Assignments
Choose articles to read and comment!Friday, May 6, 2016 at 7:02 am
Powerful Earthquakes Rock Southern Japan And Ecuador
On Thursday, April 14, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake jolted the residents of Japan's Kyushu Island. The tremor that struck near the town of Ueki in the Kumamoto Prefecture occurred just before 9:30 pm local time and resulted in 9 deaths and over 850 injuries. An additional 44,000 people were rendered homeless. Though numerous smaller aftershocks followed, most experts believed that the worst was over.
Harriet Tubman To Replace President Andrew Jackson On The $20 Bill
On Wednesday, April 20, Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew announced that Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, on the $20 bill. The former slave and abolitionist is the first African-American, and the first woman in over a century, to be featured on the face of U.S. currency. The last female represented on U.S. notes was Martha Washington who appeared on the $1 silver certificate from 1886 to 1957, when the certificates were discontinued.
Video Of The Week — Queen Elizabeth II Turns 90!
On April 21, throngs of people lined along the street of Windsor to get a glimpse of the world's favorite monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, on her milestone 90th birthday. They were not disappointed.
Japan's New Train Will Be "Invisible"
Japan is famous for its state-of-the-art high-speed railway system. In 2015, its Magnetic Levitation or, Maglev train, which gets its name because it hovers 10 cm above the tracks, set a new speed world record of 375 mph (603km/hr). Now the innovative island nation wants to build a train that features a mirror-like exterior and blends in so well with the environment, that it will be practically "invisible."
Loyal Penguin Returns Annually To Bond With Brazilian Man Who Rescued Him
In May 2011, Joao Pereira de Souza stumbled upon a stranded Magellanic penguin outside his shack on Proveta Beach in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro. The bird was soaked in oil and unable to move. The 71-year-old retired bricklayer scooped up the starving penguin, nursed it back to health and put it out to sea.
Meet Root, A Robot That Teaches Kids To Code
Mention the word "coding" and the first image that comes to mind is a complicated algorithm that has no relationship to the real world. It is, therefore, no wonder that most kids steer away from learning this skill that is becoming increasingly important in today's world. Now, thanks to a small robot created by researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute even kids as young as five, will be clamoring to program.
Salads Disguised As Cakes Are A Hit In Japan
Residents of Nagoya, Japan will no longer have to subject themselves to eating wilted lettuce and soggy tomatoes to be healthy. They can instead fulfill the daily recommended requirement of fruits and vegetables with a slice or two of one of the delicious cakes crafted by Japanese food artist, Mitsuki Moriyasu.
Scott Kelly's Historic "Year in Space" Mission Brings Us One Step Closer to Mars
History was made on March 2, 2016 when a Soyuz TMA-18M spacecraft traveling from the International Space Station landed in a remote part of Kazakhstan. The landing was cause for celebration as the craft carried American astronaut, Scott Kelly, and Russian cosmonaut, Mikhail Kornienko, home from their 340-day mission aboard the International Space Station.
12192almost 8 yearsI think it's cool that that the penguin always comes back and never wants an other animal close to the man he is so cute
12553almost 8 yearsIt would be cool to have it here
11426almost 8 yearsi wish i could be a king in someplace where
17307almost 8 yearsShe is 90 already
11334almost 8 yearsI did not know that Queen Elizabeth was 90!
12237almost 8 yearsit is so good that very body is sellbrating her birthday
12216almost 8 yearsawww....... it was sweet of him to rescue the penguin. :D- 11426almost 8 yearsi wish i can have all the robots to my self right know.
09536almost 8 yearsi think that he trusted him that is very rare- 12216almost 8 yearsI like how u can control it. :]
12243almost 8 yearsThat is a very special story!- 11426almost 8 yearsi like how the penguin comes back and back i wish that it happen to me the all the time so i can pet him a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12200almost 8 yearsi wish i had a penguin like that- 12553almost 8 yearsI do not want that happen to us
- 11334almost 8 yearsThat is awesome!I did not know tat they could do that!:)
- 12237almost 8 yearsThats really cool that the penguin found a person to hlep him and be family to him
12236almost 8 yearsI like the idea of replacing Jackson, but Hamilton?
16695almost 8 yearsI am really sorry for the Japanees poeple. NO. MORE. EARTHQUAKES!!!!!!- 12200almost 8 yearsi think the invisible train was a good idea
- 12192almost 8 yearsI think it's amazing how long Queen Elizabeth has been Queen and I sure would like to live in a castle like her.
12346almost 8 yearsThey gather to let her and let her know to have a happy birthday. She dress in a lime green coat dress.Her favorite flower is a carnations. The crowd sang happy birthday . The weather is much nicer so they can do her birthday on June 11. Her second birthday is on June 11.- 09536almost 8 yearsbeacse it was her b day
12241almost 8 yearsThe penguin is adorable- 11426almost 8 yearsi wish i could be in the train !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- 16695almost 8 yearsI know, right?
- 12241almost 8 yearsThat looks really yummy I would eat those
12223almost 8 yearsHappy birthday !- 12241almost 8 yearsHappy Birthday
- 12237almost 8 yearsThat train is awesome:)
- 12200almost 8 yearsi know
- 16695almost 8 yearsAmazing!!!!!!!
- 12200almost 8 yearsi wish that never happens to us
This Weeks NewsThursday, April 14, 2016 at 7:22 am
Mrs. EbleRead and make a comment that shows evidence of what you learned from the article.
Edible Cutlery: A Delicious Way To Reduce Plastic Waste
Tossing a plastic spoon or fork into the trash after using it once is not just acceptable; it is fashionable. Experts estimate that over 40 billion pieces of plastic cutlery end up in the garbage each year - And that's just in the US. The numbers are even worse in India where an astounding 120 billion pieces clog the landfills annually. But that may change soon thanks to Indian entrepreneur Narayana Peesapaty, whose start-up Bakey's transforms mundane cutlery into delicious treats!
Video Of The Week - Behind The Scenes With Siri And Cookie Monster
A few weeks ago, Apple Inc. released a new advertisement to highlight the new "Hey Siri" feature that allows iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus users to summon the personal digital assistant hands-free. In the minute-long commercial, the Sesame Street star asks Siri to set the kitchen timer for the cookies that he had just put to bake and also turn on a "waiting" playlist.Salads Disguised As Cakes Are A Hit In Japan
Residents of Nagoya, Japan will no longer have to subject themselves to eating wilted lettuce and soggy tomatoes to be healthy. They can instead fulfill the daily recommended requirement of fruits and vegetables with a slice or two of one of the delicious cakes crafted by Japanese food artist, Mitsuki Moriyasu.Scott Kelly's Historic "Year in Space" Mission Brings Us One Step Closer to Mars
History was made on March 2, 2016 when a Soyuz TMA-18M spacecraft traveling from the International Space Station landed in a remote part of Kazakhstan. The landing was cause for celebration as the craft carried American astronaut, Scott Kelly, and Russian cosmonaut, Mikhail Kornienko, home from their 340-day mission aboard the International Space Station.
Anonymous Harry Potter Fan Pays An Astounding $394,000 For J.K. Rowling's Chair
On April 6, an anonymous donor paid an astounding $394,000 USD for a rickety old wooden chair. This, of course, was no ordinary chair, but the one J.K. Rowling sat on when she wrote the first two Harry Potter books — Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer's in the US) Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Spain's Casa del Acantilado (Cliff House) Is An Architectural Marvel
From a distance, the Casa del Acantilado (Cliff House) in Salobrena, Spain looks like something you would expect to encounter in "Game of Thrones" or "The Hobbit." However, come closer and you will realize that this three bedroom home that closely resembles a scaled dragon is an architectural wonder — One that has been designed to fully embrace its beautiful natural surroundings.
Video Of The Week — Talented Beagle Breaks Yet Another World Record
In September 2015, Purin, a nine-year-old female beagle made headlines when she broke the record for the most goals (14) caught by a dog with the paws in a single minute. On March 22, which happened to be National Puppy Day, the talented dog that lives in Japan, did it again.
Always Wanted A Sleepover With Sharks? Then You May Want To Read This!
Here is some good news for those that are looking for adventure in their lives. Peer-to-peer rental site Airbnb is accepting applications for people that are brave enough to spend a night inside the shark tank at France's Aquarium de Paris.
Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)
Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when ...
The Blood of Olympus
Though the Greek and Roman crew members of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen-all of them-and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood-the blood of Olympus-in order to ...- 12241almost 8 yearsThat dog is so talented and very cute
- 12192about 8 yearsI learned that they tested it in a real ocean and is perfectly safe to sleep with the sharks and if you watch the video it says don't watch Jaws or sleep walk.
- 12241about 8 yearsThat is really cool how they make salad on a cake. I think that it would be good because I like salads.
- 17307about 8 yearsI never knew that sailed could turn in to a cake
- 12553about 8 yearsi Lerner that do not sleep walk.
- 12237about 8 yearsthat is so cool i wont to live in that thing . it looks so cool. I wonder what they eat down there. in the text it says they swim with the sraks that would be scary. Also in the text it says that every one who wonts to go and sleep with the srakes have to book a page. That would maby take about like 2 weeks to get a room.
- 12223about 8 yearsAMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- 12200about 8 yearsi never knew that in one year you could go around the earth 5,440 times . W.O.W
- 12553about 8 yearsi Lerner that cookie monster is new to serer.
12238about 8 yearsPurin is a female beagle that is nine years old.
12197about 8 yearsIn the text I learned that the edible spoons are made out of Celery, Ginger Cinnamon,Ginger Garlic, Mint Ginger,Black Pepper,Carrot- Beetroot,and Cumin.I really enjoyed learning about edible silverware!
12193about 8 yearsThat is crazy! They just go in a tank filled with 35 sharks? I would rather take one millon pitchers with 1D!- 12216about 8 yearsOMG that is so cute!!!!!!!!!!!
- 16695about 8 yearsWow! I think this is really fasinating, and I am pretty sure dogs are gonna rule the world someday in a 100 some years. But, hey! Who says you can't teach a dog new tricks?!
- 09536about 8 yearsi wold eat all of my vegetables if it looked like that and it opens on April 5
- 12346about 8 yearsI learnd the there are 35 five sharks in the place around you
- 12216about 8 years12216 LOVES COOKIES!!!!!!!! [CRUNCH CRUNCH]
- 17307about 8 yearsI never knew that over 40 billion plastic things get throw out
mc300about 8 yearsexactly
- 12223about 8 yearsIt's cool that you also eat in there!
- 12200about 8 yearsThis is so funny i wonder if i could be him
- James bond about 8 yearsMy sister read this book its a great graphic novel .
This week's news!Friday, March 11, 2016 at 6:32 am
2016's First And Only Total Solar Eclipse Was Spectacular
Though not rare, total solar eclipses are highly anticipated. That's because they are visible from a narrow corridor of the planet and last for just a few minutes. 2016's first and only total solar eclipse that took place on March 8 or 9 (depending on the time zone), was no exception. The celestial event could only be seen in totality by residents of the Indonesian Islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi and Halmahera.
Melbourne Zoo Orangutans May Soon Be Challenging Visitors To A Game of Tetris
With no threat of predators or the need to hunt for food, shelter, or find a mate, zoo orangutans have an extremely comfortable existence. But this also means that the smart animals lack the critical challenges they need for their mental and emotional well-being. To ensure the curious mammals that share 97% of their DNA with humans do not get bored and depressed, zookeepers are always looking for new ways to keep them entertained and challenged.
France Becomes The First Country In The World To Ban Supermarket Food Waste
On January 13, 2016, France became the first country in the world to pass a law requiring supermarkets to donate food that is approaching its expiration date instead of throwing it away. The regulation that applies to supermarkets over 4,000 square feet requires stores to sign donation contracts with local food banks.
Video Of The Week — Chinese Student Displays Insane Skill At World Inter-School Rope Skipping Championships
There were many talented youngsters at the World Inter School Rope Skipping Championships held in Dubai in November 2015. However, none was as impressive as 11-year-old Cen Xiaolin, who skipped an astounding 108 times in 30 seconds. And that is just the count of his right leg jumping over the rope because that is what the judges use for the score. All in all, the young boy managed to skip 216 times during the short period.
NASA Says 'Eerie' Sounds Heard By Apollo 10 Astronauts Was Radio Interference, Not Alien Music
On May 18, 1969, NASA astronauts Thomas Stafford, John Young, and Eugene Cernan blasted off from Cape Canaveral aboard the Apollo 10 lunar module, the fourth manned mission in the US Apollo Space program and only the second after Apollo 8 to orbit the moon. Its mission was to circle the moon and thoroughly test the components and procedures to pave the way for the first lunar landing. The mission went flawlessly and without incident — At least that's what everyone believed.
Australian Toddler Has A Memorable First Encounter With A Vending Machine
The expression 'caught with a hand in the cookie jar', took on a whole new meaning on Sunday, February 28, when a young Australian boy got his hand stuck inside a vending machine. The chain of events leading to the bizarre incident began just after noon, when four-year-old Leo Shorthouse saw a vending machine filled with all kinds of yummy goodies in a hotel lobby in Melbourne, Australia.- 16695about 8 yearsOMG!!!!!!!! This is awesome! I'm sad I missed it, but there's still 2017 August 21st, right?!
- 12346about 8 yearsI like the way they are going to do it but we should not throw it away .
- 12193about 8 yearsWhen you watch the video for the space one you hear lot of yelling in the back ground and they aren't very loud so yo really have to turn it up pretty loud.
- 16695about 8 yearsDon't worry! Always next year, right?
Enjoy this weeks news!Friday, March 4, 2016 at 6:53 am
Wingboarding May Allow Thrill-Seekers To Soar Amid Clouds
Thrill-seekers looking for a challenge may soon have a new option - Wingboarding. The sport is similar to wakeboarding except for one thing - Instead of performing acrobatics on water, wingboarders will conduct heart-stopping maneuvers in the skies while being towed behind an airplane.
Video Of The Week - Hate Cleaning? Get A Cat!
The fact that cats are obsessed with cleanliness is well known. Felines, after all, do spend 50% of their waking hours grooming. However, this cat in Japan appears to be also concerned about keeping its home spotless.
YAY! Massive Methane Gas Leak In Southern California Is Finally Sealed
The massive methane gas leak that has been plaguing some Southern California residents since October 2015 has finally been sealed. The announcement that was accompanied by the release of a time-lapse video showing infrared footage of the gas leakage coming to a complete halt was made on February 11, by Dennis Arriola, CEO of the Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas).
Donald Trump And Hillary Clinton Win Big On Super Tuesday
March 1 was Super Tuesday, the day when a large number of US states held primary elections and caucuses. The all-important day that takes place in February or March is crucial for presidential hopefuls because it gives a clear indication of the opinions of people living in geographically and socially diverse regions. Super Tuesday front-runners frequently end up receiving their respective party's nomination.This weeks news!Friday, February 26, 2016 at 7:24 am
Marty Mcfly's Hoverboard May Finally Be A Reality
Just like Harry Potter's invisibility cloak, Marty Mcfly's hoverboard, featured in "Back to the Future" Part II and III, has captured the imagination of both fans and scientists. But despite numerous claims, no one has been able to replicate the flying skateboard that bounced off walls and easily outpaced cars. Now thanks to US-based ARCA Space Corporation, hoverboards may finally become a reality.
Crafty Butterfly Disguises Its Pupa To Resemble The World's Most Venomous Snake
Snakes are amongst the most feared animals in the world. The sight of the slithering reptiles can send even the bravest human or animal scampering for safety. One clever butterfly species has figured out how to capitalize on this universal terror by transforming its pupa to resemble the world's most venomous snake!
A Drone That Can Fly And Swim? Sweet!
With the increasing popularity of drones as toys and potentially even for commercial delivery, researchers are going all out to build cooler and more sophisticated quadcopters. However, none can compare to the Loon Copter, which not only flies like a bird, but also swims like a fish!
Zika Virus Outbreak In Brazil May Put A Damper On 2016 Summer Olympics
Athletes and sports fans hoping to attend the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this August may be faced with a tough dilemma. They will have to decide if a quest for a medal or the opportunity to cheer their favorite athlete is worth the potential health risk posed by the Zika virus that has been plaguing Brazil since April 2015.- 12216about 8 yearsIt kinda creeped me out but its a good way of surviving!
- 12238about 8 yearsThat is so awesome and cool.
- 11334about 8 yearsThat looks okay,I guess
12209about 8 yearsMy dad would love this! we have robots that roll and fly but we don't have any that swim.- 16695about 8 yearsI can't believe it!! No one go to Brazil if you are planing to! This. Is. AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!
- 11334about 8 yearsThat's so sad!Hopefully they don't come to our state. :(
- 12209about 8 yearsButterfly catchers . . . BEWARE!!!
- 12237about 8 yearsThat is sad.
- 12200about 8 yearsI want one so I can bring it every wear i go
- 12200about 8 yearsI do not want to go to Brazil ; } I am crying
- 12553about 8 yearsIt is really scare to me and now I am not going out side
- 16695about 8 yearsWow!!! This is so cool!! I wish I could do that.
- 12346about 8 yearsThat is so cool !
- 12216about 8 yearsI was so sad I changed my avatar!
- 12200about 8 yearsI wish I could do that.
- 16695about 8 yearsI agree with you! I wish I could say good bye to mosquitoes!!!!!!
- 16695about 8 yearsI agree! What's the point of mosquitoes any away?!?!
- 16695about 8 yearsI don't think it can kill us. Isn't it on a far away island...
This weeks news!Friday, February 26, 2016 at 7:24 am
Marty Mcfly's Hoverboard May Finally Be A Reality
Just like Harry Potter's invisibility cloak, Marty Mcfly's hoverboard, featured in "Back to the Future" Part II and III, has captured the imagination of both fans and scientists. But despite numerous claims, no one has been able to replicate the flying skateboard that bounced off walls and easily outpaced cars. Now thanks to US-based ARCA Space Corporation, hoverboards may finally become a reality.Crafty Butterfly Disguises Its Pupa To Resemble The World's Most Venomous Snake
Snakes are amongst the most feared animals in the world. The sight of the slithering reptiles can send even the bravest human or animal scampering for safety. One clever butterfly species has figured out how to capitalize on this universal terror by transforming its pupa to resemble the world's most venomous snake!A Drone That Can Fly And Swim? Sweet!
With the increasing popularity of drones as toys and potentially even for commercial delivery, researchers are going all out to build cooler and more sophisticated quadcopters. However, none can compare to the Loon Copter, which not only flies like a bird, but also swims like a fish!Zika Virus Outbreak In Brazil May Put A Damper On 2016 Summer Olympics
Athletes and sports fans hoping to attend the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this August may be faced with a tough dilemma. They will have to decide if a quest for a medal or the opportunity to cheer their favorite athlete is worth the potential health risk posed by the Zika virus that has been plaguing Brazil since April 2015.
Video Of The Week — Rainbow Bagels Anyone?
The fact that New York bagels are delicious is undisputed. After all, who can argue with the incredible taste of the freshly-made hand-rolled delights that are available at the city's numerous bakeries. So how does one improve something that is already perfect? By adding a splash of color or in the case of The Bagel Store, multiple colors.
Wish To Build The Perfect Snowman? Pull Out Your Ruler!
News flash: Everyone's favorite snowman, the adorable Olaf from Disney's animated film Frozen is not perfect! At least, that's what Dr. Hind, a mathematician at England's Nottingham Trent University who recently revealed a formula for building the perfect snowman asserts.- 11334about 8 yearsSo cool!
- 16695about 8 yearsHmm... I think Olaf is fine how he is. They don't need to make Olaf different.
- 11334about 8 yearsSo much rainbows!Did u know that they sometimes put sour cream on it?!
- 12238about 8 yearsI think the bagels are really colorful and beautiful. I wonder how they get colorful dough.
- 12192about 8 yearsI think it is really cool that they can make 100 rainbow bagels in 5 hours and I really want to go to New York to eat some of those rainbow bagels for breakfast.
- 11334about 8 yearsAwesome.it looks like play doh
- 12237about 8 yearsI want to eat one of those awesome bagels.
- 16695about 8 yearsI think... this is amazing!!! I've been to Brooklyn, and I wish I could've gone to that shop.
- 11334about 8 yearsI want to eat one of those bagels.
- 11426about 8 yearsthat looks so good i gust want to take it out of the screen
- 12237about 8 yearsI wont to go to Brooklyn or New York to get one of these bagels.
- 12346about 8 yearsIt is so cool and i do want that for ever day it look so go .
- 12223about 8 yearsThat must be super tasty!
- 12241about 8 yearsWow, that is really cool I would love to eat the rainbow bagel
- 12216about 8 yearsWHY DOES OLAF SCARE YOU!!!!
- 12200about 8 yearsThat looks good. How do they make that doe
- 16695about 8 yearsI know, right?! I have to try it.
- 16695about 8 yearsMe to!! I need a plane. Someone book a flight, please?
This weeks news!Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 11:40 am
Mrs. EbleRead and comment on two articles!
Will This Palm Oil Alternative Save Orangutans From Extinction?
Palm oil is the most widely consumed vegetable oil in the world. It is found in a variety of products ranging from vitamins to chocolate, bread, laundry detergent and even biofuel. The oil is popular because it has an exceptionally high melting point and contains primarily saturated fats. The former is beneficial because it allows palm oil to maintain a semi-solid consistency at room temperature while the latter makes it the perfect substitute for trans fats which are generally deemed unhealthy.Assign ArticleThursday, February 11, 2016 at 9:45 am
Mrs. EbleArticle Comprehension: 1) When does the Chinese New Year begin? How long does it last? 2) How is the Chinese New Year celebrated? Why is the color red so popular? What celebration does the festival end with? 3) What are some of the characteristics of people born in the Year of the Monkey? What is Feng Shui expert Louis Wong predicting for the new year? Critical Thinking Challenge: Why is it not surprising to hear that China is the location of 'world's biggest' annual migration?
Let's Go Bananas! It's The Year Of The Fire Monkey!
On Monday, February 8, millions of people across the world will celebrate the Chinese New Year. Also known as Spring Festival, it marks the beginning of the year 4714 and is the longest and most important Asian celebration. The revered tradition whose date is determined by the lunar calendar signifies the end of the dreary winter season and the beginning of spring.Assign ArticleThursday, February 11, 2016 at 9:45 am
Mrs. EbleArticle Comprehension: 1) When is Black History Month celebrated? What was Carter G. Woodson's purpose for starting it? 2) What did Woodson call it? Why did he decide to celebrate it in the 2nd week of February? 3) How did the week turn into a month of celebration? What are people encouraged to do during Black History Month? Critical Thinking Challenge: Many people including some African Americans believe that Black History Month is not relevant in the modern world where everyone has equal rights. Write a short paragraph for or against this idea.
Video Of The Week - February Is Black History Month
Every February, Americans celebrate Black History Month. It was established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a historian who wanted to ensure that important contributions made by African American men and women throughout history, would never be forgotten.Join Class
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