4Kids.org - Week of June 12, 2005

Week of June 12 , 2005

Making Plans

Learn how Kids and Community fit together at www.planning.org/
kidsandcommunity. Every community needs a planner like Megan Lewis. Visit What Is a City Planner to discover more about her job. You can find out More About City Planning by reading the information about the improvements in Chicago’s Grant Park. If you’re thinking of becoming a planner, the Activities will help you to better develop your skills. In the Crazy City Stories, you'll find out How the Town of Meatball Springs Got Its Name. Then, travel to Word Town to create a picture of your hometown with words.

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

Visit the Featured Web sites to find the answers.

How many planners are in America?

350,000
3,500
35,000

What organism helps us understand organ development and genetic defects?

Zebrafish
Fruit Flies
Round-worms

Which biome
is the world’s
largest?

Tundra
Taiga
Desert

Not So Little

Look deeper with the Microscope Imaging Station at www.exploratorium.edu/ imaging_station to see the wonders of science visible only with the help of technology. Light microscopes allow you to see the details of organisms and structures invisible to the human eye. The Gallery includes images and time-lapse movies made using microscopes. Small Creatures, Big Ideas tells how tiny organisms can help solve some of the biggest mysteries of life. For activities you can do yourself, look into Download: Art and Activities. Don't blink: You might miss a little something incredible.

A Biome All Its Own

Do you live near a rainforest or desert or on a grassland or tundra? The Missouri Botanical Gardens at www.mbgnet.net asks, “What's It Like Where You Live?” Here, you can discover the Biomes of the World, Freshwater Ecosystems and Marine Ecosystems. First, take a trip to the North Pole to visit the Tundra. In Grasslands, check out Grassland Animals to see which critters call this biome their home. Then set out for an adventure as you Explore the Tropical Rainforests in Rainforest Topics. The biomes of the world are waiting to be discovered.

Who is your favorite superhero and why?

Speak Out Here!

Dear Amy: Where can I find a Web site to help me make my own music? — Mickey, Belfast, Ireland

Dear Mickey: Being able to appreciate how different music is played will help you to create your own. At www.musicards.net, you'll learn about note reading, scales and intervals. After you’ve gotten the basics, Creating Music at www.creatingmusic.com is a Web site where you can use your knowledge of music to compose your own. Good luck!

Dear Amy: What is a Flash plug-in? — Giseleine, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Dear Giseleine: Flash Player is a popular plug-in that allows you to view animation created with the Macromedia Flash program. Plug-ins are software programs that enhance the capabilities of your Web browser in specific ways. Linking the browser to the application, you can play audio samples, watch video movies and view animation. Flash plug-ins are necessary for viewing only Flash animation. If you have the appropriate Flash plug-in, you can view an example of animation used in e-cards such as the ones at 4kids.org. Visit www.warnerbros.com/ltti/chapt2/daffy8.html to find out more about plug-ins. (The second site is no longer available.)

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