4Kids.org - Week of October 28, 2001

Week of October 28, 2001

Windows on the Art World

Microsoft revolutionzed the computer world with its Windows software. Now you can find out how Microsoft has also opened windows on the art world with the Microsoft Art Collection at www.microsoft.com/mscorp/artcollection. Since 1987, Microsoft has been collecting eclectic pieces of art to brighten its work environment. The private collection is not available for public viewing, so Micro-soft shares its artwork on this exciting Web site. You can view current or past exhibits or take a stroll through the recent acquisitions. To date, Microsoft has collected 2,700 works displayed in 74 Microsoft employment locations. Enjoy this site where art and technology live in harmony.

Nominate a cool Web site at
4Kids.org/nominations

Visit the Featured Web sites to find the answers

What is the name of the first piece of art acquired by Microsoft?

The Orange Room
The 12 Labors of Hercules
Wall of Light

What is the wing span of the Great Blue Heron?

four feet
six feet
eight feet

Glaciers, icebergs and icecaps belong to which of Earth's spheres?

biosphere
lithosphere
hydrosphere

The Virtual Zoo

If you like animals but there isn't a zoo in your area, you can always visit The Virtual Zoo, a ThinkQuest Web site at http://library.thinkquest.org/11922. You'll find exhibits about all your favorite animals, such as bears, amphibians, African animals and more. Be sure to visit the Reptile House, Monkey Island and the Amazing Aviary. You can also learn about different animal habitats. When you are done, visit the concession stand for a snack. (This site is no longer available.)

Earth Science Explorer

Middle-school students will love the Earth Science Explorer at www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/explorer.html. Come ponder the mysteries of dinosaur extinction, plate tectonics, biomes, geologic time and much more. Explore the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic Periods in the Meet the Dinosaurs section. And be sure to learn how scientists think in the Problem Solving room. Be amazed by the wonders of science.

What do you do when you receive a chain letter?

Speak Out Here!

Dear Amy: Where can I learn how to write stories? -- Angelina, Johnson City, Tenn.

Dear Angelina: You can learn how to write stories at www.brucehale.com/howto.htm. It has easy-to-follow steps and lots of helpful hints for young writers. If you would like to share your stories with others, check out www.kidauthors.com where you can submit your stories and poetry and have them displayed online. You can also read other kids' stories and rate them from OK to excellent, and see how kids are rating your stories. (The second site is no longer available.)

Dear Amy: I am 5 years old. Where are some games that I can play? -- Evan, Martinez, Ga.

Dear Evan: Lots of kid sites have games, but sometimes they aren 't aimed at all ages. Funschool.com at http://funschool.kaboose.com has games for preschoolers through sixth-graders. You can start with the games for young kids and then challenge yourself with the advanced games. HBO Magnet also has lots of great games for kids at www.hbofamily.com/games. The instructions are simple and the games are fun. Both sites have other exciting activities as well, so be sure to explore a little.

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