4Kids.org - Week of January 9, 2005

Week of January 9, 2005

American Folklore

Pull up a comfy chair and catch up on your American Folklore at www.americanfolklore.net. From popular American folktales to Native American myths and legends, acquaint yourself with all kinds of stories that have circulated for centuries. In Famous Characters, read about legends such as Pecos Bill, John Henry, Pall Bunyan, Jesse James, Johnny Appleseed and more. There is something for everyone as each of the 50 states has a special tale or legend devoted to it. Find yourself at the center of attention during your next sleepover or campout while retelling these awesome tales.

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

Visit the Featured Web sites to find the answers.

Jack and the Corn Stalk is a popular folktale from which state?

Kansas
Iowa
Nebraska

How many species are there on earth?

Exactly one trillion
About one million
Over 1.7 million

If you invested $1,000 during 1943 to “Oklahoma!” how much money would you have made?

$2.5 million
$250,000
$25 million

Diversifying Biology

The planet is crawling with all kinds of life, and Biodiversity 911 at www.biodiversity911.org teaches you about biodiversity and the importance of its preservation. The site features information on the various species on the planet and the abuse or extinction of different plants and animals. Wildlife Trade tells of the illegal smuggling of animals. Soil highlights the dangers of soil erosion, and Forests details the destruction of the world's forests. To swim with some of the world’s most diverse species, don’t forget to visit the Fisheries.

Give My Regards to Broadway

Dance your way onto Broadway: The American Musical with sensational performers such as Julie Andrews and Gene Kelley at www.pbs.org/wnet/broadway. An interactive timeline, 100 Years of Musical Theater, follows the life of Broadway from 1904 to 2004. You can introduce yourself to the choreographers, directors, composers and visual designers that have created such memorable musicals as “Oklahoma!” and “The Lion King.” If you've seen a musical, share your memories at Broadway Stories. Your comments may even make an appearance on the site.

Should kids be allowed to have cell phones? Why or why not?

Speak Out Here!

Dear Amy: Who made the first dream catcher? — Katrina, North Bay, Texas

Dear Katrina: The dream catcher is one of the most interesting traditions of the Native American culture. Dream catchers protect those who sleep by trapping bad dreams and allowing positive dreams to reach the sleeper. There are two very popular legends involving the creation of the dream catcher, that of the Ojibwas and the Lakotas. Read up on these legends and other dream catcher information at www.dream-catchers.org.

Dear Amy: When were women given the right to vote? — Erik, Pittsburg, Penn.

Dear Erik: The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote, was ratified on Aug. 18, 1920. This particular amendment is also widely known as the Susan B. Anthony amendment due to her enormous contributions towards the ratification. Anthony led protests and gave lectures around the country in an effort to gain equal rights for men and women. For more information on Anthony and the 19th Amendment, visit www.rochester.edu/SBA/suffragehistory.html.

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