• Base polyhedron: The underlying shape is a rhombicuboctahedron.
• Number of points: It has 26 points in total.
• Points types:
  • 18 square-based pyramid points: These are formed from the 18 square faces of the rhombicuboctahedron.
  • 8 triangular-based pyramid points: These are formed from the 8 triangular faces of the rhombicuboctahedron.
• Purpose of the 26th “point”: The 26th point is a missing face that forms a flat base for mounting or hanging, making it practical to display.

Introducing the Hour of AI

Building on over a decade of success with the Hour of Code, our new global initiative launching this fall is designed to help students and educators everywhere take their first step into understanding and creating with AI.

Through hands-on, easy-to-follow activities, learners around the world will demystify AI and imagine what’s possible when they harness it for good.

Because the future isn’t something we wait for.

It’s something we build—together.

Artificial intelligence is already changing how we learn, work, and live. Yet right now, many students are on the sidelines — using AI without understanding how it works, how to use it responsibly, or how to shape what’s coming next.

What if students of all ages could move from watchers to leaders? What if they didn’t just use AI but helped decide how it changes the world?

Learn more on CSforALL

It is now live.

North Carolina Young Scientist Society Cohort 2026

Know a high school student in grade 9-11 who would love a no-cost field-based science research experience?  Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the NC Young Scientist Society (NCYSS)!

This year-long, mostly virtual program is open to students in grades 9-11 across North Carolina. Participants are mentored through the creation, implementation, and presentation of a field-based natural history focused research project and can receive up to $250 for equipment supporting their work. Students will present their discoveries at our annual NCYSS Student Symposium in Raleigh in the fall with travel support available for all participants.  Meetings will take place in Zoom most weeks during the spring and fall semesters on Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm and will include conversations with a range of field scientists. Students will conduct their field research projects during the summer months.

All students grade 9-11 are welcome to apply!  We are particularly interested in recruiting students in rural and other communities underserved by these sorts of opportunities and welcome applications from students with little or no past experience in science.  This program is not just for students who already know they want to be scientists – we will consider anyone who wants to try a scientific research project, regardless of their plans for the future!

Applications are due December 31, we will send acceptances by January 16, and the program begins February 10.  Apply online at https://ncyoungscientists.org/

Please contact Chris Goforth at chris.goforth@naturalsciences.org for more information.