Schould the U.S. Continue to Explore Space?

Read the Debate of the Week in Scholastic News and sound off with your opinion of the US space program.

Should Kids Be Required to Wear School Uniforms?

Read the debate of the week and post your opninion on whether students should have to wear school uniforms. SUPPORT your opinion.

Dino Death Pit!

Although dinosaurs have been extinct for over 65 million years, scientists are still learning a lot about them. Read the Kids National Geographic article called Dino Death Pit! and answer the following questions. Remember, You only have 30 minute at this station - work quick and give concise answers. If you have trouble with a question, skip it and then come back to it.

1. In your own words, describe what "quickmud" is.
2. Dinosaurs that lived 230 million years ago were about the size of what animal? (2)
3. Page 3 of the the article talks about a "bizarre toothless meat-eater called a ceratosaur." Why is this dinosaur "bizarre?"
4. How was Guanlong's arms different from the Tyrannosaurus Rex's arms? (5)
5. Would you want to play in "quickmud?" Why?

Should the school week be shorter?

Read the Debate of the Week in Scholastic News and sound off about what you think. Be sure to use complete sentences and be clear in your writing.

Should Kids Learn Cursive?

Read Scholastic News "Debate of the Week" and post your response. State your opinion and BACK UP YOUR OPINION.

Animal Myths 9/22/11

*myth: a popular story that is thought to be true.

Animals do some pretty strange things. Giraffes clean their eyes and ears with their tongues. Snakes see through their eyelids. Some snails can hibernate for three years. But other weird animal tales are hogwash. Read this National Geographic Kids article (right-click and open in new window) and find out how some of these myths started—and why they're not true.

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE FIRST BEFORE YOU ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. There are 5 pages to the article.
1. Why can it be bad if penguins look up at low-flying airplanes?
2. Explain what the parotoid glands on a frog can do to predators and humans.
3. If you see a baby bird on the ground, why should you NOT touch it?
4. What are ostriches doing when it looks like they're burying their heads in the sand?
5. Pick any animal and make up your own animal myth. Have fun with this one and be as creative as possible.

Practioce for 2011-2012 Students

Answer the following questions.
1. What is your first name?
2. What movie did you recently see?
3. Did you like the movie? Why/why not?
4. Go to this National Geographic Kids' Link and write 3 facts about anacondas.