The Peace Gallery, peace
gallery.org, is a collection of photographs capturing the amazing adventures of former Peace Corps volunteers. The site is designed to promote a better understanding of cultures around the world. Imagine looking up from your book to see an elephant peeking in the window. Have you ever agitated an elephant? Volunteer Susan Ross experienced both in Botswana. Christine Strater woke up to a huge tarantula on her pillow in Equatorial Guinea. Many photos include exciting tales you’ll have to read to believe!

Mineralogy 4 Kids, mineralogy4kids.org, leads you on a hunt for Minerals in Your House. Did you know there are minerals in your living room, kitchen and bedroom? Your alarm clock, mattress, pencils, and even salt and pepper shakers contain minerals. Visit Mineral Properties to discover their characteristics, but pay attention! You’ll use what you learn to identify minerals on your own. Now test your knowledge in Mineral Games. Dig Into Geology and match rock and mineral terms. Read the signs to find out whether you are a collector or a true rockhound.

Michael LaFosse of the Peabody Essex Museum, pem.org/sites/
origami, provides video demonstrations to teach you how to create origami icebergs, polar bears and other animals. If you are a beginner, you can choose from an iceberg or a penguin. When you are ready for a challenge, the narwhal and leopard seal are good projects to tackle. Each video takes less than 15 minutes, but the techniques you will learn may inspire you to create models of other animals or objects. Choose Fold More Models to expand your collection. Friends and family will be amazed at your polar creations!

Which origami animal is
your favorite to make?

Speak Out Here!

Behind the Lens

Making your own videos is a great way to express yourself or share a story. Whether you want to bring a short story to life or add some pizzazz to a school project, creating a movie is easier than you might think. Before you start, you’ll need a video camera. Ask your parents, or see if your school has one you can borrow. Also, many camera phones and digital cameras have video recording capabilities. If these options won’t work for you, consider making a stop-motion movie by combining a series of photographs. For more information on making your own movies, visit Kids’ Vid, kidsvid.4teachers.
org, and Mini Movie Makers, minimoviemakers.com.

You’ll also need video editing software. Some computer operating systems come with free editing software, but you can also grab a parent and go to download.com. Once you’re there, select your operating system and search for “video editing software.” Some software costs money, but there are many free options, too. Want to share your video? Upload your creation at Mini Movie Makers when you’re done.

—Amy

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