In its twenty-five-year history, NASA’s Space Shuttle program (officially called Space Transportation System or STS), has flown more than one hundred missions. It has enjoyed extraordinary success (such as the building of the International Space Station, and the servicing of …[Continue]
Pluto
On August 24, 2006, astronomers declared that Pluto is no longer a planet, thereby downsizing the solar system from nine planets to eight. After a week of debate, the International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of planetary status because its orbit …[Continue]
Giraffes
Male giraffes (the tallest of all animals) can grow to more than eighteen feet tall, nearly five feet taller than African elephants (the second tallest animal.) With their long legs, long neck, and tawny brown patches, it would be easy …[Continue]
Sun Protection
Schools out! Summer sunshine is here. But don’t leave the house without your sunglasses, brimmed hat, and sunscreen. Why bother? Because despite the sun’s beneficial effects on our mood, even a small amount of daily exposure can lead to skin …[Continue]
Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are huge marine reptiles that live around the world in warm ocean waters, although the leatherback (one of seven sea turtle species) can be found in cold Canadian water. Unfortunately, sea turtles are threatened by a black market …[Continue]
Elephants
The elephant is the earth’s largest land animal. Asian (also known as Indian) elephants are found in Southeast Asia, and can be distinguished by their arched back which is slightly taller than their shoulders or rump. African elephants (which live …[Continue]
Dogs and Puppies
Dogs and kids just seem to go together. That’s assuming, of course, you have the right dog with the right training. How do you choose the right dog? Or how do you turn your nearly-perfect dog into just-the-right dog? These …[Continue]
Nutrition
As my kids were growing up, I went through various cycles of nutrition nagging (“Drink your milk!”) and nutrition negotiating (“I’ll trade you one cookie for two green beans.” ) To those of you on the front line today, fighting …[Continue]
Sir Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton (1642 – 1727) was an English scientist who made great contributions to physics, optics, math and astronomy. Among elementary and middle-school students, he is best known for his Three Laws of Motions and the Universal Law of …[Continue]
Gorillas
Gorillas are the largest of the apes and have no natural enemies except for man. They make their home in the rain forests of Africa, near the equator. I was amazed to learn they were not discovered by man until …[Continue]
