrupy black crude into the clear gasoline and fuels...

    Decoding Industrial Sand Mining

    When you think about mining, you probably think about minerals like gold, diamonds, or copper. But sand? What is so special about the sand deposits in Wisconsin and why...

    How Healthy Markets Sustain Forests

    How can forest product markets support healthy forests? Learn how sustainable management practices and strong markets for wood products help conserve forests, benefit...

    Managing Forests for Multi-Use

    Discover how sustainable forest management benefits wildlife, recreation, and the economy. From protecting ecosystems to producing forest products, learn how forests...

    Soybean Sustainability

    Sometimes, we think that the food we eat just pops out of the ground or appears magically at our supermarkets, but the truth is much different. Jacob and Gianna, our...

    Protecting Forests, Enhancing Lives

    In Protecting Forests, Enhancing Lives two girls examine the perception that clear cutting forests is destroying the natural environment by visiting forests and...

    A River Reborn

    Rivers are like arteries, bringing life to the region surrounding them, washing away waste, purifying the environment with their biotic and abiotic processes.  Just...

    Plant Diversities

    The ITO science sleuths investigate how plants can create life from the raw abiotic elements in the environment, with some even making their own fertilizer from air....

    Cost of Clean Water

    To discover sources and solutions to pollution in watersheds across Wisconsin, our ITO team of "Eco-investigators" wade into the science of water quality. From climbing...

    How to Protect Lakes from Invasive Species

    Becky and Jane just started the lamest summer job ever—until they realize the marina is full of wild surprises! From talking frogs with safety tips to a fishy...

    Thank you, Partners!