4Kids.org - Week of December 10, 2006

Week of December 10, 2006

Brush With Brilliance

Unleash your inner artist when you visit A Brush with Wildlife at www.wildlifeart.
org/Rungius. Balance, contrast and pattern are just a few important artistic elements you can see in action when you click on Art Principles Animated. Discover the importance of composition and its uses and goals in the Composition Studio. Then work through the steps to create your own artwork. Once you feel prepared, submit your artistic composition to the Critique Gallery and receive constructive feedback.

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

Visit the Featured Web sites to find the answers.

What animal is featured in “Lord of the Canyon”?

Elk
Bear
Lion

Which company is credited with making bubble blowing popular?

Chemtoy
Toychem
Chemboy

What term is also used to describe a tornado?

Triangle
Tube
Vortex

Bubbles 101

Professor Bubbles keeps things interesting in Bubblesphere at http://bubbles.org.
Get started with Bubble Solutions, which includes tools and formulae to create your own bubbly delights. With plastic pop rings or a hanger, you can make soapy wonders in your own back yard. If you want to know why bubbles pop or see the biggest bubble ever made, visit Bubble Questions. Head over to Bubble Games to try out some cool interactive challenges. Professor Bubbles has traveled all over the world sharing his bubble brilliance. Join in the adventure today.

The Science of Fun

You can construct fun toys that push the limits of scientific theories at www.sciencetoymaker.org.
Depending on how much time you have to spare, choose between quick-and-easy or advanced creations. All toys are made from household items, so few special materials are necessary. From a simple snake charmer's flute to real engine-powered putt-putt boats, there is a toy to interest every girl and boy. Select the More About links to learn more details and some history on each project you choose. These tried and tested toys will supply you with hours of excitement.

When is the best time to ask your parents for something you want?

Speak Out Here!

Dear Amy: What is the magnetic field? — Thomas, Houston

Dear Thomas: A bar magnet has two poles, one on each end of the magnet. One pole has a positive charge and the other has a negative charge. The opposite charges of the poles create a magnetic force that you cannot see. This force moves in lines, known as magnetic field lines, from one pole to the other. For illustrations and more information about the Earth’s magnetic field, visit http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/academy/space/mag_field.html.

Dear Amy: Where are some basic computer skill links for grades 1 and 2? — Vee, Greenville, S.C.

Dear Vee: Computers are becoming an important part of our everyday lives. It is a good idea to teach basic computer skills to kids at an early age. You can find advice on teaching computer skills to young children at www.microsoft.com/canada/home/ familyandfun/2.1.9_teachyourkidscomputerskills.aspx or visit www.pbclibrary.org/mousing for an interactive tutorial on using a computer mouse.

(The first two sites are no longer available.)

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