History
“Spring Forward, Fall Back.” Most of you have probably heard that phrase before, but do you know what it really means or how it originated? The phrase serves as a reminder telling us in which direction we turn the clock on Daylight Savings Time. Do you know how and why this moving of the clock all started?
Benjamin Franklin was the first person to mention this idea in an essay he wrote in 1784. However, nothing was done with this idea until it was mentioned again by an Englishman named William Willett who in 1907 wrote about this issue in an essay titled “The Waste of Daylight”.
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Arts & Culture
Don’t be afraid to turn the page. Even if you wonder why Adam is biking like mad from Vermont all the way to Massachusetts. Even if the transcribed taped interviews get you wondering what is really going on in Adam’s life. Even if you are curious as to why Adam is on medication and what it has done to his memory.
You and Adam might be afraid of the same thing– all of those gaps in his memory are haunting him. Maybe you’ll be able to figure out the mystery before Adam does…. But only if you are brave enough to turn the page in I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier.
Wondrous World
Sea anemone are the beautiful, graceful creatures that bloom like flowers on the ocean floor. But beware — within the delicate tendrils of the sea anemone is venom used to paralyze the innocent passersby who may not realize that they are to become the anemone’s lunch!
The tentacles have nematocysts, or stinging cells, that paralyze and entrap their prey. Then, the anemone pulls the stunned creature into its mouth, which is located in the center of the tentacles.
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Fun & Games
Have you ever remembered any of your dreams? Sometimes they are fun and happy and sometimes they are quite scary. But one thing is for certain…they are always weird! If you want to remember some of the images in your dreams-try this fun art project where you can keep the final product or give it to others.
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Wondrous World
What is happening in our brains when we are sleeping? Have you ever woken up and remembered strange thoughts and images that occurred during the night? You know that you actually never left your bed, however, you remember a whole activity filled with different people and places. Sometimes the things that you do and the things that you see in your dreams do not even exist in real life!
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Arts & Culture
Roald Dahl, the dazzling author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach, has a wonderful collection of short stories that you are sure to enjoy. This book contains seven stories certain to stay with you for many years after you’ve read them.
One story tells about a boy who goes on vacation and makes a very unusual friend. You’ll feel like you are on the island looking at the turquoise blue water when you read it. Another tells a true tale about a farmer who faces the extreme cold in his fields one day, only to uncover a very valuable surprise buried in his land. Then there’s the title story which offers a peek into the life of a wealthy man who finds that–with a little faith and a lot of discipline– the hidden mysteries of life can unfold before his very eyes.
If you are searching for a top-notch read, you have got to check out this collection of stories.
Fun & Games
Here you will play with materials usually not found together - a good thing, as you will see. Rice cereal, plexiglass, and a woolen sweater comprise the task objects. Snaps, pops and a lesson in static electricity are the work products. Emjoy!
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Sports
Did you know that the word “polo” actually comes from the word “pulu” which means “ball” in the language of India. Add water, and you’ve got a game! Actually, it takes a bit more than a ball and a swimming pool to compete in a water polo game. A rigorous and sometimes treacherous game, water polo is played by two teams consisting of seven players per side. Players must tread water the entire game, and can sometimes cover up to 3 kilometers in the span of an hour-and-a-half game! Not only are the players treading water the entire 90 minutes, but they are not allowed to touch the sides or bottom of the pool. That, of course, means no rest. Also, players are not allowed to touch the ball with two hands, although the goalie may use both hands in order to keep that ball out of the goal. And don’t think it gets any easier– players do everything short of drowning each other to get a hold of the ball.
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Wondrous World
Imagine that you are standing on the prairie, chasing after a groundhog, or something — when all of the sudden, you hear thunder. Looking at the sky, you can see no clouds; you don’t feel moisture in the air. Where’s that noise coming from? Then you see it… a cloud arising from the earth. A herd of bison is charging forward like a storm — running at 35 miles per hour. What can you do but get out of the way?!
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Food & Recipes
Before you gobble up all of that candy you have stored away (or if you have some left over that you just can’t possibly think of eating) try out this great recipe that incorporates some of your favorite flavors. And probably many of your friend’s favorite flavors as well, since they are likely to want to help you eat it.
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Fun & Games
Legend says that if you kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland you will receive the gift of persuasive eloquence. The kisser will be able to speak sweetly and convincingly to anyone they encounter. Try this fun project where you can make your own stones. With this project, you can put a special gift inside the stone. If you want, you can also try to put some magic into it!
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History
Pinch! This is what you might get if you are not wearing something green today! People from many different countries are putting on their green shirts, jackets, and hats and are going out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Do you know in what country this holiday originated? This country is surrounded by water and is filled with beautiful green hills and valleys. Ireland is the place where St. Patrick’s Day began and where the most celebrating occurs on this day. There are many legends and superstitions that originated in Ireland and are thought to be associated with this holiday. Leprechauns and the history of the Blarney Stone both originated in Ireland, however, they have nothing to do with holiday of St. Patrick’s Day.
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