What happens if you eat a silica gel packet?

Lesson by Vivian Jiang, directed by Denys Spolitak.

Of the many, many things we’re not supposed to snack on, perhaps the most common forbidden food is silica gel. This tiny packet pops up in packaging for everything — from TVs and guitar cases to sunscreen and snack foods. So why is silica gel everywhere, and what would actually happen if you ate it? Vivian Jiang digs into the science of this pervasive product. 

The haunting history of the Paris Catacombs

Lesson by Stephanie H. Smith, directed by Laura Jayne Hodkin.

For centuries, Parisians had buried their dead in the Cemetery of the Innocents. By the 18th century, the grounds had become overcrowded — spewing foul odors across the city. Residents worried that it posed a public health threat, and petitioned the government for a solution. But where could they move millions of remains? Stephanie H. Smith explores the vast, underground network of the Catacombs. 

Pandora’s Legacy combines elements of jigsaw puzzles, escape rooms, puzzle hunts, and legacy board games into a 12-15 hour adventure. It's perfect for mythology lovers, puzzle enthusiasts, and anyone who just loves a good challenge. 

Pandora's Legacy is now available for purchase in many territories, and available for preorder in others. Get your copy today, while supplies last!

Four new games have joined the TED Games hub! Rush Hour rewards reasoning. Spellcheck celebrates linguistic chaos. Cheat Sheet tests trivia. And Pixellence reveals art. 
From visual logic to tricky word play, these games deliver fresh daily challenges built for curious thinkers. 

An essential ingredient in effective public speaking is a well-developed script. TED-Ed Student Talks activities show students the process of crafting a well-structured, detailed, and engaging script through workshopping, drafting, and editing their writing. Students transform a rough idea into a polished talk by learning storytelling techniques, developing their voice and writing style, and exploring how to organize their ideas into a clear and purposeful talk. Apply today for TED-Ed Student Talks to help your students build their writing skills.

Check out the items in our TED-Ed Shop like this Grassland Notebook!

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