4Kids.org - Week of April 14, 2002

Week of April 14, 2002

Word Power

Words have power, and the Listen and Write Web site is filled with words at www.bbc.co.uk/education/ listenandwrite/home.htm. Start by visiting The Rap Realm where you can listen to raps or showcase your own material. Beattie B will teach you how to bust a rhyme. Next The Saurus will introduce you to The World of Wonderwords that make your poems come alive. Then link-up to The Simile Satellite and make comparisons using the words "like" and "as." Finally, use Real Player to hear poets read their poems. This site is superlative -- in other words, check it out. (This site is no longer available.)

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

Visit the Featured Web sites to find the answers

What is a Wonderword?

four-syllable words
three-letter words
lively, descriptive, unusual words

What color is Butterfly Weed?

red
orange
yellow

How does alcohol affect your brain?

slows your brain and central nervous system
improves coordination
quickens reaction time

Get Your Degree at Science U

For exciting science and interactive exhibits, take a campus visit to Science U at www.scienceu.com. The Geometry Center is a great place to explore angles and colors by creating a fractal poster. Your green thumb will get plenty of use in the Library when you try to identify plants and flowers. The Observatory will take you out of this world with pictures from any planet of the solar system. Future designers should drop by the Studio to create graphics of their own. Accelerate into Web college today at Science U.

Be Yourself. Think for Yourself.

The Cool Spot, at www.thecoolspot.gov, is a place about "being yourself, thinking for yourself, and getting the facts about underage drinking." You'll find lots of Stuff to Know about alcohol and drinking. It's Your Move is a role-playing game that teaches you what to do when someone offers you a drink. Let the media be your guide by listening to TV and radio ads that discourage underage drinking. You can confront life's tough decisions head-on if you prepare yourself at The Cool Spot.

Should the legal drinking age be changed? Why or why not?

Speak Out Here!

Dear Amy: Why do they put gargoyles on churches? -- Phil, Saylorsburg, Penn.

Dear Phil: The word "gargoyle" refers to the grotesque statues on buildings that have throats through which water flows. They are found on many buildings dating from medieval times as well as modern gothic buildings. Originally, gargoyles were used to drain rainwater off of and away from buildings. These days, gargoyles are rarely used for practical purposes. They are usually used as architectural ornaments. If you want to learn more about gargoyles, check out the information at http://ils.unc.edu/garg/garghp4.html. (This site is no longer available.)

Dear Amy: What does the U.S. flag represent? -- Susan, Hancock, N.H

Dear Susan: The U.S. flag holds different meanings for different people. However, the symbols on the flag are clear. The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that became the United States of America. The first U.S. flag had 13 stars, also representative of the original colonies. The stars had more meaning though. They represented a new constellation in the world, America. You can find more facts about the U.S. flag online at www.usflag.org/flag.evolution.html.

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